Caboose - A Very Small Wood Burner
The Caboose is an Ecodesign and DEFRA approved log burner, that can burn smokeless and wood. It can burn larger pieces of wood than small stoves, and has an impressive energy output and burn time.
It can also be protected with a heatshield for compliance with Approved Document J Building Regulations, which require wood stoves to be kept at least 150mm away from surfaces that are combustible on all sides.
Clean Wood
Wood stoves aren't just stunning to look at, they also serve as a fantastic source of heating for homes. As such, they need to be maintained properly to ensure that they run smoothly and efficiently. This can be a little difficult particularly when it is about keeping the glass clean however a few easy steps can make a huge difference.
First of all, it's important to only burn well-seasoned wood on your wood stove. It must be cut into pieces and stored for at least one year prior to using, as this will reduce the amount of smoke. Burning unseasoned wood could cause the flue to overheat, which in turn could lead to an uncontrollable fire that is out of control or even creating an explosion in the chimney.
It is also recommended to only burn clean wood in your wood-burning stove. Avoid paper or other non-wood materials, such as plastics and rubber, since they can emit toxic fumes that are not healthy for your health. Burning treated or painted wood may release harmful chemicals like arsenic, which is bad for your health.
It is also important to clean the inside of your stove frequently. It is easy to do this by using a regular vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. You can also purchase a variety of cleaners designed specifically for use on glass stoves It is however important to check that any product you select will not void the warranty on your stove prior to using it.
Finally, it is important to regularly inspect the fire rope seals around the top and bottom doors of your wood burner. These seals stop smoke or soot escaping from the stove. It is essential to ensure that they are properly installed and are not worn out.
Last but not least, you should get rid of any birds that have landed in your chimney. Seagulls can be a problem since they tend to be a nuisance to chimneys during summer. This can cause all sorts of debris to be deposited into the flue, which can damage your stove. You can fit various spikes and bird guards to your chimney in order to stop this.
Paper Burning
Burning paper is an easy method of getting an fire going, however the wrong kind of paper can create dangerous smoke. Some types of paper such as glossy magazines and giftwrap, contain harmful chemicals that could release toxic fumes when they burn. Burn only clean paper in your wood stove to avoid creating a hazardous atmosphere.
You might want to consider using a tub if you only have a tiny amount of paper to burn. Set a pile of papers on top of a tub, and then light one corner. The water will catch any embers that fall and prevent them from catching the trees or grass that are in flames. If you're concerned about the smell, put a bowl of baking soda or vinegar around to neutralize the smell.
To ensure that the paper burns correctly Start with a small base of branches or newspaper that is shredded. Then add 3-4 medium-sized logs to the flame and allow them to start to burn. Then, you can layer the paper over the fire. The paper will burn fast, so you should monitor the fire closely.
It is recommended to pick an unwind-free day to burn papers outside. A strong wind gust could send embers into your home or in the grass. In addition, the smoke from burning papers could cause breathing problems when inhaled.
You can also use the BBQ grill to burn paper, however this method is best for those with only a few sheets of paper to burn. If you have a removable metal grilling surface, you can remove it to burn the paper directly onto the charcoal.
Before you begin burning paper, make sure that your wood burner has been thoroughly tested and the firepit has been cleared of all twigs and branches. In case of an emergency, it is an excellent idea to keep a fire extinguisher close by. Consult with your local authorities and homeowners association to see if it is legal to burn paper outside.
Safety Precautions
Wood burning stoves are an excellent source of enjoyment and comfort however, only if you use them with care. Although it may seem obvious to some, the fact is that many people don't take the time to adhere to simple safety precautions.
Check that your stove is adequately protected and insulated, and that all pipes that lead to the outside are shielded. You should also make sure that children and pets are kept away from the stove.
Make sure that there is no trash or paper is left in the firebox. The chimney and fireplace can overheat if these items are ignited. They also can cause creosote that is a significant fire hazard and needs to be cleaned on a regular basis.
Make sure to check the smoke alarms and test them each month. In addition, it's recommended to install carbon monoxide detectors which can save lives and are relatively inexpensive.
Keep freestanding wood burner in your bag in case of an emergency. Never create a huge stack of logs. Only burn dry wood that has been seasoned and dry. A pile of logs burning together will cause incomplete combustion, which can increase CO emissions. It is also important to keep an eye on the fire and if it gets out of control, put it out it quickly.
After you've used your stove, make sure the fire has been put out and that all combustible materials have been removed from the space around the fireboxes and flue pipes. There are certain clearance requirements based on the model of your stove and also on the method you intend to install it in your home.
Take into consideration using a DEFRA approved model if you plan to install your wood burning stove in a smoke-controlled area. These stoves have been specifically designed to be used in areas with smoke control. They are available in a variety of sizes and colors. Some models can be customised to your specific decor and are designed with direct air intake for improved performance in smoke control zones.
Installation
Wood stoves are a very popular choice to heat small areas. They can be used in yurts, sheds, and even cabins. They also offer a warm, comfortable fire without the use of electricity or oil. In order to properly install your wood stove, it is essential to follow the installation instructions of the manufacturer. These instructions will help you avoid dangerous issues, 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 clearance from the stove to the nearest wall that is combustible. If you are not able to meet these requirements, you could install a hearth pad or stove board. This non-combustible pad will come with 1" spacers to allow the stove sit a little further away from the wall which can reduce the clearance requirement by up to 66 percent.
To stop smoke from blowing back into the room, take out combustible things like curtains and furniture. Install a carbon monoxide alarm in your shed. The last thing to do is make sure that your shed has adequate ventilation. It is essential to regularly check your stove for safety.
It is recommended to buy a wood stove that is EPA certified. This certification signifies that the stove is more than 75 percent efficient, meaning it will absorb and convert more heat from wood than it expels. You should also choose the right wood stove based on the recommended heating capacity for the room in which it will be installed. This will prevent you from overloading your wood stove, which could lead to smokeouts and creosote.
After you have cleared out the space and removed all combustible materials, you will need to make the foundations of your stove. This includes removing all combustible items and making the hearth ready. Check that any existing vents are clear and open. If not, you will need to install new vents.
Once your stove is installed and tested, you must test it by lighting 3 or 4 small fires. This will cure the paint and bricks on your stove, and ensure that you can safely burn an enormous fire.