Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Fireplaces Wood Burning Stoves
cast iron wood stove fireplacesandstove Stoves Wood stoves have a classy modern design that is a perfect match for an array of home designs. They are a powerful heating source and can radiate heat throughout the space. Modern wood-burning stoves are EPA certified for their efficiency in heating and reduced particle emissions. By properly operating the air controls, you can increase these efficiencies. Energy Efficiency Wood stoves are a energy-efficient source of heat and can supplement your current heating system. Additionally, they are extremely efficient heaters with some models being close to being as efficient as your furnace or oil-burning appliances. Modern stoves are designed to maximize the heat generated by each piece of wood. This means you don't have to buy more wood, and you can enjoy a warm fireplace all through winter. Stoves that have been endorsed by the EPA burn extremely cleanly and reduce emissions and waste by burning longer and using less fuel. This is in contrast to older fireplaces that use open flames and combustion, which produce waste, pollute the air and can cause dust to pollute your home. The EPA certification of your wood stove assures that it is in compliance with strict standards for safety and efficiency. You may also be eligible for tax credits for the purchase of an approved stove. This can allow you to save money and lower your energy bills. Wood stoves can help you avoid the high prices of electricity and gas charged by large energy companies. You'll still be paying for wood, but the price fluctuation is likely to be less drastic than the price hikes you'd face when you rely on an energy company. Another benefit of heating your home using wood stoves is that it can be used during power outages. It is possible to keep your home warm if the power goes out during a snowstorm by using the wood stove to heat your kitchen and living area. In certain situations, you can use the chimney of the wood stove to let hot water into the hot-water storage tank inside your house for more warmth. If your wood-burning stove isn't insulated, it could be losing heat from the room, causing drafts in the house. This problem is easily fixed by installing an insulated liner for your wood-burning stove. This will not only help you conserve energy, but also increase the lifespan of your stove by preventing heat from escaping the chimney. Cleanliness Wood stoves are an excellent way to conserve energy and keep warm, but they produce plenty of soot. Cleaning your stove is important to keep your home safe and healthy. To do this, you must clean your stove every week and your chimney at least once per year. Cleaning your stove will ensure that it has adequate air flow and is safer to use. Emptying the ash pan is the first step in cleaning your stove. This is accomplished by dumping the ashes into a dish and putting them in an uncombustible trash bag or bin. If your fireplace has a andirons or grates, you can clean them with the broom and brush and dispose of the ashes the same manner. Then take a soft, clean cloth to wipe the stove's front as well as any other surfaces you want to clean. You can also use this opportunity to clean the Ash tray or line it with new liners which are readily available at your local hardware store. After your stove has been cleaned, the next step is to sweep away any remaining creosote on the fireplace's walls. This is best done with a hard-bristled broom, starting at the highest point you can before working your way down. You can also utilize an attachment for a vacuum cleaner with hard bristles to remove the sooty residue. If necessary, you should remove any obstructions that may be blocking your chimney. This could be twigs, branches, leaves, fruits, or even nesting materials for small animals. (These animals are known to make nests in chimneys and stove pipes!) Your chimney may be susceptible to the wind-blown debris like leaves or sand, depending on where you live. It is recommended to have your chimney checked each year and to change the catalytic filters each year for a period of 1-4 years. It is also recommended to get your chimney cleaned professionally should it be required. These regular chores can help prevent dangerous fumes like carbon monoxide and flames from escaping your home. Convenience A wood-burning stove offers warmth and a cozy atmosphere that gas or electric fireplaces can't match. There are many designs and styles to choose from, whether they're freestanding or integrated into a wall. There's nothing better than cuddling up with a crackling fireplace on the cold winter nights in the southeast of NY. A wood stove can help you save money on your energy costs. It's a good option if you live in an area that is smoke-free (most of London, and many other cities). Stoves can be used as a primary heating source or as a supplement to your current heating system. The amount of heat they generate is contingent on the size and air flow of the room. If you're considering using your stove as a primary heating source, it is important to think about the type and quality of logs you purchase. Locally-sourced wood can help you cut your expenses while also reducing the carbon footprint of your stove. The process of splitting, stacking, and hauling logs can be an exhausting and physically demanding task if you do not have the right equipment. Many people opt for an electric log heater in their home to eliminate the hassle of gathering, chopping and storing wood. Most modern wood stoves are designed to be more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional open-fires. They must comply with emissions regulations of the government and come with an engineered combustion system that allows the wood to burn for longer, start the combustion at lower temperatures and reduces the amount of pollutants. It is still necessary to maintain your stove regularly. This includes emptying out the ash that has been accumulated in the stove, having your flue and chimney inspected as well as cleaning the glass door and making sure that there are enough dry logs to fuel the stove. These requirements for maintenance are less than the energy required to operate your heating system. A wood stove could be hazardous for pets and children, who may get too close to the flame. A stray ember could burn them if they touch the flames or the glass of your stove. If you have children or pets, we highly recommend adding a safety gate for your fireplace and keeping them away from the fire. Aesthetics Wood burning stoves can add a lovely ambiance to any room. When they are dressed up with an elegant mantle and gorgeous tiling, they can be the central feature of a living space. A masonry fireplace made with bricks, stacked stones and veneers can look amazing. Freestanding stoves are another option for homeowners who want to discover a style and a price that fits their home. Regularly clean the chimney to remove any particulates. These particulates can re-ignite and cause fires that are dangerous. They can also clog up the chimney, which is hazardous and could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Regular fireplace use requires a continuous supply. This can be costly and time-consuming to maintain. Stoves don't need to be swept or cleaned as often as fireplaces. This can save homeowners time and money, as well as eliminating the necessity of a chimney liner. In addition, stoves don't produce the same carbon monoxide poisoning as fireplaces do. They only produce a tiny amount of carbon monoxide, which is released into the atmosphere by hot gases when the fire burns. A wood stove has a sealed combustion chamber, meaning sparks aren't as big risk to children and pets as fireplaces are. However, it is recommended to install screens or doors for stoves and fireplaces since sparks could still fly out of the flame and cause injury and property damage. Stoves should also be kept at a specific distance from combustible substances such as plasterboard and wallpaper. The EPA has set emissions standards that limit the amount of pollution a new stove will create per hour. The EPA also requires that chimneys be swept once each year to ensure they are in good working order and do not have cracks. A chimney liner is recommended to ensure that the flue vents correctly. A wood stove comes with many environmental advantages. Wood is an environmentally friendly renewable energy source that can be harvested and grown in a reasonable time. Hickory, oak, and cherry are a few of the trees that can be used as firewood. The process of cutting the wood down and turning it into firewood can take about 20-30 years. It's also a renewable resource because once the tree has been cut down, it can be planted again.