Caboose - A Very Small Wood Burner
The Caboose is an Ecodesign and DEFRA approved log burner, that can burn smokeless and wood. It is able to burn larger chunks of wood, compared to small stoves, and also has a high heat output and burn time.
It can also be shielded with a heatshield to comply with Approved Document J Building Regulations, which require wood stoves to be kept 150mm away from surfaces that are combustible on all sides.
Clean Wood
Wood stoves not only look beautiful, but they are also a great method to heat your home. To ensure that they operate efficiently and smoothly they should be maintained properly. This can be a bit of a hassle especially when it is about keeping the glass clean but a few simple steps can make a huge difference.
It is crucial to only burn wood that has been seasoned in your wood stove. It should be cut and stored for a minimum of one year prior to burning to reduce the amount of smoke. Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause a flue to overheat and cause an uncontrollable fire. of control.
It is also recommended to only burn clean wood in your wood burning stove. Avoid using paper or other non-wood materials such as rubber and plastics, because they can release toxic fumes that aren't healthy for your health. Burning treated or painted wood could release harmful chemicals such as arsenic, which can be harmful for your health.
It is also important to clean the inside of your stove frequently. It is easy to do this using a household vacuum cleaner with an attachment for brush. 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 does not invalidate the warranty of your stove prior to using it.
It is also crucial to check the fire rope seals on the top and the bottom of your wood stove. These seals prevent smoke or soot from getting out of the stove and it is crucial to make sure that they are firmly in place and not deteriorating.
The last thing you should do is to remove every so often any birds that have made a home of your chimney. Seagulls pose a particular threat and often perch on chimneys throughout the summer, which can lead to all kinds of debris falling into the flue, which could cause damage to your stove. You can install a variety of bird guards and spikes to your chimney in order to prevent this.
Paper Burning
Burning paper is a quick way to get the fire going, but the wrong type of paper could cause dangerous smoke. Certain types of papers such as glossy magazines or giftwrap contain toxic chemicals that release toxic fumes when burnt. To ensure that you don't create a hazardous environment, only burn clean paper on your wood burner.
You might want to consider using a tub if you have only a small amount of paper to burn. Place a stack on top of the tub and ignite a corner. The water will capture any sparks that fall and stop them from catching the surrounding trees or grass that are on fire. If you're concerned about the smell, put baking soda or vinegar around to neutralize it.
To ensure that the paper burns properly begin with a base of small twigs or newspaper that has been shredded. Add 3-4 medium-sized logs of wood and let them burn. Next, layer the paper on top of the tinder. The paper will burn quickly, so it is important to stay close and observe the flame as it is burning.
It is best to burn your paper outside on a day when there is no wind. A strong gust of wind can blow embers into the grass or onto your property. Inhaling smoke from burning paper could cause breathing problems.
You can also use the BBQ grill to burn paper, however this method is ideal when you only have a couple of sheets of paper to burn. If you have a grilling surface you can remove it and then burn the paper directly on the charcoal.
Before you start burning paper, be sure your wood burner has been thoroughly tested and the firepit has been free of any twigs or branches. In the event there is an emergency, it's a good idea also to keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Also, make sure to check with your local government and your homeowners association to confirm that it is legal to burn paper outside in your area.
Safety Precautions
Wood burning stoves can provide hours of pleasure and comfort, but that joy is only possible if you follow the practical steps to use them in a safe manner. It may appear obvious to others however the reality is that many people fail to follow the most basic safety guidelines.
Make sure that your stove is well sealed, and any pipes that go outside are protected. You will also want to ensure that children or pets are kept away from the stove.
Make sure that no paper or trash is put in the fireplace. The chimney and fireplace could overheat if these materials are ignited. They also can produce creosote which is a fire hazard that needs to be cleaned regularly.
Check the smoke alarms and test them every month. Also, it's an excellent idea to install carbon monoxide detectors which can save lives and are inexpensive.
Keep a fire extinguisher 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. Burning a stack of logs in a row causes incomplete combustion and increases CO emissions. It is also crucial to monitor the fire, and if it gets out of control, put it out it quickly.
After you've finished using your stove, ensure that the fire is out and that all combustible materials are removed from the area around the fireboxes as well as flue pipes. The required clearances will vary according to the model of your stove as well as the way you intend to install your stove in your home.
Take into consideration a DEFRA approved model if you are planning to install your wood-burning stove in a smoke-controlled area. These stoves are designed for use in smoke controlled areas and are available in a variety of sizes and colors. Some models can even be customized to match your personal design and come with direct air intake for better performance in areas with smoke control.
Installation
Wood stoves are a very popular choice to heat small spaces. They can be put in yurts, sheds and even cabins. They also provide a warm and cozy fire without the use of oil or electricity. To ensure that you are able to correctly install your wood stove, it's essential to adhere to the manufacturer's installation guidelines. These instructions will ensure that your wood stove is safe and can use it without issues.
Before installing your stove, you should clear the area around it of any materials that could ignite. Also, you should leave at least 16" between the stove and the nearest wall that is combustible. If you do not meet these requirements then a stove board or hearth pad can be installed. This non-combustible pad will come with 1" spacers that will help the stove sit a little further away from the wall which can reduce the clearance requirement by up to 66%.
To stop smoke from escaping back into the room, take out combustible things like curtains and furniture. Install a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm in your shed. In addition, you must ensure there is sufficient ventilation in your shed. It is important that you regularly inspect your stove for safety.
It is an excellent idea to buy an electric stove made of wood that is EPA certified. This certification indicates that the stove is more than 75 percent efficient, which means it will absorb and convert more heat from wood than it releases. You should also choose the right wood stove based on the recommended heating capacity of the room in which it will be installed. This will help you avoid overloading your wood stove, which could result in smokeouts and creosote.
Once you have cleared the space and removed any objects that could ignite, you must prepare the foundation for your stove. This will involve removing all combustible items and making the hearth ready. Also, you should check for any vents that are in use to make sure they are open and clear. If not, you can find out more 'll require new vents.
After you have set up your stove, test its performance by lighting three or four small fires. This will cure the paint and bricks on your stove and also ensure that you can safely light large flames.