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 hold larger pieces of wood than most small stoves and boasts an impressive burning time and heat output.
It can also be shielded with a heatshield for compliance with Approved Document J Building Regulations, which requires wood stoves to be kept away from surfaces that are combustible on all sides.
Clean Wood
Wood stoves are not only beautiful to look at but they also provide a great source of heat for a home. Therefore, they have to be properly maintained to ensure that they run smoothly and efficiently. This can be a little difficult particularly when it is about keeping the glass clean but a few simple steps can make all the difference.
First foremost, it is crucial to only use well-seasoned wood on your wood stove. It must be cut into pieces and stored for at least one year prior to using to reduce the amount of smoke. The burning of unseasoned wood could cause the flue to overheat, which in turn can result in an uncontrollable fire that is out of control or even causing a chimney fire.
Only burn clean wood on your stove. Avoid paper or other non-wood materials such as rubber and plastics, since they can emit toxic fumes that aren't good for your health. Burning treated or painted wood may release harmful chemicals such as arsenic, which is bad for your health.
You should also wash the interior of your stove regularly. You can do this easily by using a regular vacuum cleaner with an attachment for a brush. You can also buy several cleaners specifically designed to be used on glass stoves. However it is essential to make sure any product you purchase does not void the warranty of your stove prior to using it.
Finally, it is important to inspect regularly the fire rope seals around the top and bottom doors of your wood burner. They stop smoke or soot from the stove. It is important to ensure that they are properly installed and not damaged.
One last thing to do is to regularly remove any birds who have made their home of your chimney. Seagulls are a particular problem and often perch on chimneys throughout the summer months, leading to all sorts of debris being deposited in the flue that could cause damage to your stove. You can add various bird guards and spikes on your chimney to avoid this.
Paper Burning
The right kind of paper will not only ignite a fire quickly, but can also produce dangerous smoke. Certain types of paper such as glossy magazines and gift wrap contain toxic chemicals that can emit toxic fumes when burnt. To avoid creating a hazardous environment burning clean paper in your wood burner.
Think about using a tub when you only have a small amount of paper to burn. Set a stack of papers over a tub and light one corner. The water will catch any embers that fall, and prevent them from catching the trees or grass that are on fire. If you are concerned about the smell of burning paper, you can place a bowl of baking soda or vinegar nearby to neutralize the odors.
To ensure that the paper is burning properly begin with a small base of twigs or shredded newspaper. Add 3-4 medium-sized wood logs and let them burn. Then, put the paper on top. The paper will begin to burn quickly, so you should monitor the fire closely.
It is an ideal idea to pick a day that is wind-free to burn papers outside. A strong wind gust can blow embers into the grass or onto your property. Inhaling the smoke of burning paper can cause breathing problems.
You can also employ the BBQ grill to ignite paper, but this method is recommended for those with only a couple of sheets of paper to burn. If you have a grilling surface that is removable from the metal surface, you can remove it to burn the paper directly onto the charcoal.
Before you start burning paper, ensure that your wood burner has been thoroughly tested and that the firepit has been free of any twigs or branches. It is also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher within reach in case of an emergency. Consult with your local authorities and homeowners' association to find out if it is legal to burn paper outside.
Safety Precautions
Wood burning stoves can be a great source of relaxation and comfort but only if you use them safely. While it might appear to some as if it's obvious however, the reality is that many people do not follow the basic safety guidelines.
Make sure that your stove is properly insulated and that the flue pipes that go outside are adequately protected. You should also make sure that pets and children are kept away from the stove.
Make sure that there is no paper or trash is put in the fireplace. The burning of these materials can cause the fireplace and chimney to overheat. They can also produce creosote which is an fire hazard and needs to be cleaned up regularly.
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 handy in the event of an emergency. Always burn only dry, seasoned logs and do not build a pile of logs that is too large. Burning a large pile of logs in a row will result in a lack of combustion and can increase CO emissions. It is also crucial to monitor the fire and if it gets out of control, put it out it immediately.
After large wood burner have finished using your stove, make certain that the fire is completely out and that all combustible materials have been cleared from around the flue pipes and the firebox. The clearance requirements will vary depending on the model of your stove and the method by which you intend to install the stove inside your home.
Consider using a DEFRA approved model if you intend to install your wood burning stove in a smoke-controlled area. These stoves are designed for use in smoke controlled areas and are available in a variety of sizes and colours. Some models can even be customized to match your personal decor and are designed with direct air intake for improved performance in areas with smoke control.
Installation
Wood stoves can be used to warm small areas. They can be installed in sheds, yurts and even cabins. They also provide a warm and cozy fire without the need for electricity or oil. To correctly install your wood stove, it is important to adhere to the manufacturer's installation guidelines. These instructions can help you avoid risky problems and ensure that your stove is safe to use.
Before installing your stove you must remove all combustible items from the area. Also, make sure that you have at least 16" of clearance from the stove to the closest wall that is combustible. If you do not meet these requirements, a stoveboard or hearth pad could be installed. This non-combustible pad will come with 1" spacers that will help the stove to be positioned further away from the wall which could reduce the clearance requirement by as much as 66 percent.
To stop smoke from escaping back into the room, take out combustible things like curtains and furniture. Also, you must install a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector in your shed. Last but not least, make sure that your shed has adequate ventilation. It is essential to regularly inspect your stove for safety.
It is a good idea to buy an electric stove that has EPA certification. This certification indicates the stove is more than 75 percent efficient. This means it can capture and convert a higher amount of heat generated by the wood. You should also select your wood stove in accordance with the recommended heating capacity of the room in which it will be put. This will ensure that you do not risk overloading your stove which could cause creosote accumulation and smokeouts.
Once you have cleared the space and removed any objects that could ignite, you must prepare the foundation for your stove. This includes the removal of any combustible material and preparing the hearth. You should also check for any vents in place to ensure they are clear and open. If not, you'll have to replace the vents.
After installing your stove, test its capabilities by lighting three or four small fires. This will make sure that the paint and fire bricks that are on your stove and ensure that you can safely burn an enormous fire.