Choosing the Best Wood Burning Stove
Wood stoves are an important investment in terms of time and money. You should also consider the winter weather conditions in your area, and adhere to local regulations regarding wood and fire usage.
A wood stove that's too small will make you shiver under your blankets; too large and it can cause an oven effect, generating more creosote than is needed. Consult the installation guide of the model you're contemplating to determine the right size.
Size
Think about the size of your house and the area you intend to install the wood stove. A smaller stove is suitable to heat a small space like the kitchen, living room, or bedroom. Larger wood stoves are suitable for larger spaces or even a whole home. They can be used to supplement central heating systems, and can provide more heating output.
If you're planning to use your wood stove as a primary source of heat, opt for a model that is efficient and has a higher BTU (British Thermal Unit) output. This will help ensure your home is adequately heated without using up other heating sources, resulting in a lower bill for energy.
You can calculate the power you need for your home based on the guidelines offered by many manufacturers. You can also seek expert advice from a HETAS certified stove specialist to assess your heating needs.
A quality wood burning stove should be able to produce at minimum 20 BTUs per square foot of space you plan to heat. However, you should be aware that the number of BTUs required will vary depending on the climate of your cabin as well as the insulation and the layout.
The type of wood that you select to use will also have a major impact on the performance of your stove. More moist, soft woods produce more smoke, whereas hardwoods that are drier will burn faster and hotter.
After taking a look at the design of various wood stoves you can narrow down your choices. Modern stoves have clean lines that seamlessly blend with modern decor. Traditional stoves have a rustic charm. Log-store stoves, like the Henley Elcombe and the Morso 7443 are a great place to store log storage.
Aesthetics
Wood-burning stoves bring natural warmth and comfort to your home. They can also be a backup plan if power cuts occur. The best wood stoves will keep your home warm and comfortable all the year, while looking great. You can pick from a wide range of styles and colors, so you're sure to find the right one for your home.
The shape of the wood stove will affect not only how it appears, but also its size and functionality. There are two common shapes: traditional (rectangular) or cylindrical. The Jotul 602 or Morso 1410 with their rustic style remind us of the early mail-order brides. Cylindrical models, like the Stuv 16 or MF Fire Nova have a modern, sleeker design.
There's a stove that will suit any interior design and taste. Whether you're looking to create a cozy home or an edgy Scandi inspired space, there is a stove that will suit your preferences. There are stoves that have glass doors that allow you to gaze into the flames all day long and view your smoldering logs from different angles.
There are also wood stoves with curved glass like the MF Fire Scan 87 that provides a minimalist, clean design to your home. Its rounded lines and simple air controls make it simple to use and can be used as an accent piece.
Stoves with metallic finishes, such as copper and brushed silver will provide a luxurious appearance to your home. You can also pick from a range of wood-effect finishes for an elegant look.
Take note of the color scheme in your room when you aren't sure which color to choose. Darker shades, such as dark gray or black, will blend well with your existing color scheme. They can be more prone to dirt and soot and require more care.
If you want something lighter, a cream- or pastel-colored stove is a good choice. These shades can be a great complement or contrast with your room's color palette and add an elegant touch to your home. Lighter shades like pastel greens or blues are a great choice for an shabby chic or Scandi-inspired interior.
Energy Efficiency
Many people choose wood stoves due to them being more sustainable than fossil fuel alternatives. They are also cost-effective especially when you can access inexpensive or free firewood. The top wood burning stoves offer a clean, efficient heat and offer back-up heating in case the power goes out. They are also simple to operate, even for those without prior experience.
Find models that have EPA certification to increase efficiency of energy. These models comply with strict emission standards that reduce harmful pollutants and air pollutants. You should consider a stove with an catalytic convertor if would like to go the extra mile. These devices make use of a ceramic honeycomb to reignite the gases and particles that otherwise go up the chimney. This improves combustion and reduces the amount of smoke.
When selecting a wood-burning stove it is important to take into account the energy-efficiency features. Check to see if it comes with a primary and a secondary air system. This system regulates the rate at which the logs burn, and the flow of oxygen. It improves efficiency. Some wood stoves are fitted with an additional combustion chamber that utilizes heated secondary air to provide oxygen to volatile gases escaping above the flames. This lets the gases burn more efficiently and prevents them from entering into your home.
Another method to increase the energy efficiency of your wood stove is to purchase sustainably-sourced logs with an extremely low moisture content. Wood burner clearance sale will create less ash and less smoke and will help you save money on fuel and require fewer trips to the store for new logs. A properly insulated stove will also increase its efficiency and allow it to heat your space for longer. A blower fan can help circulate hot air throughout your space and makes it more comfortable.
Safety
Wood stoves are becoming increasingly popular as people become attracted by a more traditional, old-fashioned way to heat their homes. This kind stove is also great to provide emergency heating during power outages. There are a variety of factors to consider when selecting the right log stove, regardless of whether you wish to build a wood-burning stove into your home or just want to have some extra security in the event of an outage.
One of the most important aspects is safety. It's critical to make sure that your stove is properly installed and that you have the right clearances between the stove and the combustible material, such as floors and walls. It is also important to burn only clean and dry wood in your stove. Unseasoned or wet wood could result in dangerously hot temperatures as well as excessive smoke that could be emitted into your home.
Wood stoves of today have improved safety when compared to the wood stoves from the past. They are made to conform to strict EPA guidelines and prevent harmful indoor air pollution from entering your home. Modern wood stoves are more efficient and consume less firewood than older models.
Another thing to consider is the amount of carbon dioxide that your wood stove will produce. Although wood stoves are a natural, renewable energy source that is low-carbon and renewable however, they release carbon dioxide into the air when they burn. To minimize your carbon footprint, you might want to consider other energy-efficient alternatives like pellet stoves.
In general it is recommended to keep the stove at least half full of wood to avoid burning too much and causing smoke inhalation. Keep any extra wood in your storage so that you can replenish it as required. You should also regularly inspect your chimney and stove connector to ensure they are operating properly. It is recommended that you contact a professional if you observe any indications. Lastly, you should never attempt to operate a wood stove without the proper chimney system in place. This could result in an accident in the chimney, and possibly an ensuing fire.