Caboose - A Very Small Wood Burner
The Caboose is an Ecodesign and DEFRA approved log burner that can burn smokeless and wood. It can handle larger pieces of wood than most tiny stoves, and boasts a remarkable burning time and heat output.
It can also be protected by a heatshield to ensure compliance with Approved Document J Building Regulations, which requires wood stoves to be kept 150mm away from combustible surfaces on all sides.
Clean Wood
Wood stoves look beautiful, but they are also a great way to heat your home. Therefore, cast iron wood burning stove have to be looked after properly to ensure they run smoothly and efficiently. It is sometimes an issue to keep the glass clear. But a few simple steps can make a significant difference.
First of all, it's essential to only use well-seasoned wood on your wood stove. It should be chopped and stored for a minimum of one year prior to burning, as this will reduce the amount of smoke. Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the flue to overheat and cause a fire that is out of control.
Only burn clean wood on your wood stove. Avoid burning paper and other non-wood products like plastics or rubber, since they release toxic fumes which are bad for your health. Burning treated or painted wood may release harmful chemicals such as arsenic, which is bad for your health.
It is also important to clean the inside of your stove frequently. This can be done quite easily with a standard household vacuum cleaner and brush attachment. You can also purchase a variety cleaners that are 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 prior to using it.
It is also important to inspect the fire rope seals at the top and bottom of your wood stove. These seals stop smoke or soot escaping from the stove. It is important that they are securely installed and are not worn out.
Another thing to remember is to periodically remove any birds that have made a home of your chimney. Seagulls pose a particular threat and often sit on chimneys during the summer months, leading to all manner of debris falling in the flue that could damage your stove. There are a variety of different bird guards and spikes available that can be fitted to your chimney to stop this from occurring.
Paper Burning
The right type of paper will not only ignite an fire quickly, but it can also produce dangerous smoke. Some types of paper such as glossy magazines or giftwrap contain toxic chemicals that release toxic fumes when burnt. Burn only clean paper in your wood stove to avoid creating a dangerous atmosphere.
Think about using more.. when you only have a tiny amount of paper to burn. Set a stack over the tub and then light one corner. The water will catch any embers that fall and prevent them from catching the grass or tree on fire. If you're concerned about the smell, put baking soda or vinegar nearby to neutralize the smell.
Begin with a base of small twigs, or newspaper shredded. This will ensure that the paper burns correctly. Add 3-4 medium-sized wood logs and let them burn. Then, place the paper over the tinder. The paper will quickly burn So you must monitor the fire closely.
It is recommended to pick an unwind-free day to burn papers outdoors. A strong wind gust can cause embers to fly into your property or into the grass. In addition, the smoke from burning papers can cause breathing problems when inhaled.
You can also burn paper using an BBQ grill however, it is recommended to do this if you have only some sheets to burn. If you have a grilling surface you can remove it and then burn the paper directly on the charcoal.
Before you begin to burn paper, make sure that your wood burner is fully operational and that the fire pit is free of branches, twigs, and other materials that could ignite. In case of an emergency, it is recommended to keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Also, check with your county government and your homeowner's association to confirm that it is legal to burn papers outdoors in your area.
Safety Precautions
Wood burning stoves can provide hours of pleasure and comfort however, this joy is only achievable if you take the practical steps to use them in a safe manner. It may seem obvious to some however the reality is that a lot of people do not follow basic safety guidelines.
Make sure that your stove is adequately sealed, and any pipes that connect to the outside are protected. Also, make sure that children and pets are kept away from the stove.
Make sure that any paper or trash is removed from the firebox. The fireplace and chimney can overheat if these items are ignited. They also can cause creosote, which is a major fire hazard and must be cleaned regularly.
Make sure 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 inexpensive.
Keep a fire extinguisher handy in case of emergency. Never create a huge stack of logs. Only burn dry wood that has been seasoned and dry. Burning a large pile of logs together causes incomplete combustion and can increase CO emissions. It is also important to monitor the fire and if it gets out of control, extinguish it quickly.
Whenever you are finished using your stove, make sure that the fire is completely out and that all combustible materials have been removed from the firebox and flue pipes. There are specific clearance requirements based on the model of your stove and on how you plan to install it in your home.
If you're planning to install your wood stove in a smoke-free area, consider a DEFRA-approved model. These stoves are designed for use in smoke-controlled areas. They are available in a variety of sizes and colours. Some models can be customised to suit your decor and include a an air intake that is designed to provide improved performance in smoke-controlled zones.
Installation
Wood stoves can be used to warm small spaces. They can be found in sheds, yurts, and even cabins. They also offer a warm, comfortable fire without the use of oil or electricity. It is important to carefully follow the installation guidelines provided by the manufacturer to set up your wood stove correctly. These guidelines will help you avoid dangerous problems and ensure that your stove is safe to use.
Before installing your stove you must remove all combustible substances from the area. Also, ensure that you have at minimum 16" of space between the stove and the nearest combustible wall. If you cannot meet these requirements then a stove board or hearth pad could be put in place. This non-combustible mat is designed with spacers of 1" to help the stove be positioned further away from walls, which could reduce clearance requirements by up to 66 percent.
It is also recommended to remove combustibles like curtains and furniture to prevent smoke from escaping into the room. Also, you should install a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector in your shed. Not to mention, ensure that your shed is equipped with adequate ventilation. It is crucial to regularly inspect your stove to ensure safety.
It is a good idea to purchase an electric stove that has EPA certification. This certification indicates the stove is more than 75% efficient. It means it will capture and convert more of heat from the wood. It is recommended to choose the wood stove you want to use based on the recommended heating capacity of the area in which it will be placed. This will stop you from overheating your wood stove, which could cause creosote and smokeouts.
After you have cleared out the space and removed all combustible materials You will have to build the foundation for your stove. This involves removing all combustible items and prepping the hearth. Also, you should check for any vents in place to make sure they are not blocked and clear. If not, you will have to replace the vents.
Once your stove is installed, you should test it by lighting three or four small fires. This will allow you to make sure that the fire bricks are cured and paint on your stove. It will also ensure that it's safe to use an extensive fire.