Caboose - A Very Small Wood Burner
The Caboose is an Ecodesign and DEFRA approved log burner, which can burn both wood and smokeless fuel. It can hold larger pieces of wood than tiny stoves and boasts a long heat output and burn time.
The wood stove can be protected by an heatshield to ensure compliance with Approved Building Document J which stipulates that wood stoves should be kept at least 150mm away from combustible surfaces.
Clean Wood
Wood stoves look beautiful, but they are also an excellent way to heat your home. To ensure that they function efficiently and smoothly, they must be properly maintained. This can be a bit of a challenge, particularly when it is keeping the glass clean however a few easy steps can make all the difference.
First foremost, it is important to only burn the wood that has been seasoned in your wood stove. This means that the wood should be sliced and stored for at least one year before being used, as this will help to reduce smoke output. The burning of unseasoned wood can cause the flue to overheat. This can result in a fire breaking out of control, or creating an explosion in the chimney.
Only burn clean wood on your stove. Avoid burning paper and other non-wood products like rubber or plastics, as they release toxic fumes that are bad for your health. Do not burn treated or painted wood as this can release dangerous chemicals such as arsenic in the air, which is not healthy for you.
It is also important to clean your stove's interior regularly. You can do this easily by using a regular vacuum cleaner equipped with an attachment for a brush. You can also purchase several cleaners made specifically to be used on stove glass However, it is crucial to check that any product you purchase does not invalidate your stove warranty before using it.
Additionally, it is essential to inspect regularly the fire rope seals that surround the top and bottom doors of your wood burner. These seals prevent smoke or soot escaping from the stove. It is important that they are securely installed and not worn out.
Last but not least, you must remove any birds that have landed on your chimney. Seagulls pose a particular threat and are known to be found on chimneys throughout summer months, leading to all manner of debris being deposited into the flue, which could damage your stove. There are a variety of different spikes and bird guards available on the market that can be put on your chimney to stop this from happening.
Paper Burning
Burning paper is a simple method to get a fire started, but the wrong kind of paper could cause dangerous smoke. Certain types of paper like glossy magazines or gift wrap contain toxic chemicals that release toxic fumes when they are burned. Only burn clean paper in your wood stove to avoid creating a dangerous environment.
If you have only just a few pieces of paper to burn, consider using a tub. Place a stack of papers over the tub and light a corner. The water will capture any sparks that fall and stop them from catching the grass or tree in flames. If you're worried about the smell, put baking soda or vinegar nearby to neutralize it.
To make sure the paper burns correctly, start with a small base of branches or newspaper that is shredded. Add 3-4 medium-sized wood logs, and let them burn. Next, layer the paper on top of the burning tinder. The paper will begin to burn quickly and you must watch the flame closely.
It is best to burn your paper outside on a day when there is no wind. A strong gust of wind could blow embers into the grass or onto your home. In addition, the smoke from burning papers can cause breathing problems when inhaled.
You can also use the BBQ grill to ignite paper, but this method is ideal if you only have a few sheets of paper to burn. If you have a grilling surface, you can remove it and burn the paper directly on the charcoal.
Before you begin burning paper, make sure that your wood burner is functional and that the fire pit has been cleared of branches, twigs and other materials that could ignite. It is also a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher within reach in the event of an emergency. Consult with your local authorities and homeowners association to determine whether it is permitted for you to burn paper outside.
Safety Precautions
Wood burning stoves are a great source of enjoyment and comfort, but only if you utilize them in a safe manner. It may appear obvious to others however the reality is that a lot of people do not follow basic safety guidelines.
Make sure your stove is well 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 not left in the fireplace. The chimney and fireplace can overheat if these materials are ignited. They can also produce creosote which is an ablaze hazard that has to be maintained regularly.
Check that the smoke alarms are in good in good condition and test them regularly. Similarly, it is a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors, which can save lives and are relatively inexpensive.
Keep a fire extinguisher in your bag in case of an emergency. Do not build a huge pile of logs. Only burn dry, seasoned wood. A large pile of logs burning together will cause incomplete combustion, which will increase CO emissions. cheap woodburner is also important to monitor the fire, and if it grows out of control, you must extinguish it immediately.
After you have finished using your stove, make sure that the fire is dead out and that all combustible substances have been cleared from around the flue pipe and firebox. The clearance requirements will vary in accordance with the model of your stove and the method by which you intend to install the stove in your home.
If you are planning to install your wood stove in a smoke controlled area, consider a DEFRA-approved model. These stoves are specifically designed to operate in smoke controlled areas and are available in a range of sizes and colours. Certain models can be customized to fit your personal style and also have a an air intake that is designed to provide greater performance in smoke-controlled zones.
Installation
Wood stoves are a very popular choice for heating small areas. They can be used in sheds, yurts, and even cabins. They also provide a warm, cozy fire without the need for oil or electricity. To ensure that you are able to properly install your wood stove, it is essential to follow the installation instructions of the manufacturer. These guidelines will help you avoid potentially dangerous problems and ensure that your stove is safe to use.
Before installing your stove you must remove all combustible items from the area. You should also leave at least 16" between the stove and the nearest walls that are combustible. If you are unable to meet these requirements, a stove board or hearth pad can be installed. The non-combustible pad comes with 1" spacers to allow the stove sit a little further away from the wall, which can reduce the clearance requirement by as much as 66 percent.
To prevent smoke from escaping back into the room, remove any combustible objects such as curtains and furniture. Also, you must install a carbon monoxide alarm and smoke alarm in your shed. In addition, you must make sure that there is enough ventilation in the shed. It is important to regularly inspect your stove and chimney to ensure security.
It is a good option to purchase a wood stove with EPA certification. This means that the stove is more than 75% efficient. This means it can capture and convert more of heat from the wood. It is an excellent idea to choose the wood stove you want to use based on the recommended heating capacity of the area where it will be installed. This will stop you from overheating your wood stove, which could result in smokeouts and creosote.
After you have cleared the space and removed all combustible materials, you will need to prepare the foundation of your stove. This will include the removal of any combustible material and preparing the hearth. Verify that the vents are clear and open. You'll need to put in vents if they are not working.
After your stove has been installed and tested, you must test it by lighting 3 or 4 small fires. This will help cure the fire bricks and the paint on your stove and will make sure that it is safe to ignite large flames.