Choosing the Best Wood Burning Stove
Wood stoves are a major investment in terms of time and money. It is also important to consider the winter weather conditions in your area, and be sure to follow local rules on wood and fire.
A wood stove too small will cause your body to shake. Too large will create an oven-like effect and produce more creosote. Refer to the installation manual of the model you are considering to find the correct size.
Size
Think about the size of your house and the space you plan to put the wood stove in. A smaller stove can be used to heat only a single room, such as a living room, bedroom or kitchen. For larger areas or an entire home, larger wood stoves will be better suited. They have a higher output of heat and can also serve as a second source of heat when paired with central heating systems.
If you're planning to use your wood stove as a primary heat source, opt for a high-efficiency model that provides more 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 energy bill.
You can determine the amount of amount of power you require for your home using the guidelines provided by most manufacturers. You can also seek professional advice from an HETAS certified stove specialist to determine 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. However, you must be aware that the number of BTUs required will vary based on the climate of your cabin, insulation, and the layout.
The kind of wood you select to use will also have a significant impact on the performance of your stove. Woods that are moister and soft produce more smoke, whereas the woods that are dryer will burn faster and hotter.
After you've determined the heating capabilities of various wood stoves, you can narrow down your options by comparing their aesthetics. Modern stoves feature clean lines that seamlessly blend with contemporary decor while traditional stoves have the rustic appeal. In addition, log-store stoves such as the Henley Elcombe or the Morso 7443 offer an ideal space for log storage.
Aesthetics
Wood burning stoves add a natural warmth and coziness to your home. They're also a backup plan if power cuts occur. The most efficient wood stoves can keep your home warm and comfortable all the year, while also looking beautiful. You can pick from a variety of designs and colours and styles, so you're bound to find the ideal one for your home.
The shape of wood stoves don't just affect its appearance, but also the size of your space and its function. There are two basic shapes: rectangular and cylindrical. Traditional wood stoves such as the Jotul 602 and Morso 1410 are reminiscent of the old mail-order brides of the past with their rustic look, whereas cylindrical models like the Stuv 16 and MF Fire Nova are sleeker and modern in design.
There's a stove for every style and design. Whether you're looking to create a cozy home or an elegant Scandi styled space, there's the stove that will meet your requirements. There are stoves that have glass doors that let you to look out over the flames for hours and observe your burning logs from different angles.
Wood stoves are often found with curved glass, such as the MF Fire Scan 87. This gives your space an uncluttered and minimalist design. Its rounded edges and simple air controls make this stove easy to use. It also works well as a focal piece.
Stoves with metallic surfaces like copper or brushed silver can give your home a sophisticated appearance. You can also pick from a range of wood-effect finishes for a more traditional appearance.
If you're not sure what color to pick, think about the color scheme of your room. Darker hues, like dark gray or black, will blend well with the existing colors. They may reveal dirt and soot more easily and require more attention.
If you're looking for something lighter, a cream- or pastel-colored stove is a good option. These shades can be used to complement or even contrast the colour scheme of your room and add a classic feel to your home. Lighter shades like pastel blues or greens are perfect for a shabby-chic or Scandi interior.
Energy Efficiency
Many people choose wood stoves due to the fact that they are more environmentally friendly than other fossil fuel alternatives. They're also extremely affordable when you can find cheap or even free wood. The top wood burning stoves offer a clean, efficient heat, and also provide 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 energy efficiency. These models comply with strict emission standards that reduce harmful pollutants and air pollutants. Consider a stove that has 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 would otherwise be pushed up the chimney. This improves combustion and significantly reduces the amount of smoke that is produced.
In addition to the EPA-approved ratings, you should consider other features that improve energy efficiency when choosing the right wood stove. Make sure to check whether it comes with a primary and a secondary air system. This regulates the speed at which logs burn and the speed of oxygen flow, which can improve efficiency overall. Certain wood stoves come with a second combustion chamber which makes use of heated secondary air to provide oxygen to volatile gases that escape above the flames. This lets the gases burn more efficiently and prevents them from entering into your home.
Another way to enhance the efficiency of your wood stove is to buy sustainable logs that have an extremely low moisture content. A lower moisture content will produce less smoke and ash which can save you money as well as reducing the amount of trips to the grocery store. A proper insulation around your stove can also improve its efficiency and allow it to heat your space for longer. In addition, a blower fan will help circulate the hot air throughout your room and make it feel more comfortable and inviting.
Safety
Wood stoves are becoming increasingly popular, as people prefer a more traditional and old-fashioned method of heating their homes. This stove type is also ideal for emergency backup heat in the event of power outages. There are a lot of things to take into consideration when selecting the ideal log stove, whether you want to include a wood-burning appliance to your home or simply want to have security in the event of an power outage.
One of the most important factors is safety. It's crucial to ensure that your stove is correctly installed and that you have adequate clearances between your stove and any combustible surfaces like floors and walls. In addition, it's important to burn only dry and clean wood in your stove. Wet or unseasoned wood can 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 built to adhere to strict EPA guidelines and stop harmful indoor air pollution from entering your home. Modern wood stoves are more efficient and use less firewood than older models.
Another thing to think about is how much carbon emissions your wood stove will generate. While wood stoves are a renewable, natural renewable and low-carbon energy source, they do emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when they are burned. To reduce your carbon footprint, you might want to consider alternative energy-efficient options like pellet stoves.
As a general rule, you should aim to keep the stove at least half full with firewood to prevent it from overheating and possibly causing smoke inhalation. It's recommended to keep some extra wood in the storage area at all times, so you can replenish your supply when needed. Also, corner wood burning stove should regularly check your stove and chimney connector for proper functioning. If you see any indications of wear and tear, be sure to speak with a professional to fix the issue. Lastly, small wood burner should never attempt to operate a wood stove if you don't have the proper chimney system installed. This could result in an accident with the chimney and cause a major fire.