Blog entry by Val Truitt
Caboose - A Very Small Wood Burner
The Caboose log-burner is certified by DEFRA and Ecodesign. It is able to burn smokeless or wood. It can handle larger pieces of wood than tiny stoves, and boasts a long heat output and burn time.
The wood stove can be protected by an heatshield to ensure compliance with Approved Building Document J, which stipulates that wood stoves must be kept away from surfaces that are combustible.
Clean Wood
Wood stoves are not just beautiful, but they are also an excellent way to warm your home. To ensure that they operate smoothly and efficiently, they must be properly maintained. It can be quite an issue to keep the glass clear. However, a few simple steps can make a significant difference.
It is important that you only burn wood that has been seasoned in your wood stove. It should be chopped and stored for at least one year prior to using, as this will reduce the amount of smoke. Unseasoned wood burning fireplace can cause the flue to overheat and lead to an uncontrollable fire. of control.
It is also recommended to only burn clean wood burners for sale on your wood burning stove. Avoid paper or other non-wood substances such as rubber and plastics, because they can release toxic fumes that are not healthy for you. Do not burn treated or painted wood, as this can release dangerous chemicals such as arsenic in the air that is not good for your health.
It is also important to clean the interior of your stove regularly. This can be accomplished easily with a standard household vacuum cleaner as well as a brush attachment. You can also buy several cleaners made specifically to be used on stove glass It is however important to ensure that the product you select does not invalidate the warranty on your stove prior to using it.
It is also important to check 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 are crucial to ensure that they are firmly in position and not damaged.
The last thing you should do is to remove every so often any birds that have made a home on your chimney. Seagulls are a nuisance since they tend to perch on chimneys during the summer. This could cause all kinds of debris to be deposited down the flue and damage your stove. There are a number of different bird guards and spikes available on the market that can be fitted to your chimney to prevent this from occurring.
Paper Burning
The right kind of paper will not only start the fire quickly, but can also produce dangerous smoke. Some types of paper like glossy magazines or gift wrap contain toxic chemicals that can emit toxic fumes when they are burned. To ensure that you don't create a hazardous environment burning clean papers in your wood burner.
If you only have just a few pieces of paper to burn, consider using a tub. Set a stack over the tub and light a corner. The water will smother the embers and stop them from burning nearby grass or trees. If you're worried about the smell of burning paper, place a bowl of vinegar or baking soda nearby to neutralize the odors.
To make sure the paper burns correctly, start with a small base of twigs or shredded newspaper. Then add 3-4 medium-sized logs to the fire and allow them to start to burn. Then, put the paper on the top. The paper will begin to burn quickly and it is crucial to be near and monitor the flame as it is burning.
It is recommended to burn your paper outside on the day there is no wind. A strong wind gust could send embers into your property or into the grass. Inhaling the smoke of burning paper could cause breathing issues.
You can also use paper to burn on a BBQ grill but it is better to use this method if you have only some sheets to burn. If you have a removable grilling surface, you can take it off it and then burn the paper directly on the charcoal.
Before you begin burning paper, make sure that your wood burner is fully tested and that the firepit has been cleared of all twigs and branches. In the event of an emergency, it is an excellent idea to keep a fire extinguisher close by. Contact your local government and homeowners association to see whether it is legal for you to burn papers outside.
Safety Precautions
Wood burning stoves are an excellent source of relaxation and comfort but only if you utilize them with care. Although it may seem to some as if it's obvious, the fact is that all too many people don't take the time to adhere to simple safety precautions.
Make sure your stove is properly insulated, and that the flue pipes that go outside wood burners are protected. It is also important to ensure that any children or pets stay away from the stove.
Make sure that there is no trash or paper is left in the firebox. The burning of these materials can cause the fireplace and chimney to overheat. They can also create creosote which is a serious fire hazard and needs to be cleaned regularly.
Check that the smoke alarms are in good working order and test them monthly. Installing carbon monoxide detectors can also save lives. They are also affordable.
Keep a fire extinguisher on hand in case of emergency. Do not build a huge pile of logs. Only burn dry well-seasoned wood. Burning a large pile of logs in a row results in incomplete combustion and increases CO emissions. It is also crucial to monitor the fire and if it grows out of control, extinguish it as soon as possible.
After you've finished using your stove, make sure the fire has been extinguished and that all combustible material is removed from the space around the fireboxes and flue pipes. There are certain clearance requirements that will depend on the stove's model and also on the method you intend to install it in your home.
If you are planning to install your wood stove in a smoke controlled zone, look for a DEFRA approved model. These stoves are designed to operate in smoke controlled areas and are available in a range of sizes and colours. Some models can be customised to fit your personal style and have direct air intake designed for better performance in smoke controlled zones.
Installation
Wood stoves can be used to heat small spaces. They can be found in sheds, yurts, and even cabins. In addition, they create a warm and cozy fire without the need for electricity or oil. It is essential to follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer to set up your wood stove correctly. These guidelines can help you avoid risky problems and ensure that your stove is safe to use.
Before installing your stove you must remove all combustible items from the area. Also, make sure that you have at least 16" of space between the stove and the nearest combustible wall. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you can install a hearth pad or stove board. This non-combustible mat will come with spacers of 1" to allow the stove sit further away from the walls, which could reduce clearance requirements by up to 66%.
To prevent smoke from blowing back into the room, you should remove any combustible objects such as curtains and furniture. Also, you must install a carbon monoxide and smoke alarm in your shed. Not to mention, ensure that the shed has adequate ventilation. It is important to check your stove regularly and chimney for security.
It is a good idea to purchase a wood stove with EPA certification. This means that the stove is more than 75% efficient. This means it will absorb and convert more of heat generated by the wood. It is also recommended to select the right wood stove based on the recommended heating capacity for the room where it will be placed. This will stop you from overheating your wood stove, which could cause creosote and smokeouts.
Once you have cleared the space and removed any fire-prone items, you need to prepare the foundation for your stove. This will involve the removal of all combustible objects and prepping the hearth. You should also check for any vents in place to ensure they are open and clear. You'll need to put in vents if the existing ones aren't working.
After you have set up your stove, you should test its capabilities by lighting three or four small fires. This will make sure that the paint and fire bricks on your stove and will ensure that you are able to safely ignite a large fire.