Caboose - A Very Small Wood Burner
The Caboose is an Ecodesign and DEFRA approved log burner, which can burn both wood and smokeless fuel. It can handle larger pieces of wood than small stoves and boasts a remarkable burning time and heat output.
It can also be protected with a heatshield for compliance with Approved Document J Building Regulations, which requires wood stoves to be kept 150mm away from surfaces that are combustible on all sides.
Clean Wood
Wood stoves aren't just stunning to look at, they also serve as a fantastic source of warmth for a home. Therefore, they have to be looked after properly to ensure they run smoothly and efficiently. This can be a bit of a challenge especially when it comes to keeping the glass clean but a few simple steps can make a huge difference.
First of all, it's essential to only use the wood that has been seasoned in your wood stove. This means that the wood should be cut and stored for at least a year prior to being used in order to reduce smoke output. Burning unseasoned wood could cause the flue to overheat, which in turn could result in the fire bursting out of control and sparking a chimney fire.
It is also recommended to only burn clean wood on your wood-burning stove. Avoid using paper or other non-wood substances such as rubber and plastics, as these can produce toxic fumes that aren't healthy for your health. Avoid burning treated or painted wood as this can release dangerous chemicals such as arsenic into the air that is not good for you.
You should also wash your stove's interior regularly. It's easy to do so using a household vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. You can also buy a variety cleaners that are designed to be used on stove glass. However it is crucial to ensure that the product you choose to use will not void the warranty of your stove prior to using it.
It is also important to check regularly the fire rope seals around the doors at the top and bottom of your wood burner. They stop smoke or soot escaping from the stove. It is essential to ensure that they are properly installed and are not worn out.
The last thing to do is you should remove any birds that have settled on your chimney. Seagulls are a major problem and will often be found on chimneys throughout summer, which can lead to all kinds of debris being dumped in the flue that could cause damage to your stove. You can add various bird guards and spikes on your chimney in order to stop this.
Paper Burning
The right kind of paper will not only ignite an fire quickly, but it could also create dangerous smoke. Some types of paper, such as glossy magazines and giftwrap, contain harmful chemicals that could emit toxic fumes when they burn. Only burn clean paper in your wood stove to avoid creating a dangerous atmosphere.
If you only have a few pieces of paper to burn, consider using the tub. Set a stack over the tub and then light one corner. The water will catch any sparks that fall and stop them from catching the trees or grass that are in flames. If you are concerned about the smell of burning paper, place a bowl of vinegar or baking soda near to neutralize the smell.
Start with a base of small twigs or newspaper that has been shredded. This will ensure that the paper burns properly. Then, add conservatory wood burner -4 medium-sized wood logs to the fire and allow them to start to burn. Then, put the paper on top. The paper will begin to burn quickly So you must monitor the fire closely.
It is an ideal idea to pick an unwind-free day to burn paper outdoors. A strong wind gust could cause embers to fly into your property or into the grass. Inhaling the smoke from burning paper can cause breathing problems.
You can also employ the BBQ grill to burn paper, however this method is best for those with only a few sheets of paper to burn. If you have a grilling surface that is removable from the metal surface, you can take it off and use it and burn the paper directly on the charcoal.
Before you start burning paper, make sure that your wood burner is fully tested and the firepit has been cleared of all twigs and branches. In the event of an emergency, it's a good idea also to keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Consult with your local authorities 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 enjoyment and comfort however, only if you use them in a safe manner. While it might seem obvious to some but the reality is that a lot of people do not follow the basic safety precautions.
Make sure that your stove is well insulated, and that any pipes that connect to the to the outside are shielded. It is also important to make sure that children and pets are kept away from the stove.
Make sure that any paper or trash is not thrown into the fireplace. The burning of these items could cause the fireplace and chimney to overheat. They also can cause creosote, which is a major fire hazard and needs to be cleaned regularly.
Check that the smoke alarms are in good working in good condition and test them regularly. Similarly, it is an excellent idea to install carbon monoxide detectors, which can save lives and are inexpensive.
Always keep a fire extinguisher within reach in the event of an emergency. Never build a large stack of logs. Only burn dry, seasoned wood. Burning a pile of logs will result in a lack of combustion, which can lead to increased CO emissions. It is crucial to keep an eye on and control the flame. If it gets out of control it must be put out immediately.
When you're done using your stove, be sure that the fire is completely out and that all combustible substances have been removed from the flue pipe and firebox. There are certain clearance requirements that will depend on the model of your stove and the way you plan to install it in your home.
Take into consideration a DEFRA approved model if you plan to install your wood-burning stove in a smoke-controlled area. These stoves have been specifically designed to work in smoke-controlled areas. They come in various sizes and colours. Some models can be customized to suit your decor and have an air intake that is designed to provide improved performance in smoke-controlled zones.
Installation
Wood stoves are a popular option for heating small spaces. They can be placed in yurts, sheds, and even cabins. They also provide a warm and cozy fire without the use of oil or electricity. To correctly install your wood stove, it's essential to follow the installation instructions of the manufacturer. These instructions will ensure that your wood stove is safe and you can use it without any problems.
Before installing your stove, remove the surrounding area of any combustible material. It is also recommended to leave at least 16" between the stove and any walls that are combustible. If you do not meet these requirements then a stove board or hearth pad could be installed. This non-combustible mat will come with spacers of 1" to help the stove stand further away from walls, which could reduce the clearance requirements by up to 66%.
You should also take out items that are combustible, such as curtains and furniture to stop smoke from escaping into the room. Also, you must install a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector in your shed. Not to mention, ensure that your shed is equipped with adequate ventilation. It is essential to regularly check your stove and chimney for safety.
It is a good idea to purchase wood stoves that are EPA certified. This certification indicates the stove is more than 75% efficient. This means it can capture and convert more of heat from the wood. It is recommended to choose your wood stove according to the recommended heating capacity of the area in which it will be placed. This will prevent over-loading your stove, which could cause creosote accumulation and smokeouts.
After you have cleared the space and removed fire-prone items, you need to prepare the foundation for your stove. This will involve removing all combustible items and making the hearth ready. Make sure that the vents are clear and open. You'll need to install vents if they are not working.
After installing your stove, you should test its performance by lighting three or four small fires. This will allow you to dry the fire bricks and the paint on your stove and ensure that it is safe to use a large fire.