Why Choose a Side Load Wood Burning Stove?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s first visit why you might want to choose a side load model:
- Ease of Loading: Side loading means wood can be loaded more comfortably, avoiding back strain associated with side-load or front-load models.
- Larger Logs: Some side load models can take longer logs, resulting in longer burns with less reloading.
- Cleaner Operation: When designed correctly, side load stoves can help reduce the amount of smoke that escapes into the room while refueling.
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Installation: Setting the Stage for Success
Correct stove installation is very important to ensure the safe and efficient operation of your side-load wood-burning stove. Only install a wood-burning stove yourself if you’re very familiar with local building codes and manufacturer instructions. A certified professional is highly advised their do it yourself, however, be very careful. What the installation process generally includes:
- Permits and Codes: Always check with your local municipality for required permits and make sure your installation complies with all building codes and regulations.
- Clearances: This is critical to avoid fire hazards with combustible materials, (walls, furniture, etc.) Clearances: Check the stove’s prescription for particular clearance requirements. The clearances will also determine what type of wall protection is required.
- Floor Protection: Protect your flooring from sparks and embers with a non-combustible floor pad. The installation manual for the stove will specify the length and type of floor pad.
- Chimney Connection: A properly sized and functioning chimney must physically connect to the stove. Before you install the stove, have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a certified chimney sweep. The chimney should suffice for the proper draft for burning.
- Ventilation: Make sure that there is sufficient ventilation in the room where the stove is installed. This matters both for combustion and for overall air quality.
- Professional Inspection: Following installation, it is advisable to have a qualified professional inspect your stove and check your chimney connection to make sure everything has been safely installed.
Maintenance: Keeping Your Stove in Top Condition
The maintenance of side-load wood-burning stoves is crucial for their efficiency, effectiveness, and safety. Read more.
- Regular Cleaning:
- Ash Removal: Regularly remove ash (only when the stove is cold!) to ensure proper airflow and combustion. Store ashes in a metal container, and keep the container away from combustible materials.
- Glass Cleaning: A stove glass cleaner cleans the glass door and helps with creosote buildup and visibility.
- Chimney Sweeping: Have your chimney swept professionally at least once a year — or more often if you burn wood regularly. Creosote accumulation in a chimney can be a great fire hazard.
- Gasket Inspection: Check the door and glass gaskets for wear. If necessary, replace them so you can achieve an airtight seal.
- Stovepipe Inspection: Periodically check the stovepipe for any signs of rust, corrosion, or leaks. Adjust parts as needed.
- Baffle Inspection: Several stoves have internal baffles that enhance combustion efficiency. Check these regularly for damage, and replace them as necessary.
Best Practices for Efficient and Safe Operation
Here are the best practices for getting the best out of your side-load wood-burning stove:
- Use Seasoned Wood: Only burn properly dried, well-seasoned firewood. Well-aged wood burns hotter, is cleaner, and generates less creosote. You want the average moisture content to be 20% or less.
- Proper Airflow: Make sure there is sufficient airflow to the fire. Tune the air controls of the stove to obtain the maximum combustion.
- Start with Kindling: Light small pieces of kindling and slowly add larger pieces of wood.
- Avoid Overloading: Don’t overcharge the stove with wood. Over-firing could lead to unburned carbon or excess creosote build-up. Don’t overload the wood burner.
- Monitor the Burn: Keep an eye on the fire and adjust the air controls as needed to ensure a clean and efficient burn.
- Never Burn Treated Wood: Never burn treated wood, painted wood, or trash in your wood-burning stove. These materials can release toxic chemicals into the air and harm your stove and chimney.
- Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: You can install carbon monoxide detectors in your home and test them frequently.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Common problems you may experience with your side-load wood-burning stove and solutions are:
- Excessive Smoke: This can be caused by wet wood, insufficient airflow, or a blocked chimney.
- Poor Draft: That might be a cold chimney, chimney obstructions, or negative pressure in the house.
- Creosote Buildup: A Sign of Incomplete Burning Make sure you’re using dry wood and getting good airflow.
- Difficulty Starting Fires: There’s something wrong with your wood — it’s wet. Or, you don’t have enough kindling. Or your draft isn’t strong enough.
Conclusion
There are numerous advantages to using side-load wood-burning stoves, including ease of loading, larger logs, and cleaner operation. Yet, proper installation is essential for the safe and effective use of these appliances and will require permits, clearance, and a safe chimney connection. Ash removal, chimney sweeping, and gasket inspection are all part of regular maintenance you can perform to keep things running smoothly and avoid potential problems down the road.
Homeowners can minimize potential sources of inefficiency and destructive corrosion by following the recommended guidelines for using aged wood, maintaining optimal airflow, never burning treated materials, and avoiding over-firing the appliance. Similarly, understanding best practices and common concerns such as excessive smoke or creosote buildup is key to a safe and pleasant heating experience, helping to make a side-load wood-burning stove a prudent and effective addition to any property.
FAQs
- What is the best way to load a wood stove?
Watch HERE.
- What are the two types of wood burning stoves?
Wood stoves come in two varieties: catalytic and non-catalytic. First, we’ll explain the difference. Your local wood stove developer can assist you with setting up and establishing both ways you go.
- Is a wood burning stove a good idea?
Though the inbuilt cost is high, the cost of introducing a wood burning stove to the home is both very much a long-term investment as well as the intrinsic competence that comes from having significantly fewer moving parts. Well, running both will still always be an option, of course.
- What are the disadvantages of an inset stove?
Drawbacks of an Inset stove: Inset stoves can prove costly to fit, due to the design. There’s quite a bit of prep work involved with an inset stove, and installation can be complex.
- Can you sleep with a wood burning stove overnight?
By and large yes, you can leave your wood burning stove on overnight, so long as you're taking the precautions needed to make sure that it is both well-maintained and monitored. That being said, there’s a constant risk of a chimney fire, so common sense is key when it comes to your wood burner.
