Cast Iron Wood Burning Stove: 10 Things I'd Love To Have Known In The Past

The Cast Iron Wood Burning Stove Cast iron wood burning stoves are traditional, warm heating option that has many advantages. It does not come without difficulties, however. Its weight limits its portability and the initial cost is quite high. Hire a professional to do the installation and any chimney work required. They are well-versed in local codes and safe practices for installation. Versatility When you purchase a cast iron wood stove you're not limited to heating your home using it alone. It can be used with a forced-air furnace or heat pump for a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly home. This is especially applicable if you have an extremely well-insulated house with a tight envelope of walls, windows and doors. Cast iron wood stoves can be a fantastic source of heat for the entire house when combined with other green construction strategies like passive solar heating or high-performance insulation. A wood stove can be easily connected to the HVAC system in your home with an efficient ducting system. The most advanced wood stoves that are available today can burn pellets instead of logs. Pellet-burning stoves produce more heat with less fuel. In fact, certain stoves have an efficiency rating over 85 percent. They are also more environmentally friendly than wood stoves. In recent years, producers of cast iron stoves have started to explore various materials, like steel. Steel is a mix of iron and, more frequently it is between 0.01-1.2 percent carbon. It also has a variety of metals, including manganese, molybdenum, silicon, aluminum vanadium, chromium cobalt Zirconium. Steel is lighter than cast iron, making it more convenient for people who require a portable wood stove. Steel stoves are typically less expensive than cast iron models which makes them a great choice for budget-conscious home owners. However there are a lot of wood stoves do not have the durability and heat retention of cast iron stoves. Another issue with steel stoves is that they are prone to warping when they experience rapid temperature changes. This could cause problems since it allows more air to enter the firebox, which can reduce the efficiency of the flame, and can cause an unsafe and volatile flame. Cast iron is, however can withstand these dramatic temperature changes without warping or allowing more air into the firebox. Jotul manufactures the highest-performing wood stoves made of cast iron available on the market. Their vast network of US and Canadian dealers will help you locate the right model for your requirements. Durability When choosing a wood stove, it is important to take into consideration the durability of the stove itself. Stoves constructed with durable materials like steel and cast iron tend to have longer lifespans than stoves constructed from less durable materials like ceramic or fiberglass. However even the best wood burning stoves can get old if they are not properly maintained. Cast iron is a durable material that can withstand extreme temperatures and rapid fluctuations in temperature without deteriorating. Cast iron stoves last for a long time but they need regular maintenance to look and function at their best. Steel stoves can crack or warp when exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations. The US1261E cast iron log wood stove manufactured by United States Stove Company is an excellent example of how a premium cast iron stove can provide years of reliable heating at an affordable cost. The stove can heat up to 990 square feet of space in log garages, cabins, and workshops with its powerful 54,000 BTU output. The stove can hold logs up to 19 inches and comes with an integrated cooktop for added flexibility. Cast iron wood stoves are well-known for their heat retention. Cast iron absorbs and releases heat slowly over a long period of time. This helps to maintain the temperature of the room at a constant level. A cast iron stove can also be a great option for those who like an old-fashioned, rustic design for their home. One of the latest innovations in wood stove technology has been the invention of pellet-burning stoves. wood burning stoves small have become increasingly popular in homes across the nation. Instead of traditional wood, these stoves use small pellets made of sawdust or bark, as well as other wood scraps which have been dried and pulverized. They are more hygienic than wood and release less harmful gases. The Jotul Alderlea cast iron wood stove has the beauty and durability of a classic wood fireplace, but includes modern features to make it a more energy efficient and versatile heating option. The stove comes with a huge viewing area, a reduced depth to facilitate installation, and a cast iron profile that keeps warmth and heat even after the fire has gone out. The stove can also be equipped with optional doors on the left or right side, making it a perfect choice for a variety of rooms. Convenience Wood stoves are an excellent method of keeping your home warm in winter. The durable, thick materials used in cast iron wood stoves help make them last for decades, so you can enjoy the warm warmth they offer for many years to come. A stove that has a high efficiency rating can warm your home more efficiently than traditional fireplaces. Some stoves boast efficiency ratings that exceed 85 percent. These stoves are efficient and are less polluting than traditional fireplaces, and are also more environmentally friendly. They are compatible with green home building strategies and ducted heating. Cast iron is the most sought-after type of wood stove that is available. Its beauty and durability makes it a top choice among customers. Cast iron can be made into more elaborate designs than a steel stove and it is available in a variety of colors to fit any decor style. Many stoves feature an antique look, while others are sleek and have contemporary cast iron art. Cast iron is a more durable material, so it can be heated more slowly and holds heat for longer than stoves made of steel. It also distributes heat more evenly and reduces hot spots in your living space. Some manufacturers offer cast iron wood burning stoves that have painted finishes, which can add to the aesthetic of your home. Aside from the design, the main difference between steel and cast iron stoves is their weight. Steel stoves weigh less, making them more maneuverable than cast iron models. It is important to hire experts to install any stove, no matter the material. A professional will ensure that the stove is put in securely and in a safe position. Pellet-burning wood stoves are a newer design. They burn a variety materials, including bark and sawdust, which have been ground, dried and then compressed into compact, small pellets. They are much easier to work with and manage than traditional logs and can be stocked in a hopper or fed into the stove through an automatic hopper system. Maintenance Wood stoves have been a favorite choice for home heating. They are durable, long-lasting and easy to maintain. In addition, a quality cast iron wood stove is an purchase that will last an entire lifetime. Wood stove owners must be aware of a few additional maintenance requirements. Wood stove maintenance starts with emptying the firebox and ash pan after every use. Spread the ashes across the hearth when they are cold to stop dormant embers from re-igniting in the wind. After a few times you can also apply an ash layer that is thin on the top of your hearth. This will allow you to insulate your hearth naturally. It is important to always keep a one-eighth to a quarter inch ash layer on the bottom of the stove. This helps in the combustion of the wood as well as providing a natural barrier to keep away insects and other pests. Stove cleaning is another important wood stove maintenance task that can be done using a commercial masonry cleaner available at the majority of hardware stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions for use. A chimney expert should examine and clean the flue every year to minimize the buildup. Creosote can be a deadly chemical that can lead to house fires. During this inspection, the flue is examined for any cracks or warping. Additionally, the stove and flue must be inspected for leaks around connectors, joints and connections. Another frequent maintenance task is to check and replace the rope seal that surrounds the door of the stove. If the seal loses its shape and flattens, it may let fumes escape. It should be replaced. There are other actions that should be taken beyond basic maintenance of the wood stove including the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in the home, and keeping a safe distance between the fireplace and material that is flammable. A chimney sweep should be hired to inspect and clean your chimney regularly to decrease the chance that carbon monoxide will leak. This is especially crucial for older stoves that are not maintained or operated in a proper manner. A regular schedule of inspections, cleaning and regular maintenance will significantly increase the lifespan and efficiency of any kind of wood stove.