Having a wood stove means having the assurance that not only is there a primary or alternate heat source - it's also a means to cook and boil water in times of power failure or in places where electricity is not available. Of course a wood burning appliance is only as reliable as it is appropriate and adequate for its end use.
Check to see how much your home insurance will go up before you buy a wood stove. Some policies may make exceptions for type of stove, for instance, so-called zero clearance stoves. Choose where the stove will go with the assistance of the insurance company and the manufacturer. Improper or ill-advised installation may make your insurance invalid, not to mention jeopardizing you and your family's safety.
See What is Available Locally
There are many makes, models and sizes available, and even if you are a seasoned wood burner, you may be surprised by what is now available. Mother Earth's News' Robert Gulland says even if you don't intend on buying a new stove, a nearby long-time dealer or manufacturer can help you select from what is accessible in your area. Gulland says talk to someone who uses what he or she sells. The best advice will come from someone who has been in the business for a number of years and has a working stove in their home. The local experts will know which particular stove design is best suited to the combination of your requirements. Preferrably the dealer will have burning models in the showroom to compare.
Choose for Effectivity of Design Rather Than Looks
If you purchase a flat topped stove, you will be able to heat water and or other fire-proof containers to prepare meals in times of power outages.
Poorly designed or improperly used woodstoves can emit undesirable exhaust, but many newer designs make for a very clean burning process. Novices need to be advised that wood that has good burning properties and is properly aged is also a major factor in reducing smoke production. Those who sell appliances in your local area will have the best information regarding wood types readily available and the effects of local climactic conditions.
The standard length to which logs are cut is 16”. This length of log burns well in the enclosure of a wood burning stove, and is a convenient size to physically handle. Medium sized stoves and up can accommodate 16” logs loaded into the firebox in either direction. Laying logs across in a firebox from left to right (as commonly seen in fireplaces) is referred to as “east – west loading.” Laying logs in front to back so that the ends of the logs are visible from the outside is known as “north – south loading.”
Look for a Stove That Loads North--South
Wood stoves that are deep enough to take logs in the “north – south” loading are most desirable. They are able to be more fully loaded as all logs can be placed in by handling from their ends. These stoves can also be more fully loaded, as the logs can be stacked inside against the side walls of the firebox.
Another factor in ease of use is the size and location of the door. A single, long door as found on a stove which is wider than it is deep, will be inconvenient to swing open as it may require moving back out of the way. ‘Glass’ front doors are invariably of one piece. Normally, a woodstove that is as wide as it is deep is most versatile. A stove with this configuration allows for loading in both directions and will not have an overly large door.
In choosing the interior features, consider the design of exhaust gas flows. It is important to choose an interior which has horizontal pipes to cause the heat to be maximized. A horizontal baffle will cause the gasses to be burned as thoroughly as possible.
Look for Ease of Ash Removal
Another important feature not to be ignored is how to handle the ash residue from the burning process. Many designs which feature ash pans are inconvenient and awkward to handle. They very often cause ash to be spilled out onto the floor. Replacement of the pans, once emptied, requires more external cleaning and inconvenience. The most practical designs have a floor that is a few inches below the door sill to minimize spillage and allow for easy ash removal.
A well chosen, well built stove is worth the extra time and trouble to find. It will last many years and it means peace of mind, warmth when it's cold, backup for cooking and a potential focal point when you have company.
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