Wood-burning heaters are a wonderful way to warm up a room or even a house, depending on the size. But, like every appliance, they need maintenance and care. So, here are a few dos and don’ts when it comes to taking care of your wood-burning stove:
A wood-burning stove is only intended to burn wood, as the name implies, so don’t be tempted to burn other kinds of fuel like coal, which burns much hotter than wood and could become dangerous. You also need to be careful about the type of wood you burn. For example, you should avoid burning plywood, particleboard, and wood that is painted or pressure treated. It is not advisable to throw gift wrap or colored paper in your wood burner either, as these will all release toxic gas when burned.
Some woods are better for burning than others. Make sure you use dry wood as opposed to wood that has been freshly cut, as it will contain much less moisture. Try starting the fire with a softwood like pine which ignites faster, then switch to a hardwood like ash or hickory that will burn longer, hotter, and cleaner. Cutting wood into small logs is also a good idea.
Finally, because creosote can begin to accumulate in the stovepipe, it will be necessary to have it inspected regularly. Creosote can be hazardous to the home’s occupants, so this is an important way to protect the household.
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