Wood Burning Stoves – The Complete Guide

Wood burners have long been a popular choice for off-grid homes, providing an energy-efficient and cost-effective way to stay warm.

There are many types of wood burners available, from small stoves designed to heat one or two rooms to large boilers capable of heating an entire home.

For tips on choosing the right wood burning stove for off-grid living or any other type of home, it’s important to consider efficiency, smoke emissions, and the type of fuel used.

With proper maintenance, wood burning stoves can be an economical option that provides comfortable warmth without putting a strain on resources.

So Lets Start!

Some cities and countries around the world are introducing legislation to limit wood burning

Are wood burnings going to be illegal?


It is hard to predict the future of wood burning regulations, They are legal at this time however some areas have already taken steps to reduce their emissions.

Some cities and countries around the world are introducing legislation to limit wood burning and increase the use of cleaner energy sources such as gas and electric stoves. In some cases, wood burns are prohibited or only allowed on certain days.

It is important to check your local regulations before installing a wood burner or engaging in any wood burning activities.

Can I install a wood burner?


It is advisable that you get a wood burner installed by a professional. But yes, if you have all the necessary skills and are competent to do the job, you can install a wood burner yourself.

Installing a wood burner can be a challenging and potentially dangerous task, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions and follow all steps accurately.

Installing a wood burner stove into a fireplace chamber

step-by-step instructions.

Tools Needed

  • Angle Grinder
  • Coreless drill
  • Screwdriler
  • Socket set
  • Suitable Screws

1.Measure

Measure the fireplace chamber before you purchase your wood burner, you also should leave a 30mm gap around the wood burner and also it needs to be a certain height as per the stove instructions.

Once you have measured the opening and selected the right size burner, it’s time to move onto step two.

2.Chimney Sweep

Before you install your new stove the chimney will need to be swept to remove all of the old soot and blockages, like old bricks or bird nests.

Also get the chimney tested for leaks, if the chimney is not suitable after it has been tested then a chimney fuel liner will be needed.

Hire a chimney sweeper for this part as they will have all of the necessary tools to sweep the chimney and will also test the chimney for you.

3.Register Plate

If your stove isn’t going to be connected to a flue liner, you’ll need to install a register plate so the smoke and combustibles don’t escape directly into the room it has been installed.

Having one of these plates is key to keeping your home safe from hazardous fumes!

Your stove should come with a register plate and instructions on how to install it correctly.

Once the plate is installed all gaps should be filled with fire cement.

4.Installing Stove

The fuel will need to be cut to size so it fits on top of the stove but also goes deep enough into the register plate hole, once cut push the fuel into the hole and allow enough space to put the stove into place.

Now move the stove into place.

Stoves are normally made from cast iron and can be very heavy so hopefully, someone can help you move it.

Once the stove is in the correct area, you can now slide the fuel back down and connect it to the stove.

5.Sealing All Gaps

Now you have the register plate, stove and fuel in place, again check all of the gaps around the edges and if needed refill with fire cement.

This includes sealing the gap around the fuel and register plate.

You should leave the fire cement to dry as per instructions before using the stove.

At this point, you should install a carbon dioxide tester near the stove but away from the heat.

6.Testing

Well done, your new stove should be in place and looking amazing.

Now you will need to get a professional in to test the stove, this has to be done by a registered professional that can provide you with a HETAS certificate.

If you are unable to find anyone that can issue you the certificate, then you should contact your local authorities so they can be inspected it for safety.

7.Installing A Fuel Liner

If your chimney does require a fuel liner then this will be a two-man job.

Someone will need to go onto the roof so we recommend you watch the video below for this step or better still hire a company to install the liner for you.

What can you burn in a wood burner?


Wood burners can be used to burn a range of fuels, from logs and wood chips to coal and other smokeless fuels.

The type of fuel available will depend on the type of wood burner being used; for example, open fires are generally limited to burning logs only, while closed combustion systems such as stoves and boilers may be able to use different types of fuel.

The type of fuel available will depend on the type of wood burner being used; for example, open fires are generally limited to burning logs only, while closed combustion systems such as stoves and boilers may be able to use different types of fuel.

Pellet stoves require specially formulated sawdust pellets, while larger boilers may be designed specifically for coal or smokeless fuel.

It’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions before choosing a fuel, as some woods can produce higher levels of smoke or create more ash than others.

What should you not burn in a wood burner?


There are certain things you should avoid burning in a wood burner.

These include green wood, wet wood, painted/treated wood, plastic, rubbish, coal (except in boilers designed specifically for this purpose), and anything that produces excessive smoke or sparks.

Burning the wrong type of fuel can be dangerous, so it’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions before using any type of fuel in your wood burner.

It is important to check CO2 levels when installing a wood burner

Do I need a CO2 tester for a wood burner?


It is important to check CO2 levels when installing a wood burner or any other combustion appliance.

It is recommended that you install a Carbon Monoxide (CO2) tester near the appliance, and regularly test for CO2 levels in your home.

CO2 testers are an inexpensive way to ensure your safety and can help alert you if there is an issue with the appliance or ventilation system.

Also, you should check the batteries on the CO2 tester regularly.

How much heat does a wood burner produce?


A standard, non-eco-friendly wood burner typically produces 8,000 to 15,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) of heat per hour.

Eco-friendly burners produce considerably fewer BTUs, usually between 4,000 and 6, 500. On average, it takes about 1 ton of wood to generate around 24 million BTUs of heat.

When a wood burner is burning efficiently, however, each ton of wood can yield up to 28 million BTUs of energy.

Therefore, being mindful of your fuel consumption and burning efficiency is the key to getting the most out of a wood burner.

The ideal temperature of the burner should be between 260 and 460°C.

Eco-friendly wood burner, they are known as EcoDesign stoves.

Can you buy a eco-friendly wood burner?


Yes, you can buy an eco-friendly wood burner, they are known as EcoDesign stoves.

Wood burners are available in a variety of designs and configurations that allow for more efficient burning and reduced emissions.

When shopping for a wood burner, it’s important to look for models that are certified by your local government as environmentally friendly. Look for a model with the highest efficiency rating to ensure maximum savings in fuel costs and minimal environmental footprint.

Additionally, look for features such as advanced combustion chambers, sealed door systems, and catalytic converters to further reduce emissions.

How long should freshly cut timber dry before burning

Freshly cut timber needs to be left to dry out and season before burning. You should never burn green wood. Also known as unseasoned or ‘wet’ wood.

The amount of time required for drying depends on the type of wood, the thickness and size of the logs, and the weather conditions.

In general, it can take 3-6 months for freshly cut timber to season.

Longer drying times may be required if the logs are thicker or if there are harsh weather conditions such as rain or high humidity.

It’s important to give timber plenty of time to season as burning wet wood can cause smoke and pollutants to be emitted into your home.

cleaning wood burner video

How to clean your wood burner 

To properly clean your wood burning stove, you will need to ensure that all fuel has been removed and the stove is cool.

Start by removing the ash pan and brushing it out before emptying it into a suitable container.

The next step is to use a brush or vacuum to remove any leftover ash or debris from inside the stove and its components.

If you need to open the door then make sure that it’s cooled down first.

You can also use specialised cleaning products such as creosote remover to help remove built up dirt or soot on the glass of the door and around the stove area.

Finally, check for any cracks in your appliance, as these may lead to unsafe conditions when using it.

Are wood burners sustainable?


Wood burners are often praised as a cleaner and more environmentally-friendly option compared to other forms of heating.

Even though they produce lower emissions than traditional coal fires, they still contribute significantly to air pollution.

Wood burning is also a resource-intensive form of energy production, using up valuable timber resources that would otherwise be used in sustainable construction projects.

With the introduction of wood burning stoves designed to reduce emissions and increase efficiency, wood burners can become a viable part of an eco-friendly lifestyle if used responsibly and sustainably sourced

Wood burning stoves can be a sustainable option as long as they are used responsibly.

Burning dry and well‑seasoned wood can help to reduce the amount of smoke produced, making it more efficient for heating your home.

It is important to use logs from renewable sources, such as sustainable forestry or FSC certified wood.

This ensures that new trees are planted to replace those that were harvested.

Additionally, modern wood burning stoves feature advanced combustion technology that helps to reduce emissions and maximise energy efficiency.

wood burning stove without a chimney

Can you have a wood burning stove with no chimney?


Yes, it is possible to have a wood burning stove without a chimney.

There are several ways of doing this, such as using a direct vent system, or an insulated double-wall pipe.

With a direct vent system, the flue gases are exhausted directly out of the wall and away from your home.

This option is ideal for those who don’t have the room or don’t want to install a chimney due to its space-consuming nature.

For those with more space, an insulated double-wall pipe provides great thermal protection, meaning that little to no heat is lost during ducting.

This option works best in open plan living spaces allowing for better air circulation and improved efficiency.

Can you burn coal in a wood burning stove?


Burning coal in a wood burning stove is not recommended as it can cause damage to the appliance and release harmful emissions.

Coal produces more smoke than wood, meaning that using it in a wood burning stove will reduce its efficiency, result in higher levels of pollutants and require more frequent cleaning.

If you want to use coal as a fuel for heating your home, it is best to install a dedicated appliance designed specifically for this purpose.

Using a wood burning stove

Step-by-Step Guide

Time needed: 10 minutes

Wood stoves have been around for a very long time, providing warmth and comfort to people all over the world.

Today, wood burning stoves are still popular for those who want an efficient and affordable way to heat their homes.

If you’re new to wood burning stoves, here is a step-by-step guide that will walk you through the process of using one safely and effectively.

  1. Choose Your Wood


    The first step in using a wood burning stove is selecting the right type of wood.

    Different types of wood burn differently, so it’s important to choose the right type of fuel for your needs.

    Hardwoods such as oak, beech, and ash are ideal because they produce more heat and last longer than softwoods like pine or cedar.

  2. Prepare Your Fireplace


    Before starting your fire, make sure your fireplace is properly prepared.

    Remove any debris or ash from the fireplace and check that the chimney flue is open.

    You should also inspect the stovepipe and clean out any residue or blockages before lighting your fire.

  3. Start Your Fire


    Once your fireplace is ready, it’s time to start your fire!

    Begin by placing several small pieces of kindling in the centre of the fireplace.

    Add some larger pieces of wood on top, leaving enough space between them for air circulation.

    Finally, light the kindling with matches or a lighter until you have a nice blaze going.

Add additional logs as needed over time to maintain an even temperature in your home.

Make sure to monitor both smoke levels inside and outside of your home throughout this process so that you can adjust accordingly if necessary

Using a wood burning stove can be an enjoyable experience if done correctly.

By following these steps–choosing your wood carefully, preparing your fireplace correctly, and starting your fire with proper technique–you can ensure that you get the most out of your stove while staying safe at all times!

Wood burners could lower your heating bills, so you’ll be saving over time

Are wood burning stoves cheap to run?


Wood burning stoves are becoming more and more popular as a heating source, but are they really worth it?

This all depends on your situation, but when comparing the cost of running a wood burner to other sources such as gas or electric they can certainly provide some savings.

While buying and installing a wood burning stove can be expensive upfront, you could lower your heating bills, so you’ll be saving over time.

Of course, you will need to factor in the cost of maintenance too, but with good practice and regular cleaning, these costs should remain low.

How much does wood burning stove cost?


The cost of a wood burning stove typically depends on the type, size, and efficiency of the stove.

A basic wood burning stove can cost anywhere from five hundred to three thousand. Higher end models of wood burning stoves with increased efficiency may cost between five and ten thousand.

Installation costs can also add up depending on the complexity of the job.

Additionally, there are often additional costs associated with preparing a room for your stove such as chimney venting, floor reinforcement or wall protection.

Where to buy wood burning stoves?

UK Wood Burning Stoves Stores

If you looking to buy a new wood burner in the UK then go to Direct Stoves Online Store, they have a great selection of stoves and the lowest prices we could find online in the UK.

Conclusion

A wood burning stove is a great way to heat your home in an eco friendly and sustainable way.

If you are thinking about going off grid, a wood stove is a great option for you. Do some research and find the perfect stove for your needs.

There are many different options out there, so take your time and find the one that is right for you.

Author

  • Zero & Zen

    Dedicated to the cause of sustainability and eco-friendliness, our mission is to raise awareness about the importance of eco-conscious living.

    We firmly believe that individual actions can spark collective change and recognise the need for sustainable living to be tailored to your unique circumstances and pace.

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