Caboose - A Very Small Wood Burner
The Caboose is an Ecodesign and DEFRA approved log burner which can burn both smokeless and wood. It is able to burn larger pieces of wood, compared to smaller stoves, and it has an impressive heat output and burn time.
The wood stove may be protected by heatshields to meet the requirements of Approved Building Document J which states that wood stoves must be kept 150mm from surfaces that are combustible.
Clean Wood
Wood stoves aren't only beautiful to look at but they also serve as a fantastic source of heat for a home. To ensure that they work efficiently and effectively, they should be maintained properly. This can be a bit of a challenge particularly when it comes to keeping the glass clean however a few easy steps can make a huge difference.
It is essential to 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 burning in order to minimize the amount of smoke. The burning of wood that is not seasoned can cause the flue to overheat, which in turn could result in a fire breaking out of control or even creating a chimney fire.
Only burn clean wood on your wood stove. Avoid burning paper and other non-wood products like plastics or rubber, since they could release toxic fumes that are harmful for your health. Burning treated or painted wood can release harmful chemicals such as arsenic that is harmful for your health.
You should also wash the interior of your stove regularly. It can be done easily with a common household vacuum cleaner and a brush attachment. You can also buy various cleaners specifically designed to be used on glass stoves. However it is essential to ensure that the product you choose to use will not void the warranty on your stove before using it.
It is also important to inspect regularly the fire rope seals around the doors at the top and bottom of your wood burner. These seals help to prevent smoke or soot from leaving the stove and it is crucial to make sure that they are firmly in place and not deteriorating.
The last thing to do is you should get rid of any birds who have landed on your chimney. Seagulls are a particular problem and often be found on chimneys throughout summer, leading to all sorts of debris being deposited into the flue, which could cause damage to your stove. There are a number of different bird guards and spikes available that can be fitted to your chimney to stop this from occurring.
Paper Burning
The right kind of paper will not only ignite the fire quickly, but can also produce dangerous smoke. Certain types of paper such as glossy magazines and giftwrap, contain harmful chemicals that release toxic fumes when they burn. To keep your home safe from creating an unsafe environment burn only clean papers in your wood burner.
If you have only some pieces of paper to burn, you might consider using the tub. Place a stack on top of the tub and then light one corner. The water will absorb any embers that fall and prevent them from catching the surrounding trees or grass that are on fire. If you're concerned about the smell, put a bowl of baking soda or vinegar close by to neutralize it.
Begin with a base of small twigs, or newspaper shredded. This will ensure that the newspaper burns correctly. Add 3-4 medium-sized wood logs and let them burn. Then, place the paper on the top. The paper will burn quickly, so it is important to be close by and watch the flame as it burns.
It is a good idea to choose a day that is wind-free to burn papers outdoors. A strong wind gust could blow embers across the grass or onto your property. In addition, the smoke from burning papers could cause breathing issues when inhaled.
You can also burn paper using the BBQ grill, but it is best to use this method only if you have only a handful of sheets to burn. If you have a grilling surface that is removable from the metal surface, you can take it off and use it to ignite the paper directly onto the charcoal.
Before you start burning paper, make sure that your wood burner is operational and that the fire pit is clear of branches, twigs and other materials that could ignite. It is also a good idea to keep an extinguisher in your reach in case of emergency. Check with your local government and homeowners association to see whether it is legal for you to burn papers outside.
Safety Precautions
Wood-burning stoves can offer many hours of relaxation and pleasure However, that pleasure is only achievable if you take the practical steps to use them in a safe manner. While it may seem to some as if it's obvious but the reality is that many people don't take the time to adhere to simple safety precautions.
Check that your stove is properly protected and insulated, and that all pipes that lead 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 any paper or trash is not thrown into the fireplace. The chimney and fireplace can overheat if these items are burned. They can also produce creosote which is a fire hazard that needs to be cleaned regularly.
Check that the smoke alarms are in good working order and test them monthly. Also, it's recommended to install carbon monoxide detectors which can save lives and are relatively inexpensive.
Always keep a fire extinguisher within reach in the event of an emergency. Always burn only dry, seasoned, and dry logs and don't build a stack of logs that is too large. A large pile of logs that are burning together will result in incomplete combustion, which can increase CO emissions. It is essential to monitor and control the flame. If it becomes out of control, it should be extinguished immediately.
When you're done cooking on your stove, make sure that the fire has been put out and that all combustible items have been cleared from around the firebox and flue pipes. There are certain clearance requirements based on the stove's model and the way you plan to install it in your home.
If you're planning to install your wood stove in a smoke controlled zone, look for a DEFRA approved model. These stoves are specifically designed to work in smoke controlled areas and are available in a variety of sizes and colours. Some models can be customized to fit your specific decor and are designed with direct air intake for better performance in areas with smoke control.
Installation
Wood stoves are a popular option to heat small spaces. They can be installed in yurts, sheds, and even cabins. They also offer a warm, comfortable fire without the use of oil or electricity. In order to correctly install your wood stove, it is crucial to adhere to the manufacturer's installation guidelines. These instructions will ensure that your wood stove is safe to use and can use it without any issues.
Before installing your stove, you should remove the surrounding area of any combustible material. It is also recommended to leave at least 16" between the stove and the closest wall that is combustible. If you are not able to meet these requirements, you could install a hearth pad or stove board. wood burning stoves small -combustible pad will come with 1" spacers to help the stove sit a little further away from the wall, which could reduce the clearance requirement by as much as 66 percent.
You should also remove the furniture and curtains to stop smoke from entering the room. Additionally, you should install a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector in your shed. In addition, you must ensure there is sufficient ventilation in your shed. It is crucial to regularly inspect your stove for safety.
It is a good idea to purchase a wood stove with EPA certification. This certification means that the stove is more than 75 percent efficient, which means it will capture and convert more heat from wood than it expels. It is an excellent idea to choose the wood stove you want to use based on the recommended heating capacity of the area in which it will be installed. This will prevent over-loading your stove, which can cause creosote buildup and smokeouts.
After you have cleared the space and removed any combustible items, you should prepare the stove's foundation. This involves removing all combustible items and prepping the hearth. Verify that the vents are open and free. If they are not, you'll require new vents.
After installing your stove, test its capabilities by lighting three or four small fires. This will help dry the fire bricks and the paint on your stove and ensure that it is safe to burn an extensive fire.