Many home renovators are opting for wood burning stoves in order to create a homely ambience and to make fuel bill economies. A wood burning stove can be used to supplement an existing central heating system and will bring the brightness of a real fire into the home. Wood burning stoves are enclosed and so are a lot cleaner than open fires and also burn more efficiently.
Choosing and installing a wood burning stove needs to be done with care. Here are a few points to ponder:
First Considerations when Choosing a Wood Burning Stove
The size of your hearth is the first consideration and whether it needs to be modified. For a standard fireplace opening one can choose a recessed fire that finishes flush with the chimney breast. Other free standing stove models need to have a clearance all around so that air can circulate and for safety.
Next, factors such as aesthetics and budget need to be considered. For example a rustic stove would fit into a cottage and a slick stainless steel model might be ideal for a room with modern decor. It is a good idea to allocate the maximum budget to purchasing a good quality unit as a light-weight stove will store and emit less heat than a more robustly built model; stoves can weigh between 80 and 150kg. This difference is caused by the amount of metal that has been used in its construction.
Single Door or Double Door Wood Burning Stoves
Other factors that need to be considered include the degree of control you have over the stove and whether it has a single or a double door. Choosing a larger stove with double doors means that larger pieces of wood can be inserted and the fire is more visible. Having a wider stove reduces the amount of labor needed to cut long pieces of wood to size. Most stoves are fitted with air wash systems in order to keep the glass clear of smoke and tar build up. The efficiency of these systems varies from model to model.
Preparing the Chimney before Installing a Wood Burning Stove
It is essential to clean the chimney before starting to install the wood burning stove. Over the years there may have been a build up of tar and debris that can fall down into the hearth if it isn’t removed.
In order to avoid a build up of tar in the chimney (which can lead to fires) it is best to line the chimney with a flexible double skinned stainless steel liner. This will minimise the amount of tar that condenses on its way up the chimney and will produce a better draw.
Installing the liner needs to be done with care since it is easy to damage the chimney stack and chimney if it is done carelessly. After the flue is installed it can be further insulated with vermiculite or glass fibre.
Choosing the Right Stove for Your Room
Making the right choice depends upon getting the right size for the space allotted, whether there is a chimney breast or not, and the style and ability for you to control the stove. Other choices include whether to opt for a stove with a back boiler or a stove with a built in oven. There are some technical considerations to be borne in mind too.
Reference
PMG Ltd, Building Consultants
