FAQs
Burning wood in old stoves can also release harmful pollutants such as fine particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your indoor air. Long-term exposure to these indoor pollutants can lead to a range of potentially serious health problems.
Is it OK to buy a used wood stove? ›
You should make a careful inspection of the stove before making your purchase. By performing this inspection, you will be able to detect potential problems and ensure that the stove is in good condition for use. Check the stove's structure. Examine the structure for any breaks, cracks or surface deformities.
What is the difference between a wood burner and a wood-burning stove? ›
Wood burning stoves don't need too much of an introduction - they're stoves designed to solely burn wood logs rather than other types of fuel. Wood burners feature a flat base on which to burn the logs, which is where the ash collects.
What is the lifespan of a wood burning stove? ›
The average lifespan of a wood-burning stove is 10 to 20 years, but taking care of your stove and keeping a close eye on it can mean that you can extend its lifespan to the better half of the number above.
Is it OK to burn rotten wood in wood stove? ›
Mouldy or rotten wood
If you burn rotten wood, it will be less dense and therefore will not burn as well. This low-grade quality of wood will likely produce more smoke and unpleasant odours when used in wood burners.
How much should I spend on wood-burning stove? ›
Wood-burning stove installation costs between $1,500 and $4,000 , with most people paying around $3,000 . Your final project price will depend on the type and material of the stove, labor and permitting costs in your area, the amount of prep work required, and other factors. Normal range for U.S.
Why it is not advisable to use a wood stove? ›
Particle pollution is especially dangerous because these tiny particles can get deep into the organs, harming not just the lungs, but also blood vessels, the heart and brain. Wood smoke can cause coughing, wheezing and asthma attacks, and lead to serious health issues, such as heart attacks, stroke and premature death.
Does wood stove affect home insurance? ›
Even if a wood-burning stove isn't the primary heat source, it will likely increase your homeowners insurance cost. The make and model of the wood-stove and how it's connected to the chimney play a significant role in the safety of a wood stove.
What time of year are wood stoves the cheapest? ›
The off-season, typically spanning from spring to early summer, offers a prime opportunity to explore purchasing new pellet stoves or wood stoves. During this period, retailers often offer promotions and deals to make room for new models.
What is better than a wood-burning stove? ›
For optimal efficiency and convenience, pellet stoves are generally the better choice.
As a rule of thumb, log lengths of 16- to 18-inches will fit in most stoves and fireplaces. Splitting opens the log and exposes the wood to air, helping it dry. Split firewood is also easier to handle and fits into fireplaces and stoves better than un-split logs. Logs can be split by hand using axes, mauls and wedges.
Does wood burn better on a bed of ash? ›
It's easy enough to throw a random assortment of logs into the stove, but doing so is a recipe for fires that fizzle out quickly and fail to reach temperatures sufficient for a cosy home. Wood burns best on a bed of ash, so refrain from clearing it out of your stove every time you use it.
Should you put sand in the bottom of a wood stove? ›
A 2-inch layer of sand or ashes laid in the bottom of the stove will also help prevent overheating of the floor. The materials used to protect the floor should extend 12 inches beyond the sides of the stove without openings and 18 inches beyond the side with the door or other potential openings.
Should I use a grate in my wood stove? ›
But whatever the design, the job they do is the same; a grate allows air to come from underneath the fuel and to be drawn up through it, giving a really good burn. This allows the stove to be most efficient, giving out the maximum amount of heat.
How do I know if my wood burning stove is safe? ›
Certified wood stoves meet stringent environmental and safety standards, typically set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States. These stoves are designed to burn wood more cleanly and efficiently, reducing the emission of harmful particulates and pollutants.
Are old wood stoves better than new ones? ›
Today's wood stove models feature improved safety and efficiency--they produce almost no smoke, minimal ash, and require less firewood. While older uncertified stoves release 15 to 30 grams of smoke per hour, new EPA-certified stoves produce no more than 4.5 grams per hour.
When should a wood stove be replaced? ›
A good quality wood burning stove and a well-maintained one is said to be able to last 10-20 years. A burner that has been cared for will always go a long way or a few decades. However, there could be any mishap due to which you may have to replace your wood stove instantly by a professional wood stove repairman.
What to do with an old wood burning stove? ›
A contractor may need to be found to take it away for you, but ensure they recycle it. If not, you can recycle it yourself by finding a metal recycling centre. Some stoves are suitable for conversion into gas or electric, where you can enjoy the warmth without the guilt of spreading dangerous particulates.