If you're in the market for a wood-burning stove or new to owning a wood stove, you may have some questions. To help you along the way, we've collected some of our customers' commonly asked questions about wood stoves below along with helpful answers.
If you don't see your question here, please reach out to our product specialists, they're happy to offer their expertise, and they don't work on commission, so you won't have to worry about any high-pressure sales tactics.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- How Does a Wood Stove Work?
- How to Use a Wood-Burning Stove?
- How to Start a Fire in a Wood Stove?
- How to Clean Wood Stove Glass?
How Does A Wood Stove Work?
With their rustic charm, wood stoves have been an excellent heating solution for homes for over 400 years. While their design has become more modernized and efficient, the fundamental principles have generally remained the same.
Offering warmth, comfort and atmosphere for centuries, the wood burning stove is a time-tested solution for keeping your home, cabin or lodge cozy throughout the cold winter months. In fact, when it comes to cold weather heating options, the wood-burning stove stands above all other options. Read Why Wood Stoves Are the Best Heating Option for Cold Weather.
Wood stoves offer a compact, easy to install option for those looking for a reliable heating appliance. They are especially popular for spaces that aren't feasible to heat with gas or electricity, such as remote cabins and hunting/fishing lodges, though they're not just for heating. Freestanding wood stoves are an excellent option for adding the ambiance of a wood flame without all of the trouble of installing an entire fireplace.
How To Use A Wood-Burning Stove?
The first step in figuring out how to use a wood-burning stove should always be to consult the manual for the stove you own. Different stoves have specific guidelines and features, so understanding these details is crucial for safe operation. Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines provided in the manual and be sure to follow specific recommendations in regards to installation, operation, and maintenance. The second step is ensuring that you follow safety measures. Ensure that your chimney is in good condition, with no blockages or damage. Remember to install your wood stove on a non-combustible surface and maintain proper clearances from combustible materials, walls, and furniture, as specified in the manual. For more, read How to Install a Wood-Burning Stove.
How To Start A Fire In A Wood Stove?
Step 1: Gather Materials
To ignite a steady fire with minimal smoke, you will want to gather these essential items:
Tinder and Kindling
Gather any dry, easily flammable material used to start a fire. Shop our selection of fire starters, use some small dry twigs, or just use a few old pieces of newspaper. Be sure you avoid using newspapers with colored ink, or flyers made with glossy paper.
Dry Wood
Dry wood is easier to burn, as it provides a lot more heat and less smoke. When using wet or damp wood in your wood stove you create more smoke, so steer away from doing this. Properly dried and seasoned wood has more available energy in it than if you use it when it is freshly cut, so be sure to dry it completely for maximum efficiency. If you cut your own wood, be sure you let it dry before using; many recommendations suggest a minimum of six months to dry, but the longer the better.
Step 2: Open the Damper and Prepare the Firebox
Ensure the damper or air intake control is fully open before lighting the fire. This allows for proper airflow and combustion. Place crumpled newspaper or tinder at the bottom of the firebox and arrange small kindling on top of your newspaper.
Step 3: Position Firewood and Ignite
Place a few pieces of your dry firewood on top of the kindling, ensuring that there's enough space between the logs for air to flow. Light the newspaper or other firestarter using a match or a long lighter.
Step 4: Monitor the Fire and Adjust Airflow
Keep the stove door slightly ajar for a few minutes to allow the fire to catch and the chimney to warm up. Once the fire is established, you can close the door. Be sure to adjust the air vents or damper to control the airflow. Keep in mind that more air enhances combustion, while less air slows down the burn.
Step 5: Add Wood and Enjoy
As the fire burns, add more wood as needed. Be sure to maintain a balance that ensures a steady and efficient burn. Once your wood stove is burning steadily, sit back, relax, and enjoy the cozy warmth it provides.
How To Clean Wood Stove Glass?
Cleaning your wood stove glass is crucial for maintaining a clear view of the dancing flames. Fortunately, you can get squeaky clean stove glass with items you may already have around the house.
Method 1: How to Clean Wood Stove Glass With Newspaper
This is one of the most tried and tested ways for cleaning the inside glass of a wood stove. All you need to clean your stove glass with this method is some old newspaper, leftover wood ashes, a cloth and a bowl of warm soapy water.
- Make sure the fire in the fireplace is extinguished and that there are no hot coals.
- Wipe away any loose ash and soot from the glass with a paper towel.
- Crumple old newspaper, dipping one end into your soapy water.
- Dip the damp newspaper in the ashes of the fireplace and rub the glass with the ash in a circular motion. The ash will work as a mild abrasive, which helps to clean the soot without scratching the glass.
- Repeat as necessary until all the soot has been removed.
- Use a clean paper towel and glass cleaner to wipe the inside and outside of the glass for a sparkling finish.
Method 2: How to Clean Wood Stove Glass With Vinegar
Another easy way to clean your wood stove with common household items is by making a vinegar spray.
- Make sure the fire in the fireplace is extinguished and that there are no hot coals.
- Wipe away any loose ash and soot from the glass with a paper towel.
- Mix one part vinegar with three parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution over the glass and gently polish the glass with a clean kitchen towel.
- Repeat as necessary until all the soot has been removed.
General Cleaning Tips:
- To avoid excessive soot buildup, make it a habit to clean your wood stove every time you empty the ashes.
- Donât clean the glass while it is hot. The glass should be cool to the touch before you start cleaning it. If you donât wait until the glass has cooled down, you risk the chance of burning yourself or cutting yourself on shattered glass.
- Donât use razor blades or steel wool to get the soot off the glass. While these tools can easily remove the soot and grime from the fireplace, they can scratch your glass.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your wood stove will continue to operate safely and efficiently. Be sure to correctly maintain your investment so that you can enjoy the charm of your wood stove in your home for years to come.
