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Wood stoves are a beautiful and functional investment for your home.
With energy prices increasing, traditional wood stoves are bound to make a comeback on the market. They’re an efficient and effective way to heat your home, saving you hundreds of dollars on your heating bill each year.
If you’re thinking about buying a wood stove, there are a few things you need to know first. You may feel a little overwhelmed by all of the choices out there, but we’ll outline everything you need to know in this guide.
We’ll discuss the different types of stoves available and how to choose the right one for your needs. So whether you’re just starting your research or are ready to buy, read on for all the information you need!
Table of Contents
What Is a Wood Burning Stove?
A wood-burning stove is a self-contained unit that burns wood to generate heat for a room, home, or a large area.
Wood stoves usually consist of cast iron or steel and have a firebox where the wood burns. A layer of insulation surrounds the firebox, which helps trap the heat and prevent it from escaping.
Most wood stoves also have a glass door on the front. And the door is usually sealed with a gasket to help keep the heat in.
How Does a Wood Stove Work?
A wood stove works by burning wood in the firebox.
The heat generated by the fire transfers to the surrounding metal, which heats up and radiates that heat into the room.
The glass door on the front of the stove also helps to radiate heat into the room and allows you to see the fire burning.
The gasket around the door helps seal in the heat, and the insulation surrounding the firebox helps to keep the heat from escaping.
The Benefits of a Wood Burning Stove
There are many benefits to using a wood-burning stove, including the following:
- They are an efficient way to heat your home
- They can save you money on your heating bill
- They provide a cozy and warm atmosphere
- They are relatively easy to use
- They consist of durable materials
- They can last for many years
Now that we’ve covered the basics of wood stoves let’s look at the different types available for you to buy.
Types of Wood Burning Stoves
There are two main types of wood stoves: free-standing and insert. There are also other models like pellet stoves that burn wood pellets.
Free-Standing Wood Stoves
Free-standing woodstoves are the most common type of stove. They are self-contained units that can be placed anywhere in the room and do not require a chimney if you install a chimney pipe.
Most free-standing stoves are made of cast iron or steel and have a glass door on the front. They typically have legs or a pedestal base, and some models also have a blower to help circulate the air.
Insert Wood Stoves
Insert wood stoves to fit into an existing fireplace. They conform snugly to the fireplace’s opening and consist of cast iron or steel.
Most insert stoves have a glass door on the front, and some models also have a blower to help circulate the air.
Pellet Stoves
Pellet stoves are a stove type that burns pellets made of compressed wood or other biomass materials. Pellet stoves are usually less expensive to operate than other stoves. They are used to heat a single room or an entire home, but they are generally not as effective as standard wood stoves.
Pellet stoves typically have a hopper where the pellets are stored and a burn pot where they are burned. A thermostat usually controls the stove, and some models also have a blower to help circulate the air.
Cost of a Wood Buring Stove
The cost of a wood-burning stove depends on the type and size of the stove, as well as the features that it comes with.
Free-standing stoves typically start at around $3000, while insert stoves can start at around $1000. Pellet stoves usually start at $1500.
Wood Burning Stove Sizes
When choosing a wood-burning stove, it is important to choose the right size for your needs. The size of the stove will determine how much wood you need to burn and how much heat it can generate. The list is:
- Small wood stoves can generally heat about 600 to 1000 square feet
- Medium stoves will be able to heat around 800 to 2000 square feet
- Large stoves can heat from 1000 to 3000 square feet of your home
Most stoves are rated by the amount of heat they can generate in BTUs (British Thermal Units). To calculate the BTU rating, you will need to know the size of the firebox and the efficiency of the stove.
Can a Wood Burning Stove Heat an Entire House?
Yes, a wood-burning stove can heat an entire house if it’s the right size and is properly vented. The stove will need to be properly sized for the square footage of the house and should be vented to the outside.
Most wood stoves will heat between 1000 and 2000 square feet. If your house is larger than that, you may need to consider buying a larger stove.
Wood-Burning Stove Safety
When using a wood-burning stove, it is important to follow some basic safety guidelines. Make sure that the area around the stove is clear of flammable materials. This includes things like newspapers, rugs, wood, and furniture.
You should also have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of an emergency. Also, make sure to never leave the doors open while unattended.
How to Use a Wood Burning Stove
Now that you know all about wood-burning stoves, it’s time to learn how to use one. The first thing you need to do is gather the wood you will be using. The type of wood you choose will depend on your stove type.
If you have a pellet stove, you will need to use pellets made of compressed wood or other biomass materials. Once you have the wood, you will need to load it into the stove. The amount of wood you need to load will depend on the firebox’s size and the stove’s BTU rating.
After the wood is loaded, you will need to light it. You can do this with a match or a lighter. Once the wood is lit, you will need to adjust the vent to control the amount of air that is getting to the fire.
The final thing you need to do is sit back and enjoy the warmth!
How to Care for a Wood Burning Stove
Caring for a wood-burning stove is not too difficult, but there are a few things you need to do to keep it in good condition.
First, you will need to clean the stove on a regular basis. This includes sweeping the chimney, cleaning the glass door, and removing ash buildup from inside the stove.
You will need to inspect the stove regularly for any damage. This includes checking the seals and gaskets, as well as the flue pipes.
How to Clean Stove Glass
Cleaning the glass on your wood-burning stove is important for two reasons. First, it will keep the view of the fire clear. Second, it will help to prevent soot buildup.
To clean the glass, you will need to remove any ashes or debris on the window panes. You can do this with a soft cloth or a brush.
Once the surface is relatively clean, you can use a glass cleaner and a paper towel to wipe the inside of the glass for the final touch.
How to Sweep Your Chimney
Sweeping your chimney is important because it will help to prevent disastrous home fires. You should have your chimney swept at least once a year, but more often if you use the stove frequently.
The best way to sweep a chimney is with a chimney brush. You can find these brushes at most hardware stores.
You will need to climb onto the roof and insert the brush into the chimney to sweep. You will then need to move the brush up and down to loosen any soot or debris stuck to the sides of the chimney.
Once you have finished sweeping, you will need to remove the brush from the chimney and dispose of the soot and debris.
How to Remove Ash Buildup
Over time, ash will build up inside your wood-burning stove.
This can cause problems with heating and make it more difficult to control the fire. You can expect to remove ash buildup from your stove about every two to three weeks.
To easily remove ash buildup, you will need to use a small shovel and a heat-safe pail to place the ash. You can also find these tools at most hardware stores. Then, all you have to do is wait for the ash to cool and dump it into the trash or bushes.
It’s best to wait to clean your stove when it’s cool, so you don’t accidentally burn yourself. Hot coals can stay lit for hours, so be careful.
Are Wood-Burning Stoves Safe?
As long as you follow the proper safety procedures, wood-burning stoves are perfectly safe for your home. However, there are a few things you need to be aware of to prevent accidents.
You need to ensure that your stove is properly installed and vented. It’s a good idea to install the stove on brick or other flame-resistant materials.
You also need to be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. This can happen if the stove has improper ventilation. Luckily, this is a rare occurrence, and you’d notice if there was smoke pouring into your home.
Do You Need a Chimney for a Wood Burner?
You will usually need a chimney or something similar for a wood-burning stove. The chimney helps vent the smoke and fumes from the stove. Without it, your house would quickly fill up with smoke.
You can have a masonry or metal chimney installed. Masonry chimneys are made of bricks and mortar and are more expensive.
Metal chimneys are less expensive but need to be replaced more often. In some cases, you can install a chimney pipe instead of a whole chimney to cut down on costs.
How to Choose the Right Wood Stove
When choosing a wood stove, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.
First, you need to think about the size of the stove. The size of the stove will determine how much heat it produces and how much wood it burns.
Second, you need to think about where you will be placing the stove. You need to make sure that the stove has a safe place to operate.
Finally, you need to think about your budget. Wood stoves can range in price from around five hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.
How to Use Firewood
There are two main types of firewood: hardwood and softwood.
Hardwood is the best type of firewood to use in a wood stove. It burns hot and slow and produces less smoke.
Common hardwoods include maple, oak, and cherry.
Softwood is not as good as hardwood but can still be used in a wood stove. It burns quickly and produces more smoke.
Common softwoods include pine and fir.
The best way to store firewood is in a dry, well-ventilated area. This will help to keep the wood from rotting. You should also cover the wood to protect it from the rain which will ruin your wood over a long period of time.
To buy firewood, you can order it from a local business, cut it yourself, or you can order it online from places like Buyfirewooddirect.co.uk.
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Wood stoves are a great way to save money on your heating bill and provide a cozy and warm atmosphere for your home. They are relatively easy to use and can last for decades if properly maintained.
When choosing a wood-burning stove, consider the size of the stove, the type of stove, and the cost. With a little bit of research, you can find the perfect wood-burning stove for your family’s needs.
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