Heating with wood was the original way to keep warm. Through the centuries, it has been refined and improved. Today, modern, high-quality wood stoves can be as much as 65 to 70 percent efficient, providing a comfortable, convenient, economical way to keep warm during the winter months. However, firefighters have seen how lives and property are put at risk when wood heat is not used properly.
A safe stove is made from cast iron or steel plate. These durable materials will cost a little more but will last longer. Quality of construction is also important. Features to look for are airtight door gaskets, sealed joints, a firebox lined with brick and a latch that securely locks. Make sure the size of the stove fits the heating space. If it’s too small it will burn too hot, weakening the stove; too large and it might burn too cool, causing creosote buildup.
Creosote is unburnt wood gases that form a tar-like deposit inside the chimneys and stove pipes. It can be dangerous. All wood stoves cause some creosote deposit. A cold chimney, slow fire and green wood make it worse. To prevent formation of creosote, periodically let the stove burn its hottest for a few minutes, to burn deposits off stove pipes and flue. Check for creosote buildup by placing a mirror under the chimney opening to see if it is clogged, or by rapping the stove pipe to hear if there is a thud instead of a ringing noise.
Cleaning chimneys at least twice a year will help to prevent the buildup of creosote. To do it yourself, scrape the creosote off the chimney using a chain or a burlap sack wired to a long pole and run it up and down the chimney. Then, take the hard-blackened substance from the chimney cleanout and dispose of it. Also, take the flue apart, if possible, to clean.
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