Another important distinction and one that is often overlooked is the size of a stove. Modern stoves are more efficient and heat more space using a smaller firebox. Stoves that look too small may actually be too big for the space they heat. An over-sized stove can be a problem. Making way for the smoke plays a vital role in keeping the kitchen and home clean and safe. Some of the best Hindware kitchen chimneys can help you keep the environment clean without hassles.
Your comfort level will suffer, and your stove’s efficiency may suffer if it is severely dampened to lower heat output. It’s best to have a clear understanding of your heating requirements before you choose a stove. Ask your stove shop staff about the right size stove for your area. Most of the people prefer using a few of the best faber kitchen chimneys in order to enjoy the performance.
Installation Type of Stoves
Different types of stoves are available for different purposes.
Freestanding stoves.
Stoves are usually placed on a hearth and connected to the chimney through a stovepipe. These stoves can be freestanding.
Inserts for fireplaces.
You can install a high-efficiency wood stove in your fireplace. These inserts are called fireplace inserts.
Note: All stoves and inserts must be installed according to the codes for fire safety. For more information about inserts, see page 23. You can also hire a professional to put one in.
Anatomy of a Wood Stove
There are many models of wood stoves. However, the basic components are common to all stoves.
Parts found in All Wood Stoves
Air control.
Each stove has a dial or lever that adjusts the airflow to the firebox and regulates heat output.
Baffle(s).
Baffles are anything that alters the direction or slows down the flow of gasses within the stove. Baffles can be made of steel, cast iron, or refractory plates and are usually located at the top end of the firebox. Before smoke and gases can escape, they must be moved around the baffle. This allows for faster combustion and reduces the time gasses are left in the stove.
Firebox.
This is where you will build your fire. Some are lined using refractory cement or masonry firebricks, while others are lined by steel or cast iron panels.
Load door(s).
Door to the firebox that is used to add fuel to the fire.
Parts found in some woodstoves
Air wash
Nearly all new stoves feature a glass panel at the front door. The new stoves have an air wash system to keep the glass clear, unlike older models, which can quickly blacken from the condensing wood smoke inside the firebox.
An opening for combustion air is located along the top and bottom of the glass. The glass is kept clean by focusing combustion air against the glass’s inside. This reduces the risk of condensation.
Ash pan.
This pan is located underneath the firebox and used to collect ashes. It makes it easier to ash your stove.
Catalytic combustor
It is a ceramic insert that has many small channels or tubes running through it. It looks almost like a honeycomb. A layer of a catalyst chemical, usually palladium or platinum, is applied to the ceramic’s surface. This reacts with the smoke passing through the channels and causes it to burn.
Damper
Damper is a plate that can be moved to regulate the flow of gases through the stove. Some older stoves included a pipe damper. This is a valve that can be opened or closed to regulate the flow of gasses through a stovepipe.
The bypass damper is an internal feature of new catalytic stoves. This is a metal plate that can be found in the stove. When it is open, it allows smoke and gases to bypass the catalytic unit, allowing them to move around. The bypass damper is closed when the stove has reached the right temperature to allow the catalytic unit’s operation.
Many of the new non-cat stoves come without any damper.
Secondary burn tubes
These perforated metal tubes are located at the top of the firebox and allow combustion air to reach the firebox. Unburned gases that are moving up from the fuel load combine with oxygen from tubes to ignite. The stove’s flue is reheated to burn any smoke that might have been released in an older stove, increasing efficiency and decreasing smoke emissions.
Buy a New Stove
This sounds complex, but it’s not with all the options and features available on new stoves. With a little preparation, shopping for a stove will be easy and enjoyable.
Before you arrive at the stove shop you should have a basic understanding of what you are looking for.
Too often, people purchase a stove solely based on its brand name or appearance. They don’t consider whether it is the right choice for them. Here are some things to consider:
Checklist: Before buying a wood stove
- Decide what the stove should do
- Find out how much heat is needed
- Find out the facts about your hearth and chimney
- Think about the “look” that you desire
- Consider your budget
A chimney professional should inspect your chimney
What are you looking for the stove to do? Sounds like a stupid question. It should heat up, right? But step back a minute. Is this your primary heat source or is it a backup? Are you looking to heat one room or all of your house? Do you use it for entertainment or is it really necessary? What frequency will you use it?
Be clear about your expectations. You might end up choosing something too small or too large, the wrong shape or color, or with the wrong features.
What amount of heat do you require? Take some measurements of the space you would like the stove to heat in order to help your stove shop determine the right size. To avoid overpowering the room, consider entertainment purposes.
Take measurements of the area(s) that you wish to heat. It doesn’t matter if you are exact. You can draw a rough line and then write down the length and width of each space.
Most stove manufacturers will indicate the area that the stove can heat in square feet. It should not be volume. Most specs will list the area assuming that you have eight-foot ceilings and normal insulation. It doesn’t hurt to note the ceiling heights.
You should also consider how many windows you have. You will need a larger stove to heat more space if you have many windows.
