Wood Stoves

Ariel Vanderhorst asked:


If you’re reading this article, you probably own one or more wood stoves. Or maybe you’ve started exploring today’s stove market, and wonder how easy it is to get a maximum return on your investment in radiant heating. Either way, you’re in luck. Here are three suggestions that will help you stretch your heating budget to its limits while benefiting the environment and enjoying your stove in the process.

Before we dive in, you need to know that the primary cause of inefficiency in wood burning stoves is the incomplete consumption of fuel. When wood doesn’t burn completely, overly smoky fires and decreased heat output are the results. Fortunately, by ramping up wood burning efficiency, you will be cutting down on both airborne pollution and fuel waste. Here are three ways you can use your wood stove with best results.

First, only burn seasoned wood in your stoves.

This is actually a familiar concept, similar to eating lean meat or low-fat yogurt. Recently cut, green wood, is full of moisture, which makes it hard to burn. Up to 50 percent of the weight of green wood can be moisture, which means that your stove has to work overtime to evaporate all that liquid before radiant heat is produced.

Dry, seasoned wood, by contrast, burns steadily and hot, causing top-rate heat output, money savings, and cleaner air. Therefore, when you purchase wood for your stove, buy the previous year’s harvest for the current year’s burning. If you have the foresight, you can also buy new wood and let it air dry for six months to a year (depending on the type), after which it will be ready for burning.

Second, make “Indian fires” in your stove.

Watched any Western movies lately? Back in the frontier days, Indian fires were the lean, green solar panels of back country heating. By burning small and hot, they were easily kindled, efficient to tend, and good to the environment. Today, not much has changed. Making small, hot fires allows your stove to dispense with unstable gases at an optimum pace, burning them off quickly. That results in better air quality and virtually no safety risks–not to mention better fuel economy. By carefully building a smaller blaze, you’ll be a little more involved in tending your stove. But great heating efficiency and better air quality are such good dividends that you probably won’t mind.

Third, feed your wood stove the right fuel.

This is basically common sense, but since common sense is so frequently uncommon, I’ll go ahead and say it. When your stove is blazing in the corner, it’s possible to get over enthusiastic and start treating it like an all purpose Master of the Blaze. Materials like plastic trash and junk mail can get thrown on the fire, in addition to more fuel-like items like charcoal briquettes, hunks of water-proofed wood from your decking project, etc. Admittedly, it’s kind of fun to throw all manner of things inside your stove (especially if you love pyrotechnics!), but by doing so, you can damage your stove’s inner workings, causes your heating efficiency to plummet, and release dangerous chemicals into the air. So resist the temptation. After all, they’re called “wood stoves” for a reason.



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Kim Filler asked:


Have you ever been to the antique market, or watching the “Antiques Roadshow”, and seen those wonderful woodstoves for days passed? They are absolutely amazing, especially if you can find one in good shape. A friend of mine recently installed a “4 O’clock” stove dating back to the early 1900’s, and it looks marvelous! It got me thinking about woodstoves, in general, and I started to research many of the vintage stoves. I have listed the most popular models below. Get yourself a cup of tea, put your feet up, and read on!

Victorian Stoves – These stoves date back to the late 1800’s. They are generally made from cast iron, and adorned with nickel. This early kitchen stove will meet all of your cooking needs.

Country Stoves – These stoves generally date to around the early 1900’s. It is very similar to the Victorian stove, but more effort has been out into the nickel highlights and the clean, crisp casting.

Retro Stoves – These particular stoves are simply updated versions of the above. In the 1930’s, when these stoves were immensely popular, the kitchen seemed to be the central point in one’s home. These stoves were integral to the “modern” kitchen.

Cylinder Stoves – These stoves are likely the most easily recognizable of the antique stoves. They were renowned for their extraordinary ability to heat a home, while taking up very little floor space.

Potbelly Stoves – Early American photographs abound with images of the potbelly stove. These stoves were found in railway stations, saloons, brothels, and many other historic settings on the western frontier.

Parlour Stoves – Back in the Victorian era, these beautiful stoves were a focal point in traditional parlour rooms. At the height of their popularity, artisans adorned them with various designs such as cherubs, mythological figures, and floral designs.

Franklin Fireplaces – This stove is pure Americana. It was designed by Benjamin Franklin, and early American inventor, craftsman, and President. All wood stoves used for heating owe their heritage to Benjamin Franklin, and his efficient design.

These are but a few of the stove types I came across in my research. These stoves are all wonderful examples of design and function. If you happen to see any of these stoves while shopping for antiques, do let me know. Or buy one for yourself! You won’t regret it!



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David Fishman asked:


A wood stove is a device, which is normally used in the kitchens for the heating of food, keeping it warm and making it palatable. Some antique wooden stoves can be used for the purpose of heating and cooking even today. Wood stoves are used for household cooking needs as well as for heating purposes.

One of the purposes of a wood burning stove was to enclose the fire so to generate more heat and make the heating more efficient. A wood stove is often used for heating rooms or cooking food.

They are made up of cast iron and other strong metals and are sturdy enough to handle the amount of heat generated. A stove uses other sources of fuel to burn and make heat, many use wood or pellets. Wood stoves are also used to heat homes apart from their cooking function. Some come with glass panes that can handle the heat but adds a nice touch when you see the flame.

It is important to know what types of fuel your particular type of burning stove can use and what cannot be used safely. When purchasing a pellet stove or a wood burning stove, there are many factors to consider before making the purchase. There are a few things to think about before purchasing and installing a wood burning stove in your home. After calculating the installation space understanding how to keep all the combustible items safe you need to hook up the chimney so the smoke is directed to the outside.

Want something different than carrying in wood, cutting wood and storing it, then try out the new pellet stoves, you can store the pellet easily, there is no cutting, no mess, but it gives you the feel of a wood burning stove. When looking at wood stoves and pellet stoves the pellet stoves are a little more expensive but the plus side is that they come ready to use, they are cleaner and easier to use. This is 20% less efficient than wood pellet or corn stoves. Pellet stoves are very easy to use, you don’t need to cut wood all you need to do is open the bag of pellets and poor them in, the auger will move the pellets as needed to be burned. Pellet stoves have a mechanical part that feeds the fire when needed; you do not have to go near the hot flame. You can get the pellets anywhere today, most of the major hardware stores carry the easily to carry bags. Stove are cheaper and you can use them with a cheaper fuel source such as pellets, firewood or any other type of materials.

Antique wood stoves are collector’s items that are very valuable to some people. There are many different types of antique wood stoves available. Today you can find the stoves in local household stores, furniture stores and many stores that sell antiques.

Some of the older wood stoves are considered antiques, and many people use these pieces as decoration purposes only. Many antique pieces from the past are available for sale today in different antique shops and on the Internet.



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Tim Ryan asked:


The traditional wood-burning stove has its place in public consciousness as a symbol of rustic ambiance. Today, it actually can be an efficient and eco-friendly method of heating your home. By purchasing an EPA-certified stove, you can heat your home cheaply and “greenly”. However, the type and quality of your fuel must be given some forethought for your stove to function at its best.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has information at epa.gov/woodstoves for people interested in purchasing wood or pellet stoves. Today, there are a growing number of EPA-certified stoves that reduce emissions, as all woodstoves sold new in the United States must meet EPA certification. Public concerns about the pollution produced from wood burning stove have largely been met with the new, efficient stoves that emit much less smoke than previous models. These EPA-certified stoves also direct heat better, improve air quality and are designed to make chimney fires a thing of the past.

There are two main types of wood burning stove available today: catalytic and non-catalytic. Catalytic stoves have a catalytic converter (like a car’s) that burns and eliminates Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and hazardous smoke particles. These stoves give off long-lasting, even heat. However the catalyst, a honeycomb of coated ceramic, requires regular cleaning and replacement. Non-catalytic stoves use insulation, a large baffle and small holes that introduce pre-heated air above the fuel to create an environment that encourages the complete combustion of all material. While the heat is not as long-lasting or as even as with catalytic stoves, these stoves are popular for their beautiful flames.

EPA-certified stoves don’t just save the environment; they save the homeowner money. It’s estimated that new wood stoves are about one-third more efficient than older stoves. This higher efficiency is ironically a by-product of the tighter controls on emissions, but at the same time, it means that in two seasons of wood burning, the higher cost of the EPA stove will have paid for itself. Also, when fires burn more efficiently, you can be assured that you’re getting the full worth of the fuel you’ve bought or cut.

In order to make sure that your emissions are as low as possible and that your wood will burn efficiently, it is advisable for you to buy and stack wood a year in advance. Otherwise, buy pre-seasoned wood for a cheaper and more environmentally friendly wood burning experience. Wet or green wood won’t burn as well, may produce unpleasant smoke and can contribute to indoor air pollution.

A wood stove that burns efficiently is a joy to have in the home, for its economical heat production, low emissions and contribution to a pleasant atmosphere. New EPA-certified stoves are the best choice for wood burning today. Consider buying a new EPA stove if you wish to replace an old one or install a new one in your home.



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L & J’s ILF’N WARRIOR asked:


When we purchased our home 2 years ago it came with a woodburning stove. The thing has probably been here since the house was built…or a few years later …in 1976. I have two children, 4 and 2 months and am concerned on potential negative effects on their health. We used it last year, and I felt awfully congested fairly frequently. My husband is adamant on using it, and my father in law has been chopping wood to store for the winter every chance he gets. What do you think? Use it or not? How about newer ones…to possibly replace it? Any answers are very appreciated.

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Martin Applebaum asked:


Zone Heating means putting the heat in your home where it is needed when it is needed, this reduces household fuel consumption, conserving energy and saves you money! Gas heating stoves are a great choice to bring Zone Heating into your home! They bring instant heat; they are clean burning, reliable and trouble free. By using a gas hearth appliance to heat only the rooms your family is using allows you to turn down the thermostat of your central furnace…decreasing your fuel bill.

The possibilities are endless when you choose gas heating stoves to add warmth and character to your living spaces. They come in many different styles and finishes from which to choose. Ultra modern with a European feel boasting contemporary lines to traditional old world charm, there is a model out there for you to match to your décor.

Gas heating stoves offer the look of real wood burning stoves without the work. No more bringing wood in from the shed and making sure it is cut to fit your stove. With a flick of a switch you have instant fire and heat radiating from your stove. These stoves also function during power outages giving you the peace of mind that your family will be warm and safe in case of an emergency. All that is needed to maintain your stove is getting it checked every year by a qualified technician.

These stoves are thermostatically controlled so the heat if completely adjustable. Set the tempurature with the controls on the unit or with a wall thermostat. The heat is as steady and consistant as your furnace. Some units feature built in fans to help distribute the warmed air from the stove. One of the popular accessories for gas heating stoves is a remote controll that lets you operate your stove from the comfort of your easy chair!

There are many different models of stoves on the market today, they range in price depending on features and size. Once you have determined what your specific needs are you will be able to find a wide variety of styles to choose from to fit your budget. Somethings to consider when investing in a wood stove is the size of the room or rooms you want to heat and what type of ventilation will be required for the unit. Many of the gas heating stoves today have different BTU ranges to handle the square footage you have. They also have different venting options from the traditional stove pipe to venting right out the back of the unit so you never see the pipe. It is all up to you to decide what you would like to see in your space.

Todays gas heating stoves are efficient, beautiful to look at and add charm and style to your home. Whether you have a new home or renovating your existing home you will have no trouble placing one of these units in your home to bring you warmth and comfort.



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E Y asked:


I just got a Severn wood stove from a friend. It was barely used. He didn’t have the books and I was wondering if anyone has heard of this type of wood stove and where i could find a dealer in the US (preferably near NY). I would like to get an owner’s manual. I looked on the web and could not find a website either.

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Stephanie Larkin asked:


The Wood Heater Compliance Monitoring Program is a federal program in the United States that is managed by the Compliance Assessment and Media Programs Division at the Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters located in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the Wood Heater Compliance Monitoring Program is to promote compliance with the wood heater regulation, which has been in effect since 1988. The Environmental Protection Agency started the wood heater regulation for particulate emissions from wood heaters because products that burn wood for heat, such as wood stoves, can significantly contribute to particulate air pollution.

The Wood Heater Compliance Monitoring Program promotes the compliance with these regulations which include:



Certifying new residential wood heaters.

Approving changes in design requests for wood heaters.

Interpreting the rule language.

Conducting inspections of the facilities that make wood heaters.

Provides public access to compliance information.

Monitors compliance directly of all accredited laboratories, retailers, homeowners and manufacturers.

Responds to complaints regarding violations of the wood heater regulations.



Wood heaters in residential areas, including wood stoves, can easily pollute the air with particulates. The Wood Heater Compliance Monitoring Program certifies wood stoves for use, and these wood stoves that comply with the regulations are referred to as EPA-certified wood stoves.

 

The certification process for wood stoves requires the manufacturers to verify that their wood stove models meet a particulate emission limit and undergo emission testing at an Environmental Protection Agency accredited laboratory. This is to certify that the wood heater complies with the particulate emission limits of:



7.5 grams per hour for a non-catalytic wood stove.

4.1 grams per hour for a catalytic wood stove.



There are several things a manufacturer must do in order to have their model line of wood stoves EPA-certified. The manufacturer must maintain a quality assurance program for wood heaters produced on a production line, as well as affix permanent labels to each wood stove or wood heater that meets the emission standard. They must also attach a temporary label that lists:



The emission rate, as rated by an EPA-approved test method.

The heating range of the heater, so that people may purchase the correct size

Overall efficiency of the wood heater.



 

The wood stove regulations apply to all wood stoves that have:



A firebox volume of less than 20 cubic feet,

An air to fuel ration of less than 35 to one,

Burn rate of less than five kilograms per hour,

Total weight of less than 800 kilograms.



The chief reason that you should purchase a wood stove that has been certified by the Environmental Protection Agency is because they burn 80 per cent cleaner and are 30 per cent more efficient than an un-certified wood stove. The wood stoves that are certified by the Environmental Protection Agency are also better for the environment and for the health of people who live in that environment where wood stoves are used.

Some states and some jurisdictions throughout the United States have declared it illegal to purchase, operate, offer for sale or sell a house that contains a wood stove that is not certified by the Environmental Protection Agency wood heater program.

It is easy to determine if a wood stove has been certified by the Environmental Protection Agency. You can review the list of Environmental Protection Agency certified wood stoves at the Environmental Protection Agency website online, look for the permanent label on the front, bottom or side of the wood stove that states it is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency, or read the temporary label on a new wood stove. The permanent label on a wood stove is most often located on the front, bottom, back or side of the wood stove and specifies directly that the wood stove product meets the Environmental Protection Agency particulate emissions limit.

The temporary label is usually made of cardboard and is most often attached to the front of a new wood stove. The temporary label provides the purchaser with the information regarding the emissions rate and the efficiency rating of the wood stove purchased.

There are three basic types of wood stoves that have Environmental Protection Agency certification with the wood heater program:

1. Catalytic wood stoves that have a ceramic or metal honeycomb device that is the combustor or catalyst. The default efficiency rating for a catalytic wood stove is 72 per cent.

2. Pellet stoves that use pellets of saw dust, wood products and other biomass materials. Pellet stoves are given a default efficiency rating of 78 per cent.

3. Non-catalytic wood stoves that do not use catalysts but do have emission-reducing technology, such as baffles or secondary air chambers. The default efficiency rating for non-catalytic wood stoves is 63 per cent.



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David Fishman asked:


A wood stove is a device, which is normally used in the kitchens for the heating of food, keeping it warm and making it palatable. Some antique wooden stoves can be used for the purpose of heating and cooking even today. Wood stoves are used for household cooking needs as well as for heating purposes.

One of the purposes of a wood burning stove was to enclose the fire so to generate more heat and make the heating more efficient. A wood stove is often used for heating rooms or cooking food.

They are made up of cast iron and other strong metals and are sturdy enough to handle the amount of heat generated. A stove uses other sources of fuel to burn and make heat, many use wood or pellets. Wood stoves are also used to heat homes apart from their cooking function. Some come with glass panes that can handle the heat but adds a nice touch when you see the flame.

It is important to know what types of fuel your particular type of burning stove can use and what cannot be used safely. When purchasing a pellet stove or a wood burning stove, there are many factors to consider before making the purchase. There are a few things to think about before purchasing and installing a wood burning stove in your home. After calculating the installation space understanding how to keep all the combustible items safe you need to hook up the chimney so the smoke is directed to the outside.

Want something different than carrying in wood, cutting wood and storing it, then try out the new pellet stoves, you can store the pellet easily, there is no cutting, no mess, but it gives you the feel of a wood burning stove. When looking at wood stoves and pellet stoves the pellet stoves are a little more expensive but the plus side is that they come ready to use, they are cleaner and easier to use. This is 20% less efficient than wood pellet or corn stoves. Pellet stoves are very easy to use, you don’t need to cut wood all you need to do is open the bag of pellets and poor them in, the auger will move the pellets as needed to be burned. Pellet stoves have a mechanical part that feeds the fire when needed; you do not have to go near the hot flame. You can get the pellets anywhere today, most of the major hardware stores carry the easily to carry bags. Stove are cheaper and you can use them with a cheaper fuel source such as pellets, firewood or any other type of materials.

Antique wood stoves are collector’s items that are very valuable to some people. There are many different types of antique wood stoves available. Today you can find the stoves in local household stores, furniture stores and many stores that sell antiques.

Some of the older wood stoves are considered antiques, and many people use these pieces as decoration purposes only. Many antique pieces from the past are available for sale today in different antique shops and on the Internet.



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