Stove Fireplaces - How to Choose, Install and Maintain a Stove Fireplace

A fireplace in the stove is an ideal way to warm up your home. To start a fireplace crumple some newspaper and place it on the grate. Place a pyramid-shaped stack of wood to the top and open the vents to air open to increase the heat.

Make sure you use kiln-dried or seasoned wood to prevent creosote accumulations in the chimney. Do not open the damper when the stove is hot because this can allow heat to escape and release poisons into the room.

How do you select a wood-burning stove?

A fireplace in the stove can add character and comfort into the space. It's important to select the right stove. There are many aspects to consider, including size, type and design. There are other important safety considerations that should be taken into account when choosing the stove.

The first thing you need to decide is whether you'd like to install an insert or an independent stove. Inserts are typically placed inside an existing fireplace, whereas freestanding wood stoves can be set up anywhere. Freestanding stoves are more versatile than inserts and offer several advantages, including more radiant heat and the ability to cook on them. They can also be used to heat water and are a good alternative in the event of power failures. Modern freestanding wood stoves are available in the riff of American Shaker stoves by designer Antonio Citterio and the suspended bulbous stove made by Danish brand Wittus which is on Bjarke's starchitect's Copenhagen houseboat.

Another thing to take into consideration when choosing an appliance is the amount of space that you wish to heat using it. Small stoves are great to heat a small space or cabin, whereas larger wood stoves can be used to heat larger homes. Larger wood stoves are ideal in older homes as well as those with draft problems.

Once you have determined the space you'd like to heat using your stove, it's time to choose a stove. A stove that is too large for the space could overheat, and produce too much heat. This results in lower efficiency in energy use and increased fuel costs. Utilizing a stove calculator as well as getting advice on sizing from experts can help to prevent this issue.

It is also essential to choose a stove that meets the minimum requirements of emission regulation. All stoves sold in Britain must be compliant with the Ecodesign criteria, which ensures greater efficiency and lower emissions than the older models. When selecting the latest stove look for the "ClearSkies" label.

Installation

The installation of a fireplace for a stove is a complicated task that requires specialized skills. It is important to hire an experienced and skilled installer who will ensure that the wood stove is set up correctly and is in compliance with local building codes. Your installer will need to install the stove as well as a flue liner, and ensure that the chimney size is right. The chimney and flue liner should be constructed from materials that are suitable for use with the stove's fire and are able to withstand the high heat produced by combustion.

Be sure to choose the best place for your stove prior to when you begin the installation. It is best to place it on the first floor of your house where you spend most of your time. It is also essential to select a spot that has adequate clearance from combustible surfaces. This includes furniture, floors, and walls made of drywall, plaster or paneling. You should refer to the instructions of the stove's manufacturer for the appropriate distance from surfaces that are combustible. If your stove isn't listed in the list, follow the National Fire Protection Association's recommendations for clearances.

Make sure you have a non-combustible hearth pad that can protect the floor underneath your stove. The pad should be at a minimum 250mm in width by 225mm in height. It should be constructed of non-combustible bricks or tiles. The heat generated by the stove will be transferred to the floor by the pad, therefore it is vital that it is designed to dissipate the heat. The pad should be replaced as it gets worn out.

It is also important to make sure that you have enough space to store the wood that will be used to create fuel for your stove. The ideal is for the wood to be cut and dried before it is put into your stove. This will help to prevent the build-up of tar in the flue, and also reduce maintenance.

If you already have a fireplace, it might be possible to install a stove without the requirement for a chimney. It is recommended to check with your local council's website and offices to determine if this is a viable option for your home. You can set up a direct fireplace if you don't have a chimney. A flue pipe that is sealed can be used as alternative. But, you must make sure that your installation is in compliance with all local and HETAS regulations prior to using the stove.

Safety

Nothing says cozy wintertime ambience like a warm fire in the hearth. It's easy to enjoy the warmth of the flames and the roar of the logs, but it is important to use caution when using the fireplace to be safe from fire hazards. Essential fire safety measures include smoke detectors as well as carbon monoxide alarms inside the home as well as an escape plan for the family that everyone understands and practices. Other safety measures for fires are to keep children out from the fireplace and wood stove, preventing children or pets from stepping into the flames, and cleaning the chimney of flammable creosote buildup.

It is recommended that you have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional every year, whether it's a pellet, wood or gas stove. A clean chimney is the best way to prevent chimney fires and other safety dangers, like carbon monoxide poisoning. It is also recommended to clean the damper and flue regularly, and placing woodstove ashes into a container made of metal that is kept outside of the home.

If you own a pellet or gas stove, you should also make sure the flue vents are open when the stove is in use to help control the flow of air and reduce smoke. The EPA recommends venting the chimney to the outside, at least three feet from any combustible surfaces and that the top of the fireplace is lined with a liner.

Always ensure that the fire has been put out completely before leaving or going home. You should also have an extinguisher of class A near by and keep it clear of clutter so that it's easily accessible in the event in an emergency.

Installing the stove correctly is also crucial. It should be correctly positioned in the room and must be the correct distance from combustible materials. Don't connect your wood stove to a chimney that is used by another appliance such as water heater or furnace, since this could cause dangerous carbon monoxide leakage into the home.

It is also crucial to choose the right kind of wood. It is not recommended to burn wet or rotten logs, painted or pressure-treated lumber or even scrap wood. These can release harmful chemicals into the air you breathe that can cause irritation to your lungs and cause respiratory problems for family members suffering from asthma or other respiratory problems.

Maintenance

Installing, purchasing and using stove fireplaces can be an excellent way to cut down on heating expenses and keep your home warm. To prevent any dangers or damages, it is essential to follow the correct maintenance procedures. This includes scheduling annual chimney sweeps and inspections, making sure the area around the wood stove is clear of any debris or flammable materials, putting smoke detectors throughout your home, ensuring you have an accessible fire extinguisher in a nearby location and regular cleaning of the wood-log burning stoves stove and the chimney leading to it.

Wood stoves are less maintenance-intensive than masonry fireplaces, but they require regular maintenance in order to function safely and effectively. Although the specific procedures differ by stove model, most wood stoves will need to be cleaned regularly of creosote accumulation in the chimney and flue. It is also essential to keep the firebox free of flammable materials and to make sure that the grates, baffle plates and bottom burn plate are in good shape. Examine the gaskets on the glass door to determine if they show signs of wear and tear. This can allow cold air in your home, and reduce the effectiveness of your heater.

A fireplace that is not properly maintained could cause an explosion of fire that spreads out of the firebox and into the home. This poses a serious fire risk, which could result in injuries or even death. To avoid this homeowners must be certain to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the operation of their stove. This will ensure that all combustion byproducts are eliminated from the home and the wood burner is operating at the right temperature that will allow for efficient operation.

When a fire in the stove has been put out, it's important to allow it to cool completely before removing the ash pan. Ash can contain sparks for hours after the fire has been put out, and the improper disposal of them is among the leading causes of home wood stove-related fires. Therefore it is recommended that homeowners use a steel ash container and dispose of them in a secure way.