Caboose - A Very Small Wood Burner
The Caboose is an Ecodesign and DEFRA approved log burner, which is able to burn smokeless and wood. It is able to burn larger pieces of wood, compared to smaller stoves, and it has an extremely high efficiency in terms of heat output and burn duration.
It can also be shielded with a heatshield for compliance with Approved Document J Building Regulations, which require wood stoves to be kept 150mm away from combustible surfaces on all sides.
Clean Wood
Wood stoves aren't just attractive to look at, but they also provide a great source of heat for a home. To ensure that they operate efficiently and smoothly they must be properly maintained. This can be a little bit of a hassle, particularly when it comes to keeping the glass clean but a few simple steps can make all the difference.
First of all, it's essential to only use well-seasoned wood on your wood stove. It should be chopped and stored for at least one year prior to burning to reduce the amount of smoke. Burning unseasoned wood can cause the flue to overheat. This could lead to the fire bursting out of control and sparking a chimney fire.
It is also recommended to only burn clean wood on your wood-burning stove. Avoid burning paper and other non-wood products such as rubber or plastics, as they can emit toxic fumes which are bad for your health. Burning treated or painted wood could release harmful chemicals like arsenic, which can be harmful for your health.
You should also wash the inside of your stove frequently. It can be done easily with a common household vacuum cleaner as well as a brush attachment. You can also purchase a variety cleaners that are designed to be used on glass stoves. However it is essential to ensure that any product you use does not void the warranty on your stove prior to using it.
It is also essential to check the fire rope seals at the top and the bottom of your wood stove. These seals stop smoke or soot from the stove. It is important that they are securely installed and not worn out.
Last but not least, you should get rid of any birds that have settled in your chimney. Seagulls are a nuisance as they will perch on chimneys during the summer. This could cause all kinds of debris to be deposited down the flue and damage your stove. You can fit various bird guards and spikes to your chimney in order to stop this.
Paper Burning
The right type of paper won't just start a fire quickly, but it can also release dangerous smoke. Certain types of papers such as glossy magazines and giftwrap contain toxic chemicals that can emit toxic fumes when burnt. To ensure that you don't create a hazardous environment, only burn clean paper on your wood burner.
Think about using a tub when you only have a tiny amount of paper to burn. Place a stack of papers on top of a tub, and then light one corner. The water will catch the embers and prevent them from igniting nearby grass or trees. If you're concerned about the smell, place a bowl of baking soda or vinegar around to neutralize the smell.
To ensure that the paper is burning properly, start with a base of small twigs or shredded newspaper. Add 3-4 medium-sized wood logs, and let them burn. Next, layer the paper over the tinder. The paper will begin to burn quickly, so you should monitor the flame closely.
It is recommended to burn your paper outside on the day there is no wind. A strong wind gust could blow embers into 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, 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 to burn the paper directly over the charcoal.
Before you begin burning paper, ensure that your wood burner is fully operational and that the fire pit is free of twigs, branches, and other materials that could ignite. It is also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher within reach in case of emergency. Consult with your local authorities and homeowners association to see whether it is legal for you to burn papers outside.
Safety Precautions
Wood-burning stoves can offer hours of pleasure and comfort However, that pleasure is only possible if you take the necessary steps to use them in a safe manner. It may seem obvious to others however the reality is that too many people don't follow the basic safety guidelines.
Make sure your stove is properly insulated, and that the flue pipes that go outside are protected. Also, ensure that children and pets are kept away from the stove.
Be sure that no garbage or paper is left in the fireplace. The fireplace and chimney can overheat if these items are ignited. wood burning fires can also create creosote which is a fire hazard that needs to be maintained regularly.
Check that the smoke alarms are in good working condition and test them every month. Installing carbon monoxide alarms could also save lives. They are also 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 pile of logs in a row results in incomplete combustion, which can lead to increased CO emissions. It is essential to keep an eye on and control the fire. If it gets too much, it should be extinguished immediately.
After you have finished using your stove, be certain that the fire is dead out and that all combustible items have been removed from the flue pipe and firebox. There are specific clearance requirements that depend on the stove's model and on how you plan to install it in your home.
Consider using a DEFRA approved model if you plan to install your wood-burning stove in a controlled area. These stoves are designed to work in smoke-controlled areas. They are available in a range of sizes and colors. Some models can be customised to suit your decor and include a direct air intakes designed for better performance in smoke controlled zones.
Installation
Wood stoves can be used to heat small spaces. They can be found in yurts, sheds, and even cabins. They also provide a warm, cozy fire without the use of oil or electricity. 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 dangerous issues, and ensure that your stove is safe to use.
Before installing your stove, you must remove all combustible items from the area. Also, make sure that you have at least 16" of space between the stove and the closest wall that is combustible. If you are not able to meet these requirements, you can install a hearth pad or stove board. This non-combustible mat is designed with spacers of 1" to help the stove sit further away from the walls, which can reduce clearance requirements by as much as 66%.
You should also take out combustibles like curtains and furniture to stop smoke from blowing into the room. Additionally, you should install a carbon monoxide and smoke alarm in your shed. Lastly, you should make sure that there is enough ventilation in your shed. It is crucial to regularly check your stove for safety.
It is a good idea to purchase a wood stove that is EPA certified. This certification indicates that the stove is more than 75% efficient, which means it will take in and convert more heat from wood than it expels. It is an excellent idea to select your wood stove based on the recommended heating capacity of the area where it will be installed. This will help you avoid overloading your stove which can cause creosote buildup and smokeouts.
After you have cleared the space and removed any combustible materials, you will need to prepare the foundation of your stove. This includes removing any combustible materials and preparing the hearth. It is also important to check any vents that are in use to ensure they are not blocked and clear. If they are not, you'll require new vents.
Once your stove is installed and tested, you must test it by lighting 3 or 4 small fires. This will make sure that the paint and fire bricks on your stove and will ensure that you are able to safely light large flames.