Monthly Archives: January 2012

Accessories for Wood Burning Stoves

January 31, 2012   The Greener Company   No comments

Wood Burning Stove Accessories  

There are an extensive collection of wood burning stove accessories. Some of these accessories are critical and thus essential to have them. Others are made to enhance the comfort of the user, and one has a choice.

When installing a wood burning stove or fireplace, building a chimney, or carrying out regular repairs or maintenance the following accessories are available.

 

Fire cement

This is used for fusing a stove outlet pipe to a flue or joining a single skin shaft to a double skin insulated one.

 

Heat Resistant Paint

It is used to enhance the outer appearance of the stove paint that can withstand high temperatures is ideal as the stove is bound to get hot.

 

Glass Cleaner

This is used for cleaning the glass by removing smoke and tar stains.

 

Chimney Cleaner

This is a specialist cleaner which is used to prevent tar deposits from building up inside the chimney. It is an additive on the fire.

 

Flue Brushes

They help you clean the inside of the flue to remove tar deposits and other particles.

 

Stove Thermometers

The thermometers are attached to the stove pipe, and their purpose is to give an indication of the temperature at which the stove is operating. It is a very important tool as helps you keep the stove at the correct temperatures keeping in mind that low temperature are conducive for tar formation while high temperature may be damaging to the stove.

 

Replacement Parts

It is obvious that some parts of the stove may become worn out with time. When replacing these parts, ensure you buy your spare parts from a licensed dealer and get professional help on the sizes and the procedure on how to fix the replacements.

 

Fireside Accessories

These are a collection of diminutive tools such as brushes and shovels. They were traditionally found in black or silver but with time have been modified to suit different tastes.

 

Fireguards and Screens

These protect the fire sparks from flying out of the stove when the stove door is left open. It also helps keep away intruders such as pets or even children from getting too close to the fire.

 

Log Baskets and Containers

These serve as storage for wood and kindle. It is preferable to have large containers as some logs are long and heavy. Some containers have their portability enhanced by having wheels fixed on them.

 

Buckets and Holds

They can serve the same purpose as the containers but are most suited for storage and holding of the logs and kindle next to the fire place.

 

Stove Matches

These are used to light the fire. It is advisable to use extra long matches manufactured specially for stove uses. You may also accompany them with match holders for better handling. It is safer to dress in heat resistant gloves for self protection.

 

Log Makers

They are used to convert waste paper, cardboard and wood chippings into logs. It enables one to use materials other than wood to make fire. These materials would otherwise have been difficult to use in a wood stove given their original state.

 

Moisture Meter

The wood being used should be dry enough to prevent tar deposits from building up. The moisture meter is an instrument that is used to establish whether the logs are dry enough for use.

 

It is clear that a wood burner stove has a variety of accessories with each serving a unique purpose. It may be practical however, to purchase all these items all at ones. Concentrate on the most important ones first and then add the rest depending on the resources available.

Flue Alternatives for wood burning stoves

For smoke to escape outside the building housing the stove it must have a flue. However, since the stove pipe cannot be passed through a building it must connected to the flue. Flue must have suitable materials so that it functions best. This means that for a chimney that is used for wood burning stove, then it must have correct material. The flue will help in aerating the chimney such that it there are no deposits of materials such as tar. They are various types of flue that are suitable for these kinds of stoves:

 

Single skin flue

This is a better in appearance since it has a coat of enamel in glossy and matt but must be in a position such that it does not go back inside the chimney. It also heats the room, as well. This kind of flue is made up a bend and an elbow. Cement is used for joining several flues together.

Double skin insulated flue

It insulated such that there is no need of a chimney and thus can pass through cement of walls. It keeps the gases hot such that they do not form tar deposits which are inflammable. It is composed of tubes which are joined together, and also have a bracket or plate for support.

Flues have their specifications in terms of diameter. It should have a larger diameter than that of stove outlet. According to the regulations put into place by the government, the diameter should be 150mm on the minimum side. The flue outlet should also be a distance from the roof the building to avoid gases that might cause fires. They should also be far from windows as well houses. Other regulation that includes the distance form flammable liquids such as three times the diameter of the flue. The single un-insulated pipe should also be short as possible to allow gases escape such they do not cool to form tar deposits.

Flue liners

When using wood burning stove, concrete flue liners are preferable since they last longer, but more expensive. They absorb high temperature and longer to fit in the chimney and also tolerate damp conditions in the chimney. In small scale use, they are made of stainless steel of 316 grade. For safety precautions, it is possible to use the services of a technician during installations to avoid cases of fire.

Chimney linings and wood burning stoves

If there is existing chimney for use with the wood burning stove, then it should be lined so that tar does not occur. For class 1 chimney, the diameter should be at least 7 inches in diameter. Insulation presents the following advantages.

Smooth lining eliminate the possibility of tar accumulation

Easier circulation of gases such that the gases can escape far off due to the warm air rising as a result of high temperate.

Uniform diameter of the pipe ensures that the gases escape faster due to even flow and velocity.

Lining eliminates chances of smoke and gases escaping through the pipe

Types of chimney linings

Flexible insulated chimney liners

It is usually smooth on the inside but corrugated from the outside, thus preventing it from damage such as corrosion. Liners in this chimney are susceptible to wet conditions, paints or chemicals. This is because of toxic substances they provide which cause it to have corrosions. It is also advisable to clean the chimney at least twice in a year to remove tar deposits which are harmful.

Installing a liner is a simple task, but requires help of two people. One situated at the roof and the other at the fire place. The chimney is cleaned first and then and then the pot is removed and a small rope with the weight attached on it is dropped from above. Next step is to drop the liner with the help of a clamp and a pulling rope.

Pumice chimney liners

They are not expensive but labour extensive. Liners can be joined together using glue and also steel collars and fitted into existing or new chimneys. Installing a pumice liner is usually done by first using a rope just as the other case. The exterior of the liners are made of leca and cement to insulate it. Using the services of a registered service provider, then all regulations are followed such that they only seasoned wood is used in the burner.

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Why Buy a Wood Burning Stove?

January 31, 2012   The Greener Company   No comments

Reasons for having a Wood Burning Stove 

  1. It makes people feel and look unique. It creates a feeling of sophistication and style.

 

  1. It is simple to use. It requires less effort to operate and reduces the stresses of lighting a fire like too much smoke and messing the surrounding area.

 

  1. It boosts the appearance of a home thus if one is selling a house, it will probably sell at a   higher price when a wood burner installed compared with when it is not there.

 

  1. Wood burner stoves are more efficient and effective to use than boilers. They are cheaper to use, and their output can be regulated according to owner’s preference.

 

  1. It is more eco-friendly to use the wood burners compared to burning fossil fuels. Wood is a renewable source of energy as some trees take a short span of time to grow. The world may never run out of trees if their harvesting is sustainably done. Fossil fuels take millions of years to regenerate. Their continued use will thus lead to exhaustion of the resource.

 

  1. It is likely that the price of fossil fuels is going up as the resource becomes scarce. For one to use the fossil fuels, one has to adhere to tight regulations especially for new buildings. It is much easier to comply with regulations on carbon footprints.

 

  1. In the modern day, it is possible to use the wood burner for a variety of functions ranging from heating, hot water and heat storage. It is cheaper financially, and ecologically to combine a wood burner system with a solar thermal heating system.

 

  1. Wood burners one of the world’s basic and ancient technologies. People thus feel that they are a part of them and have maintained the wood burner making adjustments to suit their lifestyles.
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How to light a Wood Burning Stove

January 30, 2012   The Greener Company   No comments

How to Light a Fire 

Lighting a Wood Burning Stove

 

Before lighting a fire, it is paramount to ensure that the right type of wood which has been well dried is used to avoid too much smoke, which is damaging to the stove or even pose as a fire hazard. This would also reduce the efficiency of the stove. To light the fire, place the firewood on the fire grates and then lit. Any smoke produced will pass through the flue then to the chimney where it is release to the atmosphere. It is easier to light the fire if one uses kindling.

Kindling are the small pieces of dried wood that lights the fire at first. They are effective as they catch fire quickly. It is not advisable to use wood that is painted, varnished or treated with wood preservatives.

 

It is important to know the type and quality of wood you are using as some types of wood burn better others burn faster some give off more heat and others take long before they extinguish.

All types of wood portray different traits for instance soft woods burn quickly, and at a faster rate than hard woods which burn slowly. For the wood burning stove, it is advisable to use ash, beech or hazel. There are various ways of lighting a fire. However, there is a safe and better way of lighting a fire in a wood burner.

The first step is to remove any ash from inside the stove. This is to make ensure that the flow of the air is not interrupted. The vents should be opened to allow air to circulate thus help the fire to burn. The next step is to place a very flammable material such as newspapers on the graft. On top of these papers, place a layer of kindling sticks. Once this is done, light the papers and close the stove door. When the kindling sticks are well lit, add few larger pieces of wood. Do not fill the oven to capacity as this may hinder air circulation. To maintain a satisfactory level of heat, close the bottom vents and open the upper ones to decrease the amount of airflow into the stove.

 

For best performance, it is important to ensure that there is a good supply of air entering the stove. The amount of air getting into the stove can be controlled using the vents. Controlling the air ensures that overheating does not occur which could otherwise be damaging to the stove. A good fire is the one that burns in a lively manner. If the fire is smoky or tar deposits starts to form at the chimney, the fire is definitely not going to give its best results. It is also advisable to use the stove regularly to keep the inside of the chimney dry and prevent accumulation of tar deposits. This will also prevent the stove from the effects of cooling and expansion that could lead to damage.

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Wood Burning Stoves – The Surrounding Area

January 29, 2012   The Greener Company   No comments

Wood Burning Stoves – The Surrounding Area  

The area surrounding your wood burning stove is important as it insulates non-combustible surfaces from being scorched by the heat from the fire. It also serves to beautify the stove to give it a more appealing look. These surrounds are available in a variety of styles. Given its functions, the surround should be built or installed based on regulations put in place to ensure safety. The regulations require that a hearth must be installed to protect non-combustible material. The size of hearth and how it is fitted is also guided by set guidelines. Flue sizes must also conform to building regulations. Before any work is commenced, the local planning department must certify that all regulations are adhered to. One should also seek the services of a certified installer.

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Different Types of Wood Burning Stoves

January 28, 2012   The Greener Company   No comments

Different Wood Burner Stove Designs  

Wood burning stoves have evolved from the metal box stove to very sophisticated designs with different out puts and functions. They can be classified into three broad types.

 

Box wood stoves

These are the original design of wood burning stoves. They are rectangular in shape with the fire situated inside the metal box. They were quite cheap compared to other models.

 

Airtight wood burning stoves 

These were more effective as they were totally sealed making them airtight. The temperatures can be adjusted by controlling the amount of fuel put into the stove.

They are constructed from metal and flue which enables the smoke to pass through the wall at the sides.

Pellet wood burning stoves

These are stoves the burn using wood pellets stored next to the stove as the source of heat. They are quite efficient and eco-friendly. However, this can be influenced by the quality and type of pellets used. The pellet wood burning stoves do not necessarily use the wood pellet. They use alternative fuels such as wood chips and corn reduced to form pellet. For some stoves, one has to combine the chips and corn with wood pellets for proper functioning.

Pellet wood burners are popular as they can be thermostatically controlled. They can be automatically switched on and off. They are also economical in terms of the amount of pellet to be used.

Shapes 

The wood burning stoves comes in a variety of shapes ranging from box shape, cylinder shape and pot belly shape. The box shaped stoves were the first to be formed. The cylinder and pot belly shaped stoves came later with the cylinder shaped looking more stylish.

 

A large range of outputs is available depending on the model of the stove. Different room sizes can accommodate a certain level of output. One is required to measure the room details such as the height so as to determine the most suitable output for that particular room.

Wood burning stove requirements will also depend on whether the room is open plan and the number of doors and windows the room has.

Catalytic or Non‐catalytic 

Catalytic Stoves 

These kind of stoves have catalytic converters, which burn waste fumes thus reducing fire hazards experienced by earlier stoves. The catalytic converter meets with smoke on the

and ones the temperatures reach a certain temperature, the catalytic converters are activated. The limitation of these stoves is that they have to be regularly maintained which makes them expensive to uphold. They have a very short span of life as they are not long lasting.

 

Non‐catalytic Stoves

These stoves do not use catalytic converters to burn the fumes. This does not mean that they do not burn waste fumes. These stoves use secondary combustion with a longer smoke path. They are quite effective and easy to use.

 

Currently, wood burning stoves are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and styles with sophisticated and elegant designs to suit the different tastes of the user.

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Wood Burning Stoves – a Brief History

January 28, 2012   The Greener Company   No comments

History of Wood Burning Stoves 

Wood Burning Stoves were developed to replace fireplaces traditionally used as a means of heating houses. Fireplaces had the limitations of heating only a small area of the house compared to wood burning stoves that warmed a larger area. Since the first stoves made of metal boxes lacked their own means of expelling the fumes, they were placed next to the fireplace opening to share its chimney. The metal boxes wood burning stoves were later improved to include their own chimneys and a flue. They thus emitted less fumes and could be placed anywhere in the house leading to their widespread use.

 

Wood Burning Stoves originated in America with its first model being developed in 1642 in Massachusetts. Improvements on this model followed with Benjamin Franklin developing his own model ‘The Franklin Stove’ made of cast iron in 1744. It was more proficient than the traditional fireplaces as it emitted more heat with less smoke and had a ventilation shaft for air circulation. A range of negligible improvements have been conceded to the Franklin’s Stove leading to modifications in style and efficiency but the credit goes to Franklin for the invention.

 

In 1796, the Rumford developed a fireplace known as Rumford Fireplace from Franklin’s model. Rumford however, made some adjustments to improve on the original. The early wood burning stoves were constructed using iron, steel or any durable metal.

Progress  

The wood burning stoves were not only used to warm homes but other uses emerged as improvements on the stove continued. One of such uses was cooking. Draws, ovens and legs were fitted and the materials used were less resilience to enable portability. They also had flat surfaces where pans and pots could be placed while cooking. Over years, potbellied and cylinder models of the wood burning stove emerged.

 

Despite the wood burning stove being very famous among the people, it still had its limitations. They were consuming massive amounts of wood, caused pollution and potential fire hazards. Thus in the 1970s, major innovations were paramount. More efficient models, which minimized the negative effects of the stove were established. This was enhanced by the oil resources.

 

Today, wood burning stoves have addressed the earlier limitations and are thus more effective and efficient. They retail more heat, are eco-friendly and are airtight. There are standards set concerning the stoves, for instance that they have to be ecologically friendly. A variety of the wood burners are sold that can suit the choices of all people. They are also available in different capacities. They have thus become a favorite for many

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Wood Burning Stove Care and Maintenance

January 18, 2012   The Greener Company   No comments

Caring and maintaining your Wood Burning Stove

 For a Wood Burning Stove to function effectively, it is vital that one takes care of it. This is critical as it will boost it functioning and ensure safety. One way of taking care of your stove is using the services of a certified installer to carry out conventional repairs on a day to day routine. This may however, not be the case as these professionals may be expensive or hard to get given your environs. Below are some of the guidelines that can help you maintain your stove.

 

Chimneys 

Chimneys have a tendency of building up tar deposits, which can cause fire break-outs. It is thus essential to ensure that you sweep your chimney at least once a year. You can also prevent tar deposits from building up by ensuring that the chimney is well lined. The lining should preferable be made using corrugated stainless steel or pumice. If the chimney is not lined, then a ventilation shaft ought to be put into place and material such as lica should seal the gap found  between the shaft and the chimney for insulation. This ensures that the discharged gases stay hot till the time they are released thus preventing the formation of tar. Ensure also that the chimney is not leaking by using smoke pellets.

To further reduce the formation of tar, the wood to be used must be totally dried up having been dried preferably for a period of over one year. The chimney should be protected from getting wet more so from the rain water which posses a great threat. To avoid this, ensure the rain cap is not broken. The cap is also important as it prevents the chimney from other particles and objects falling from above.

 

Flues 

Tar formation is not exclusive to the chimney but also is a threat to the flue. It is thus advisable that you take care of the deposits as in the case of the chimney. It is also beneficial if there are no open spaces between the various pieces of the flue pipe.

 

Door 

Seals should be put on the door to the wooden stove. The stove will function more effectively if the door is airtight. Fitting the right size of the door seals and cementing them in place ensure that there is no leakage. It is essential that you confirm with an expert concerning the door seals and the suitable cement to use.

 

Paint and Enamel 

Paint that can withstand high temperatures is the most suitable to use to a wood burning stove. The paint helps enhance the outer appearance of the stove. Ensure areas that are not to be painted are covered up. For a factory enameled stove, an enamel filler kit should be used. The paint and the enamel should be obtained from a stove specialist.

 

Firebricks 

Firebricks may become destroyed prompting their replacement. It is important that similar firebricks are used.

Fire Grates 

The fire grate is the surface upon which the wood is placed for lighting. It lies at the bottom of the firebox. The grate is thus, subjected to very intense heat which can damage it. It should thus be replaced every time it is damaged. The new grate should be tested to ensure it perfectly fits onto the stove.

 

Baffle Plates 

Baffles plates made from steel cast iron or ceramic are an essential part of the wood burning stove placed inside the firebox. They are subjected to intense heat from the flames thus are in danger of being worn out. It is necessary to replace them with fresh plates obtained from qualified persons.

 

 

Based on above facts, it can be concluded that carrying out regular checkups on your stove will give it a longer live. Obtaining spare parts and advice from professionals regarding stoves such as the manufacturers will help in boosting its efficiency. Also, ensure the stove has cooled down before making any repairs.

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Sweeping Your Chimney

January 11, 2012   The Greener Company   No comments

Chimney Sweeps and Sweeping Your Chimney

 

 

Chimney sweeping is the process of cleaning the chimney to prevent a chimney fire and maintain a good combustion in your wood burning stove. You can clean your chimney yourself, but it is recommended that you hire professionals such as a NACS or Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps chimney sweep. You may be thinking why you would hire a professional for this job, but this is a very important job and this profession is not new, the chimney sweeping profession is too old to remember and has been going since at least the 16th century.

 

But this does not mean you cannot clean your chimney yourself. Whether you do yourself or hire professional sweepers, in both ways you want to have the job done in the manner that gets the right results, according to the high standards prevailing in the market. The main purpose of cleaning the chimney is to prevent fire. So the cleaning process either by you or the profession sweeper should be performed skillfully and thoroughly.

 

Chimney sweeping is not the only process in cleaning; you need to remove dust on the wall of the chimney too.

Chimney process does not involve the clearing the soot or dust, but need to remove creosote building gradually.

There are some specific tools needed in the process of cleaning chimneys, if you are doing the work yourself.

 

These tools will help you in the whole cleaning process.

 

The tools you will need – Chimney Sweeping Brushes, Covers, Tape, Tarp, Metal Bucket, Mirror, Vacuum, Shovel and broom, Light, Ladder, and Dust Mask.

 

You can either sweep your chimney from the bottom up or from the top down. Cleaning from the top down is the most efficient, but cleaning from the bottom up is the safest!

 

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Defra Approved Wood Burning Stoves

January 10, 2012   The Greener Company   No comments

DEFRA is a department in the United Kingdom and it regulates the smoke emission in the air. The role of this department is very important and crucial because it approves various types of stoves and heating equipments. You should know that DEFRA approval is very necessary for any kind of stove because you cannot sale and purchase any kind of stove without their approval. This department checks the quality of stoves and then gives permission to sale the product. Therefore DEFRA approved products are preferred in the whole world. Similarly these products also considered safe to use. You should know that wood is a very essential part of these stoves. There are many benefits of DEFRA stoves some are listed below

  • These are economical with reduced bills than gas stoves
  • Very low emission of carbon and ammonia and low use of energy
  • Less pollution and very safe for environment
  • Very safe to use practically by the people
  • longer warranties often come with DEFRA approved stoves
  • A lot of designs are available in the market of approved stoves
  • You can operate these stoves with peace of mind in smoke control areas

These are major benefits of using approved stoves. Most of the people prefer and use approves stoves because it is beneficial for them.

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Wood Only Stoves versus Multifuel Stoves

January 09, 2012   The Greener Company   No comments

Many of us want to know the difference between the wood stoves and multi fuel stoves. Further reading will tell you the difference in an easy way.  There is not much difference in between wood only and multi fuel stoves, if you look from outside. But if you open the stove’s door then you will understand more obviously that what the main difference is between the said two is.  If precisely said the main difference in the above two is that the wood stoves are perfectly designed to burn the wood only and the Multi-fuel stoves are specially designed for the use of other fuels, can be coal or other burnable fuels that are smokeless.

 

In the wood burning stoves it is seen that woods are burned on the surface of the burner, and the ashes build up there on the floor of the wood only stoves. Unlike this, multi fuel stoves ashes stores in the pan lying underneath the stove’s grate and should be removed regularly.

 

Every kind of fuel is burned there in the stove and ash drops into the underlying pan.

 

Nowadays wood only stoves are used rarely, because the number selling stove is taken by multi fuel stoves. You can burn easily on the multi fuel stoves what ever you want to burn in a flexible way.

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