Caboose - A Very Small Wood Burner
The Caboose is an Ecodesign and DEFRA approved log burner, that can burn wood and smokeless fuel. It can hold larger pieces of wood than most tiny stoves and boasts an impressive heat output and burn time.
The wood stove can be shielded by an heatshield to ensure compliance with Approved Building Document J, which states that wood stoves should be kept away from combustible surfaces.
Clean Wood
Wood stoves not only look gorgeous, but they are also a great method to warm your home. To ensure that they work efficiently and smoothly, they must be properly maintained. This can be a little bit of a challenge especially when it is keeping the glass clean however a few easy steps can make a huge difference.
It is important that you only burn wood that has been seasoned in your wood stove. It must be cut into pieces and kept for a minimum of one year prior to using, as this will reduce the amount of smoke. Unseasoned wood can cause a fireplace to overheat, which can result in a fire that is out of control.
Only burn clean wood on your stove. Avoid burning paper or other non-wood materials, such as rubber and plastics, as these can produce toxic fumes that aren't good for your health. Do not burn treated or painted wood since this can release dangerous chemicals such as arsenic in the air that isn't good for you.
You should also clean your stove's interior regularly. It is easy to do this with a vacuum cleaner from your home equipped with a brush attachment. You can also buy a variety of cleaners designed specifically for use on glass stoves However, it is crucial to ensure that the product you select will not void your stove warranty before using it.
It is also crucial to examine the fire rope seals at the top and bottom of your wood stove. They stop smoke or soot from the stove. It is crucial that they are securely installed and not damaged.
The last thing you should do is to remove every so often any birds that have made a home of your chimney. Seagulls are a particular problem and often sit on chimneys during the summer months, leading to all sorts of debris falling in the flue that could cause damage to your stove. There are a number of different bird guards and spikes available for sale that can be fitted to your chimney to prevent this from happening.
Paper Burning
Burning paper is an easy method of getting the fire going, but the wrong type of paper could cause dangerous smoke. Certain types of papers such as glossy magazines and giftwrap, contain harmful chemicals that release toxic fumes as they burn. To avoid creating a hazardous environment, only burn clean paper in your wood burner.
If you have only a few pieces of paper to burn, you might consider using the tub. Set a stack over the tub and ignite a corner. The water will smother the embers and prevent them from burning nearby trees or grass. If you're concerned about the smell, place a bowl of baking soda or vinegar close by to neutralize the smell.
Start with a base of small twigs, or newspaper shredded. This will ensure that the paper burns in a proper manner. Add 3-4 medium-sized wood logs and let them burn. Next, layer the paper on top of the tinder. The paper will quickly burn and it is crucial to stay close and watch the fire as it is burning.
It is a good idea to choose an unwind-free day to burn paper outdoors. A strong wind gust could blow embers across the grass or onto your property. Inhaling the smoke of burning paper can cause breathing problems.
You can also make use of a BBQ grill to ignite paper, but this method is recommended if you only have a few sheets of paper to burn. If you have a grilling surface, you can take it off and use it and burn the paper directly on the charcoal.
Before you begin burning paper, ensure that your wood burner is functional and that the fire pit is clear of branches, twigs and other flammable materials. It is recommended to keep an extinguisher in your reach in case of an emergency. Also, check with your local government and your homeowners association to confirm that it is legal to burn papers outdoors in your area.
Safety Precautions
Wood burning stoves can be an excellent source of enjoyment and comfort but only if you utilize them in a safe manner. It may seem obvious to others but the reality is that too many people don't follow the basic safety precautions.
Make sure your stove is well insulated, and that any pipes that go to the outside are secured. You will also want to ensure that any children or pets are kept away from the stove.
Make sure that there is no trash or paper is left in the firebox. The burning of these items can cause the fireplace and chimney to overheat. They can also create creosote that is a significant fire hazard that must be cleaned on a regular basis.
Check the smoke alarms and test them each month. Similarly, it is an excellent idea to install carbon monoxide detectors, which can save lives and are affordable.
Keep a fire extinguisher on hand in case of an emergency. Always burn only dry, seasoned, and dry logs and don't build a stack of logs that is too large. Burning a pile of logs causes incomplete combustion and increases CO emissions. It is also crucial to keep an eye on the fire and if it grows out of control, put it out it as soon as possible.
After you've finished using your stove make sure that the fire is out and that all combustible materials have been removed from the area around the fireboxes as well as flue pipes. The clearance requirements will vary in accordance with the model of your stove and the method by which you intend to install the stove in your home.
You should consider a DEFRA approved model if you intend to install your wood-burning stove in a smoke-controlled area. These stoves are designed to work in smoke-controlled areas. They are available in different sizes and colours. Some models can even be customized to match your personal style and have direct air intake for better performance in areas with smoke control.
Installation
Wood stoves are a very popular choice for heating small spaces. They can be installed in sheds, yurts and even cabins. They also provide a warm, cozy fire without the need for electricity or oil. To ensure that you are able to correctly install your wood stove, it is essential to follow the installation instructions of the manufacturer. These instructions will help you avoid potentially dangerous problems, and ensure your stove is safe to use.
Before installing your stove, you should clean the surrounding area of any fire-prone material. Also, you should leave at least 16" between the stove and the nearest walls that are combustible. If you are unable to meet these requirements then a stove board or hearth pad can be installed. This non-combustible mat is designed with spacers of 1" to help the stove stand further away from walls, which can reduce clearance requirements by as much as 66%.
You should also take out the furniture and curtains to stop smoke from escaping into the room. Also, you must install a carbon monoxide alarm and smoke alarm in your shed. In addition, you must ensure that there is adequate ventilation in the shed. It is essential to regularly check your stove to ensure safety.
It is a smart idea to purchase an electric stove that has EPA certification. This certification indicates that the stove is over 75% efficient, which means it will absorb and convert more heat from wood than it releases. You should also choose the right wood stove based on the recommended heating capacity for the room in which it will be installed. This will help you avoid overloading your wood stove which could cause creosote and smokeouts.
After you have cleared the area and removed fire-prone items, you need to prepare the stove's foundation. top wood burning stoves includes taking out all combustibles and prepping the hearth. Make sure that the vents are free and open. You will need to install vents if the existing ones aren't functioning properly.
When your stove is set up, you should test it by lighting 3 or 4 small fires. This will allow you to cure the fire bricks and the paint on your stove and will make sure that it is safe to use large flames.