The Wood Stove

A wood-burning stove properly located can provide most of the heat for a well-insulated, open space, average size home. A small unit takes the chill out of
a frequently used room and helps to offset the cost on the main heating bill. It is a handy backup system during power outages.
It is the primary heating source in many cottages.

The fuel is clean seasoned natural wood that has been split and properly dried. It lights faster producing less smoke and creosote build up than freshly cut pieces. A fire is started with some newspaper and dry kindling. When this is burning a few of the split, dried logs are then added.

In the last ten to fifteen years, manufacturers have worked to improve their combustion designs. The wood stove is now more efficient. It is a benefit for the user.

The units are certified to meet the mandatory emission limits meaning a cleaner environment.
The smoke flowing from the chimney is almost invisible. There is no smelly odor emitted or smoky cloud forming in the air.

The stove is basically composed of a loading door, burn chamber (firebox), ash pan, damper and flue (chimney). The internal combustion design varies.

A glass panel in the loading door is the most popular. An air-wash system keeps it clean.A fascinating view of the fire is displayed. Seeing the fire means it can easily be monitored and maintained.

The burn chamber is firebrick lined. It is where the fire is built. The damper controls the airflow into the burn chamber.

The chimney flue conveys the smoke and gases to the outdoors.

There are two internal designs for combustion air/ exhaust flow.
The most common is the non-catalytic combustion design. In this model there is a secondary chamber or a baffle plate. The heat and gases flows around inside the firebox before rising up into the secondary chamber. Pre-heated combustion air moves up the back of the interior of the unit. It enters through small holes at the top of the firebox supplying a high level of combustion air. This system retains the heat and transfers it into the room rather than immediately up the chimney.

The other type is a catalytic combustion design.
In this model there is a coated ceramic honeycomb device located in the top of the burn chamber. The smoke exhausts pass through this honeycomb right from above where the wood burns. This catalyst functions as a type of filter. Much of the smoke is burned off making the system more pollution free. Creosote build up is greatly reduced. A lever- operated catalyst by pass damper is within the unit. It is opened for starting a fire or for reloading. The catalytic design is slightly more expensive and a little more complicated to operate. They are popular for their even heat output.



Both combustion designs perform well.

Work with an experienced retailer to determine which model best suits the size of the room.
Understand how the stove operates and how the logs are placed to achieve maximum heat output.

A pan located at the bottom of the unit collects the ash. Regular removal and emptying is important. An empty pan allows for maximum airflow inside the burn chamber.

The wood stove must sit on a non-combustible floor finish. A hearth pad laid on the sub-floor will align with carpeted or wood finish floors. The hearth pad material should extend 18 inches in front of the loading door and 8 inches at the sides and back of the unit.
The unit can sit directly on a non-combustible floor finish used in the entire room, such as grouted ceramic tile or mortared brick.
In areas that are prone to seismic activity, the unit should be bolted to the floor.

Always select a stove with Canadian certification. A certification of low-emission by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepted in Canada. The Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certify for high-efficiency and safety.

It is important to follow all manufacturers instructions when installing and venting any wood- burning appliance. The installation instructions must comply with Canada’s Installation Code for Fuel Burning Appliances and Equipment’.
All homeowners installing a wood-burning unit themselves must also comply with this code and any local by-laws.
Hiring a professional installer ensures proper placement and venting according to code standards.

A unit that is not installed and vented properly is a health and fire hazard, for both the homeowner and the neighbors.

A few important points:

The appliance must vent straight up through the roof. The purpose of the chimney is to draw the exhaust gases to the outdoors and create the draft that pulls combustion air into the burn chamber. A properly installed chimney ensures that a fire burns safely. It affects the performance of the appliance.

The top of the chimney must extend above the roofline, as per code requirements.

A chimney that runs up the wall inside of the house is within a warm environment. It will produce stronger drafts and build up less creosote when the fire is burning.A chimney that runs up on the outside is exposed to the elements and tends to produce a cold backdraft when the unit is not in use.

An annual inspection of the appliance and chimney is recommended. Loose flue pipes or any other flaws are detected. Repairs prevent health and fire issues from occurring. Chimney cleaning removes creosote build up.

A building permit is required to install a new wood-burning appliance, replacing one with another and installing a new chimney. Always consult with the local building department before proceeding with any installation.

It is also important to check with the insurance company providing coverage on the home.
The addition of a wood burning appliance or any changes to an existing unit affects the insurance policy. Many insurance companies will only provide coverage for certified units that are installed according to code.

Never burn garbage, plastic, plywood, particleboard, or painted or treated wood, etc. in a wood-burning appliance. Toxic chemicals are released and are a health hazard. They can also damage parts of the appliance and chimney. Large deposits of creosote are produced. Creosote is a crusty residue left on the walls of the chimney when burning. It is highly flammable and a build up is the fuel for chimney fires.

The Pellet Stove