How to Use a Wood Stove

A wood stove can be a very cozy way to heat up the house and enjoy evenings by. However, using one can be very confusing at first. If you remember a few things and follow several simple rules then this will become easy for you. Consequently, you will have no trouble making and maintaining the cozy fire for long periods of time.

First, keep in mind that in order to have a steady fire you will need to ensure that the wood stove has a steady stream of oxygen entering the fire chamber. Otherwise, the fire just won’t burn. Second, remember to never leave the wood stove burning without any supervision. Especially, always keep an eye on it if you have children and/or pets at home.

Moreover, make sure that the wood stove is placed in a way that there is a safe distance between the furniture, curtains and the wood stove itself. Lastly, consider what size of wood stove you need because the size will largely determine how fast you can get the room warm. Small wood stoves are loved by millions around the world and thousands are installed every year in the United States.

Nowadays, wood stoves vary in size and build, so naturally they also vary in price. Therefore, when you decide that you need a wood stove, think about a couple of things. For example, how big your home is and how much extra heat you will need in addition to the central heating. Furthermore, for safety purposes think about installing some kind of guard around the wood stove.

How to Use a Wood Stove?

Most wood stoves come with clear instruction on how to assemble it and start a fire with. In fact, some manufacturers even offer online instructions on their websites.

Choosing Your Fuel

Make sure that you choose the right fuel for your stove model. Plus, remember that the most suitable wood is considered to be sustainable wood that had at least 6 months to season. This prolonged time will allow for all moisture to evaporate. Thereby, you will have only dry wood that will burn evenly and for a longer period of time when compared to wood that had less time to season.

Moreover, keep in mind that freshly cut wood tends to produce double the smoke. This way you will end up with double as much soot as well. Furthermore, you can choose from two types of wood; softwood or hardwood. Hardwood is wood that comes from deciduous species of trees; such wood tends to produce more warmth and burns longer overall. Hardwood will be ideal for long and cold winters.

Whereas, softwood is a name given to wood that tends to burn much quicker and has been reported to produce less warmth when compared to hardwood. Once you have figured out how to assemble the wood stove and selected the type of wood, proceed to open the oxygen valve because otherwise, the fire will not burn for too long.

Starting the Fire

Depending on the model of the wood stove, you might see one or more oxygen valves that will control the air flow into the firebox itself. After you have opened the air valves, place small pieces of wood into the firebox followed by bigger ones on top. To start the fire, you will need to tear up an old newspaper or some other paper into small shreds.

Just make sure that the paper is completely dry because its purposes is to help you start a fire quickly. Once everything is set, take a matchstick or a lighter then carefully ignite the wood and the pieces of newspaper. Once the fire starts burning, leave the front hatch door open for about 5-10 minutes so as to allow sufficient air inside.

However, don’t forget to keep adding wood periodically so as to keep the fire burning. Most individuals recommend checking and adding wood logs every 30 minutes or so. This is important if you wish to maintain the medium fire for optimal room temperature. Don’t forget to keep the door open as mentioned above after adding the wood.

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How to Correctly Choose and Install Wood Stoves?

Placement

First, decide where you want the wood stove to be located in the house. Also, contemplate whether you can dedicate enough space for it. Make sure the flames and heat emitted would not damage anything nearby. Generally, wood stoves are very safe to use since they have been around for a very long time. Thus, they have been tested numerous times.

Of course, wood stoves have since changed dramatically in size and appearance. Plus they can now be placed on their own or fixed into an existing chimney. Moreover, wood stoves are much more durable and sturdier than simple radiant heaters because wood stoves are made from cast iron.

Fuel Consumption

Also, look at the number of pallets that your chosen wood stove will consume. Because, it will be proportional to the amount of money you are going to spend on buying such pallets. Make sure you read about safety precautions before buying and installing your own wood stove. This way, you are bound to have a great experience with it.

Moreover, priceless evenings with your loved ones around the fire discussing lots of interesting things will be guaranteed. I would suggest you look for fuel-efficient models. Not only will it save you money, but help the environment too as less carbon dioxide will be released.

Warranty

Plus, keep in mind that models with a warranty should always be preferred over other options. With a warranty you would have a chance to get a free repair or refund from the manufacturer. Thus, look for a brand with good customer support as well. You never know when you will need some help over the phone.

Also, look for the ones that have a good dust cover. It will protect the wood stove from getting damaged during the summer months when it will not be in use. Lastly, look to see if mesh screens with pokers are attached. You will need them to control the burning flame so as to regulate the heat.

How to Clean the Outer Parts of the Wood Stove?

Keeping the wood stove clean will be crucial to maintaining its appearance. Honestly, who would want to sit by a wood stove that is dirty? White vinegar and baking soda are considered to be the most effective of all natural cleaning products. These you can easily find in your kitchen cupboard. They’re efficient especially in fighting tough and old burnt stains on the exterior glass.

These products are very cheap and will last for a very long time. Plus, vinegar and baking soda do not give out any toxic fumes when heated as opposed to some chemical products. These two ingredients have strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. Lastly, vinegar and baking soda do not cause any allergies.

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Conclusion

If you will read about safety precautions before buying and installing your own wood stove, priceless evenings with your loved ones around the fire discussing lots of interesting things will be guaranteed. However, look for fuel-efficient models.

This will not only save you money but help the environment too as less carbon dioxide will be released. Plus, keep in mind that models with a warranty should always be preferred over other options. Look for a brand with good customer support as well.