Caboose - A Very Small Wood Burner
The Caboose is an Ecodesign and DEFRA approved log burner, that can burn smokeless and wood. It can hold larger pieces of wood than tiny stoves, and boasts a remarkable burning time and heat output.
The wood stove can be protected by heatshields to meet the requirements of Approved Building Document J, which stipulates that wood stoves must be kept away from surfaces that are combustible.
Clean Wood
Wood stoves not only look gorgeous, but they are also a great method to heat your home. As such, they need to be looked after properly to ensure that they run smoothly and efficiently. This can be a difficult particularly when it is keeping the glass clean however a few easy steps can make all the difference.
First of all, it is important to only burn well-seasoned wood on your wood stove. This means that it must be cut and stored for at least one year prior to use in order to limit the amount of smoke that is released. The burning of unseasoned wood could cause the flue to overheat, which could result in an uncontrollable fire that is out of control, or causing an explosion in the chimney.
You should also only burn clean wood in your wood burning stove. Avoid burning paper or other non-wood materials, such as plastics and rubber, since they can emit toxic fumes that are not healthy for you. Burning treated or painted wood may release harmful chemicals, such as arsenic, which can be harmful for your health.
It is also recommended to clean up the inside of your stove. This can be accomplished easily with a standard household vacuum cleaner and brush attachment. You can also buy a variety cleaners that are specifically designed to be used on stove glass. However, it is important to ensure that the product you purchase does not void the warranty of your stove before using it.
It is also important to regularly inspect the fire rope seals that surround the top and bottom doors of your wood burner. These seals are designed to stop smoke or soot from escaping the stove and are crucial to ensure that they're securely in place and not worn away.
The last thing you should do is to regularly remove any birds that have made a home on your chimney. Seagulls can be a problem since they tend to sit on chimneys in the summer. This can cause all kinds of debris to be deposited down the flue and damage your stove. You can install a variety of bird guards and spikes to your chimney to avoid this.
Paper Burning
The right type of paper will not only ignite a fire quickly, but it can also release dangerous smoke. Certain types of paper like glossy magazines or gift wrap contain harmful chemicals that release toxic fumes when burnt. Burn only clean paper in your wood stove to avoid creating a hazardous atmosphere.
Consider using a tub if you have only a small amount of paper to burn. Set a stack of papers on top of a tub, and then light one corner. The water will smother the embers and prevent them from setting fire to nearby trees or grass. If you're worried about the smell of burning paper, put a bowl full of vinegar or baking soda close by to neutralize the smell.
Start 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. Next, layer the paper over the tinder. The paper will burn quickly and it is crucial to be close by and watch the flame as it is burning.
It is recommended to burn your papers outdoors on the day there isn't any wind. A strong wind gust could blow embers across the grass or directly onto your home. Inhaling the smoke from burning paper can cause breathing issues.
You can also make use of a BBQ grill to burn paper, however this method is best when you only have a few sheets of paper to burn. If you have a removable 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 operational and that the fire pit is free of branches, twigs, and other flammable materials. In case there is an emergency, it is an excellent idea to keep a fire extinguisher in the vicinity. Also, make sure to check with your county government as well as your homeowners association to confirm that it is legal to burn papers outdoors in your area.
Safety Precautions
Wood burning stoves are fantastic sources of enjoyment and comfort however, only if you use them safely. It may appear obvious to others, but the truth is that too many people don't follow the basic safety guidelines.
Make sure your stove is properly insulated and that any flue pipes running outside are protected. You will also want to ensure that any children or pets are kept away from the stove.
Make sure that no paper or trash is placed in the fireplace. The fireplace and chimney can overheat if the items are burned. They can also produce creosote, which is a fire hazard that needs to be maintained regularly.
Check the smoke alarms and test them every month. In addition, it's a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors which can save lives and are inexpensive.
Always keep talks about it within reach in the event in the event of an emergency. Always burn only dry, seasoned, and dry logs and do not build a pile of logs that are too large. Burning a large pile of logs results in incomplete combustion and can increase CO emissions. It is crucial to keep an eye on and manage the flame. If it becomes out of control the fire should be snuffed out immediately.
After you've used your stove, make sure the fire has been extinguished and that all combustible materials have been removed from the space around the fireboxes and flue pipes. The required clearances will vary depending on the model of your stove as well as the way you plan to place the stove inside your home.
You should consider using a DEFRA approved model if you intend to install your wood burning stove in a smoke-controlled area. These stoves have been specifically designed to operate in smoke-controlled areas. They come in various sizes and colors. Some models can be customised to suit your decor and include a direct air intake designed for better performance in smoke controlled zones.
Installation
Wood stoves are a popular option for heating small areas. They can be used in yurts and sheds and even cabins. They also offer a warm and comfortable fire that does not require electricity or oil. It is crucial to follow the installation instructions supplied by the manufacturer in order to set up your wood stove correctly. These instructions will help you avoid dangerous problems, and ensure your stove is safe to use.
Before installing your stove, you should remove the area around it of any combustible material. Also, make sure that you have at least 16" of clearance from the stove to the closest wall that is combustible. If you cannot meet these requirements, a stove board or hearth pad may be put in place. This non-combustible pad will come with 1" spacers to help the stove to sit further away from the wall, which can reduce the clearance requirement by as much as 66%.
To prevent smoke from blowing back into the room, take out combustible things like curtains and furniture. Install a carbon monoxide alarm in your shed. Additionally, you should make sure that there is enough ventilation in the shed. It is important that you regularly inspect your stove for safety.
It is a good idea to purchase wood stoves that are EPA certified. This certification signifies that the stove is at least 75% efficient, which means it will absorb and convert more heat from wood than it releases. It is an excellent idea to choose the wood stove you want to use based on the recommended heating capacity of the space in which it will be placed. This will help you avoid overloading your stove which can lead to creosote build-up and smokeouts.
Once you have cleared the area and removed fire-prone items, you need to prepare the foundation for your stove. This involves the removal of all combustible objects and making the hearth ready. You should also check for any vents in place to make sure they are open and clear. You will need to install vents if they aren't functioning properly.
Once your stove is installed and you are ready to test it by lighting 3 or 4 small fires. This will cure the paint and bricks that are on your stove and ensure that you can safely burn an enormous fire.