10 Healthy Small Wood Burner Habits

Caboose - A Very Small Wood Burner

The Caboose log burner is certified by DEFRA and Ecodesign. It is able to burn wood or smokeless fuel. It is able to burn larger chunks of wood compared to most small stoves, and also has an extremely high heat output and burn time.

The wood stove can be shielded by an heatshield to ensure compliance with Approved Building Document J which stipulates that wood stoves should be kept 150mm from surfaces that are combustible.

Clean Wood

Wood stoves aren't just beautiful to look at but they also serve as a fantastic source of heat for a home. As such, they need to be looked after properly to ensure that they operate smoothly and efficiently. This can be a difficult especially when it comes to keeping the glass clean but a few simple steps can make a huge difference.

First of all, it is essential to only use seasoned wood in your wood stove. It should be chopped and stored for a minimum of one year prior to using, as this will reduce the amount of smoke. Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the flue to overheat and cause an explosion that is out of control.

You should also only burn clean wood on your wood-burning stove. Avoid burning paper and other non-wood items like plastics or rubber because they release toxic fumes which are bad for your health. Burning treated or painted wood may release harmful chemicals, such as arsenic that is harmful for your health.

It is also important to clean your stove's interior regularly. It's easy to do so using a household vacuum cleaner equipped with a brush attachment. You can also buy various cleaners that are designed specifically to be used on stove glass It is however important to check that any product you choose will not void your stove warranty before using it.

It is also important to inspect regularly the fire rope seals around the top and bottom doors of your wood burner. These seals help to prevent smoke or soot from escaping the stove and it is crucial to make sure that they're securely in position and not damaged.

Last but not least, you should get rid of any birds who have landed on your chimney. Seagulls are a particular problem and will often perch on chimneys throughout the summer, leading to all manner of debris being dumped into the flue, which could damage your stove. There are a variety of different spikes and bird guards available on the market that can be fitted to your chimney to stop this from occurring.

Paper Burning

The right type of paper won't just start an fire quickly, but it can also release dangerous smoke. Certain types of papers like glossy magazines or giftwrap contain toxic chemicals that can emit toxic fumes when burnt. To keep your home safe from creating an unsafe environment, only burn clean paper on your wood burner.

If you have only just a few pieces of paper to burn, you might consider using the tub. Place a stack of papers on top of a tub and light one corner. The water will smother the embers and stop them from setting fire to nearby trees or grass. If you are worried about the smell of burning paper, put a bowl full of baking soda or vinegar nearby to neutralize the odors.

To make sure the paper is burning properly, start with a base of small twigs or newspaper that has been shredded. Add 3-4 medium-sized wood logs and let them burn. Then, place the paper on top of the fire. The paper will begin to burn quickly and it is crucial to be close by and monitor the flame as it burns.

It is best to burn your paper outside on a day when there is no wind. A strong wind gust can blow embers onto your home or into the grass. Additionally, the smoke from burning papers could cause breathing issues when inhaled.

You can also burn paper on an BBQ grill but it is better to use this method only if you have only a handful of sheets to burn. If you have a grilling surface, you can take it off and use it to ignite the paper directly onto the charcoal.

Before you begin burning paper, be sure your wood burner has been fully tested and the firepit has been free of any twigs or branches. It is recommended to keep a fire extinguisher within reach in case of emergency. Also, make sure to check with your county government as well as your homeowner's association to confirm that it is legal to burn paper outdoors in your area.

Safety Precautions

Wood burning stoves can be fantastic sources of comfort and enjoyment, but only if you operate them in a safe manner. It may appear obvious to others however the reality is that many people do not follow basic safety precautions.

Make sure that your stove is properly insulated and the flue pipes that go outside are protected. Also, ensure that pets and children are kept away from the stove.

Make sure that any paper or trash is not thrown into the firebox. The chimney and fireplace can overheat if the items are ignited. They can also cause creosote which is a serious fire hazard and needs to be cleaned regularly.

Check that the smoke alarms are in good condition and test them every month. In addition, it's recommended to install carbon monoxide detectors which can save lives and are relatively inexpensive.

Always keep a fire extinguisher within reach in case in the event of an emergency. Do not build a huge pile of logs. Only burn dry, seasoned wood. A large pile of logs burning together can result in a lack of combustion, which increases CO emissions. It is also crucial to monitor the fire, and if it gets out of control, you must extinguish it quickly.

Whenever you are finished using your stove, be certain that the fire is completely out and that all combustible items have been cleared from around the flue pipe and firebox. The requirements for clearance will differ according to the model of your stove as well as the way you plan to install the stove inside your home.

Consider the possibility of a DEFRA approved model if you intend to install your wood-burning stove in a smoke-controlled area. These stoves are specifically designed for use in smoke-controlled areas and are available in a range of sizes and colors. Some models can be customized to match your personal decor and are designed with direct air intake for improved performance in smoke control zones.

Installation

Wood stoves are a very popular choice to heat small spaces. They can be found in yurts, sheds, and even cabins. They also provide a warm and cozy fire without the need for oil or electricity. It is crucial to follow the installation instructions supplied by the manufacturer to install your wood stove correctly. These guidelines will ensure your wood stove is safe to use and can use it without any problems.

Before installing your stove, you should clear the surrounding area of any fire-prone material. Also, make sure that you have at least 16" of space between the stove and the closest wall that is combustible. If you are unable to meet these requirements, then you can install a hearth pad or stove board. This non-combustible mat will come with spacers of 1" to help the stove stand further away from walls, which could reduce clearance requirements by as much as 66%.

It is also recommended to remove items that are combustible, such as curtains and furniture to prevent smoke from entering the room. Install a carbon monoxide alarm in your shed. Lastly,  modern wood burning stove  should ensure that there is adequate ventilation in the shed. It is essential to regularly check your stove to ensure safety.

It is a good idea to purchase a wood stove with EPA certification. This certification indicates that the stove is at least 75% efficient, which means it will take in and convert more heat from the wood than it expels. It is an excellent idea to choose your wood stove based on the recommended heating capacity of the area in which it will be installed. This will prevent you from overloading your wood stove which could result in smokeouts and creosote.

After you have cleared the space and removed any combustible items, you should prepare the foundation for your stove. This involves removing any combustible materials and preparing the hearth. Make sure that the vents are clear and open. If not, you will require new vents.

When your stove is set up and tested, you must test it by lighting three or four small fires. This will help make sure that the fire bricks are cured and the paint on your stove. It will also make sure that it is safe to ignite an extensive fire.