Getting The Most Out of a Wood Stove

Wood stoves are both structural objects that enhance a room lending a certain charm giving the added benefit of being fuel-efficient.

Having a wood stove requires high maintenance to function at optimal levels and to ensure that air flows freely from room to room so it becomes an efficient source of fuel. The following are suggestions of top items that will make the experience of owning a wood stove pleasurable and give it a longer life expectancy.

Rotating fans help circulate warm air emanating from the stove. There are a number of different fans, but two that are popular are the doorway fan that will move the heat into other rooms and fans that are designed to fit into existing ducts providing heat for the entire house.

Air supply ventilators are installed through an outer wall to resolve problems caused by airtight windows that block a wood stove’s draft creating smoke inhalation and impeding proper fuel emissions.  Airs ventilators take advantage of the negative air pressure inside to eliminate the need for a power source.  The end result makes the wood stove one of the best items in your home for energy efficiency and lower fuel costs.

Draft inducers operated electrically help move the airflow up the chimney.  This increases the negative pressure (draft) in the stove and prevents smoke from leaking.

Kettles are a simple way to humidify a room that becomes overly dry.  All you have to do is fill them with water and place the kettle on the wood stove.  I suggest porcelain-coated kettles that do not rust on the inside and are lovely to look at.

Steamers can also be used to humidify the air and by adding potpourri to the water you can fill your home with a heavenly scent,

Trivets are durable cast iron hot plates that are both decorative and functional protecting the top of your stove from rust spots created by a kettle or steamer and shield cooking appliances from excessive heat.

Wood stove thermometers ensures that your fireplace is burning effectively.  They are attached to the stovepipe either magnetically or by drilling a small hole.  This saves on the cost of wood, reduces maintenance, and improves safety.

Hearth pad is fire proof and is situated between the wood stove and floor. Can only be used for wood stoves that are not placed on fireproof floors.

Stovepipe shams can turn a plain stovepipe into a wonderful accent piece. Shams are colorful and easy to place with no need to disconnect or remove the pipe.

High temperature paints can be used for touching up, renewing, and protecting the finish on steel or cast-iron wood stoves.  These paints resist peeling and blistering when subjected to high temperatures.  There are also high temperature polishes available to make your wood stove look black with a brilliant shine.

Gaskets properly installed improve the efficiency of a wood stove and help keep stove glass clean. These usually have a long life, but if your stove gaskets have worn out there are kits available to replace them keeping your stove functioning at peak form.