Caboose - A Very Small Wood Burner
The Caboose is an Ecodesign and DEFRA approved log burner which can burn both smokeless and wood. It can burn larger pieces of wood compared to most small stoves, and has a high energy output and burn time.
The wood stove may be shielded by an heatshield to ensure compliance with Approved Building Document J, which states that wood stoves must be kept 150mm from surfaces that are combustible.
Clean Wood
Wood stoves are not just gorgeous, but they are also a great method to heat your home. They need to be maintained properly to ensure that they operate smoothly and efficiently. This can be a little bit of a challenge particularly when it comes to keeping the glass clean but a few simple steps can make a huge difference.
First of all, it's crucial to only use seasoned wood in your wood stove. It should be chopped and kept for a minimum of a year prior to use to reduce the amount of smoke. Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause a flue to overheat and cause a fire that is out of control.
You should also burn clean wood in your wood burning stove. Avoid burning paper and other non-wood products like plastics or rubber because they release toxic fumes which are bad 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 your stove's interior regularly. This can be done quite easily with a common household vacuum cleaner and brush attachment. You can also buy various cleaners that are designed specifically to be used on stove glass, however it is important to check that any product you select doesn't void the warranty of your stove prior to using it.
It is also crucial to examine the fire rope seals at the top and the bottom of your wood stove. These seals are designed to stop smoke or soot from getting out of the stove, and it is important to ensure that they are securely in place and not worn away.
The last thing to do is you must remove any birds who have landed on your chimney. Seagulls are a major problem and are known to be found on chimneys throughout summer, leading to all manner of debris being dumped in the flue that could damage your stove. You can fit a variety of spikes and bird guards to your chimney in order to avoid this.
Paper Burning
The right paper will not only ignite a fire quickly, but can also produce dangerous smoke. Certain types of papers such as gift wrap and glossy magazines, contain harmful chemicals that release toxic fumes when they burn. Make sure to burn only clean paper on your wood stove to avoid creating a hazardous atmosphere.
If you only have some pieces of paper to burn, you might consider using the tub. Set a pile of papers over a tub, and then light one corner. The water will capture the embers and stop them from igniting nearby trees or grass. If you're worried about the smell, place baking soda or vinegar around to neutralize the smell.
Begin with a base of small twigs or newspaper shredded. This will ensure that the paper burns properly. Then, add 3-4 medium-sized wood logs to the flame and let them begin to burn. Then, you can layer the paper over the tinder. The paper will quickly burn So you must monitor the flame closely.
It is recommended to burn your papers outdoors on days when there isn't any wind. A strong wind gust can cause embers to fly into your home or into the grass. Inhaling the smoke from burning paper can also cause breathing problems.
You can also burn paper using a BBQ grill however, it is recommended to use this method only if you have only a handful of sheets to burn. If you have a removable metal grilling surface, you can remove it to ignite the paper directly onto the charcoal.
Before you start burning paper, make sure that your wood burner is fully tested and that the firepit has been free of any twigs or branches. In case there is an emergency, it's a good idea also to keep a fire extinguisher close by. Consult with your local authorities and homeowners' association to find out whether it is permitted to burn paper outside.
Safety Precautions
Wood burning stoves can be a great source of enjoyment and comfort however, only if you utilize them in a safe manner. Although it may appear obvious to some however, the reality is that many people do not follow the basic safety guidelines.
Make indoor wood burner that your stove is properly sealed, and any pipes that connect to the to the outside are shielded. Also, ensure that pets and children are kept away from the stove.
Make sure that any paper or trash is removed from the firebox. The burning of these items could cause the chimney and fireplace to overheat. They can also produce creosote, an ablaze hazard that has to be cleaned regularly.
Check that the smoke alarms are in good in good condition and test them regularly. In addition, it's recommended to install carbon monoxide detectors, which can save lives and are inexpensive.
Keep a fire extinguisher on hand in the event of an emergency. Always burn only dry, seasoned logs, and don't build a stack of logs that are too large. Burning a stack of logs in a row results in incomplete combustion, which can lead to increased CO emissions. It is also crucial to monitor the fire and if it becomes out of control, you must extinguish it immediately.
Whenever you are finished using your stove, be certain that the fire is dead out and that all combustible materials have been removed from the flue pipes and the firebox. There are certain clearance requirements that will depend on the model of your stove and also on the method you intend to install it within your home.
You should consider using a DEFRA approved model if you are planning to install your wood-burning stove in a smoke-controlled space. These stoves are specifically designed to operate in smoke-controlled areas and are available in a range of sizes and colors. Certain models can be customized to fit your personal style and have direct air intake designed for improved performance in smoke-controlled zones.
Installation
Wood stoves are a popular choice to heat small spaces. They can be used in yurts and sheds and even cabins. In addition, they offer a warm and comfortable fire without using electricity or oil. It is essential to follow the installation instructions supplied by the manufacturer to set up your wood stove correctly. These guidelines will help you avoid potentially dangerous problems and ensure that your stove is safe to use.
Before installing your stove, clean the area around it of materials that could ignite. Also, ensure that you have at least 16" of clearance from the stove to the nearest combustible wall. If you are unable to meet these requirements then a stove board or hearth pad can be installed. This non-combustible mat will come with spacers of 1" to allow the stove to sit further away from the walls, which can reduce the clearance requirements by up to 66%.
To prevent smoke from escaping back into the room, you should also remove combustible items like curtains and furniture. Additionally, you should install a carbon monoxide and smoke alarm in your shed. Not to mention, ensure that the shed has adequate ventilation. It is essential to regularly check your stove to ensure safety.
It is a good idea to purchase a wood stove that has EPA certification. This certification means that the stove is more than 75% efficient. It means it will absorb and convert a higher amount of heat generated by the wood. You should also select your wood stove in accordance with the recommended capacity of heating for the space where it will be placed. This will ensure that you do not risk overloading your stove, which can lead to creosote build-up and smokeouts.
After you have cleared the space and removed all combustible material then you must prepare the foundation of your stove. This will involve taking out all combustibles and prepping the hearth. Verify that the vents are free and open. You'll need to install vents if the existing ones aren't functioning properly.
After you have installed your stove, test its capabilities by lighting three or four small fires. This will cure the paint and fire bricks that are on your stove and ensure that you can safely light an enormous fire.