Choosing the Best Wood Burning Stove
Wood stoves are an important investment in terms of time and money. It is also important to consider the winter weather conditions in your area and comply with local regulations regarding fire and wood use.
A wood stove that is too small will make your body shiver. If it's too big, it can create an oven-like effect and produce more creosote. Refer to the installation manual of the model you're contemplating to determine the right size.
Size
Think about the size of your home and the area you'll need to place the wood stove. A smaller stove could be used to heat just one room such as a living room, bedroom or kitchen. Larger wood stoves are more suitable for a larger space or even a whole home. They provide more heat and can also be used as a source of heat when combined with central heating systems.
If you're planning to utilize your wood stove as your primary heat source, opt for a high-efficiency model that provides an increased BTU (British Thermal Unit) output. This will ensure that your home is adequately heated, without using up other heating sources and will result in a lower bill for energy.
Most manufacturers provide guidelines on the heating capacity of their stoves, which you can use to calculate how much power your home needs. You can also seek professional advice from a certified HETAS stove specialist to make an accurate assessment of your heating needs.
A quality wood burning fireplace should be able to produce at minimum 20 BTUs for every square foot of space that you are planning to heat. But, you must 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 choose to use will also have a significant impact on the performance of your stove. Woods that are moister and soft will produce more smoke whereas woods that are dry will burn more hot and faster.
After looking at the aesthetics of various wood stoves, you can narrow down your choices. Modern stoves feature clean lines that seamlessly blend with contemporary design, while traditional stoves evoke an old-fashioned appeal. In addition log-store stoves, such as the Henley Elcombe or Morso7443 provide a convenient space to store logs.
Aesthetics
Wood burning stoves bring a natural element of coziness and warmth to homes. Additionally, they can be used as a backup in the event of an power failure. The top wood stoves will keep your home warm and comfortable throughout the year, while also looking stunning. You can choose from a variety of designs and colours, so you're sure to find the right one for your home.
The shape of wood stoves don't just affect its appearance, but can also affect the size of your room and the functionality of your stove. There are two basic shapes: 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.
If you're looking to create a cozy cottage feel or a space inspired by Scandi, there's a stove to satisfy every taste and design. There are Wood burner clearance sale that have glass doors, which allow you to view the flames and watch the logs blaze from different angles.
There are also wood stoves that have curved glass, like the MF Fire Scan 87 that provides a minimalist, clean look to your space. Its smooth lines and easy air controls make it simple to use and can be used as a focal point.
Stoves with metallic surfaces like copper or brushed silver can give your home an elegant appearance. There is also a variety of wood-effect finishes to give your stove a more traditional look.
If you're not sure which colour to pick, take into consideration the color scheme of your room. Darker shades, such as dark grey or black are able to blend into your existing palette. They could be more prone to dirt and soot and require more care.
If you're looking for something softer and more slender, a cream or pastel-coloured stove is a good option. These shades are a great way to complement or make a statement against your room's colour palette and add an elegant touch to your home. Shades that are lighter like pastel greens or blues are perfect for a shabby-chic or Scandi interior.
Energy Efficiency
Many people prefer wood stoves because they're more environmentally friendly than fossil fuel alternatives. They're also economical particularly when you can access cheap or no-cost firewood. The top wood-burning stoves provide clean, efficient heat and provide back-up heating in case the power goes out. They are easy to use, even by those with no prior experience.
Look for models with EPA certification to increase efficiency in energy use. These models have strict emission standards to limit harmful air pollution and harmful pollutants. Look into a stove with an catalytic convertor if would like to go the extra mile. These devices use ceramic honeycombs to re-ignite gasses and particles that normally go into the chimney. This improves combustion and significantly reduces the amount of smoke generated.
In addition to EPA-approved ratings, you should also consider other features that help you save energy when you purchase a wood stove. Check that it includes a primary and secondary air system. This regulates the speed at which logs burn and the rate of oxygen flow, maximizing overall efficiency. Some wood stoves are equipped with a second combustion chamber that utilizes heated secondary air to supply oxygen to volatile gases escaping above the flames. This makes the gas burn more completely and prevents them from escaping into your home, further enhancing efficiency.
Another method to increase the energy efficiency of your wood stove is to purchase sustainably sourced logs that have a low moisture content. A lower moisture content will create less ash and less smoke, which will save you money on fuel costs and will require less trips to the market for new logs. Proper insulation will also increase the efficiency of your stove, letting it to heat your home for longer. Additionally, a blower will help circulate the hot air throughout your home which makes it feel more cozy and comfortable.
Safety
Wood stoves are becoming increasingly popular as people opt for an older and traditional method of heating their homes. This type of stove is ideal to provide emergency heat in the event of power outages. Whether you're looking to add a wood-burning stove to your home, or you just want to have peace of mind during an power outage, there are a variety of factors to consider when choosing the ideal log burner.
Safety is among the most important factors. It is essential to ensure that your stove is installed correctly and there are adequate clearances between it and combustible material such as walls or floors. Additionally, it's essential to burn only clean and dry wood in your stove. Wet or unseasoned firewood can result in dangerously high temperatures and excessive smoke, which can channel into your living space.
The good news is that modern wood stoves are much safer than the stoves made of wood in the past. They adhere to strict EPA standards and are designed to prevent harmful indoor air pollutants from venting into your home. In addition, modern wood stoves are more efficient than stoves of the past and require less firewood than traditional models.
Another thing to think about is the amount of carbon dioxide that the wood stove generates. While wood stoves are a renewable, natural renewable and low carbon energy source, they do emit carbon dioxide into the air when they are burned. You should consider other options for energy efficiency, such as pellet stoves, to minimize your carbon footprint.
As a rule, fill the stove with at least half the firewood needed to prevent it from overheating and inhaling smoke. It's recommended to keep some extra wood in your storage in case you can replenish your inventory when needed. In addition, you should periodically check your chimney connector and stove to ensure that they're operating properly. If you see any indications of wear and tear, make sure to contact an expert to fix the issue. Also, do not attempt to operate a wood stove if you don't have the correct chimney system in place. This could lead to an accident with the chimney and cause a major fire.