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November 10, 2011
Wood stove thermometers help to avoid chimney fires and other dangerous occurrences. But many would argue that these wood stove accessories are not necessary for homes that have a modern, high efficiency wood stove. Look closely at what these accessories are for before dismissing them entirely.
A wood stove thermometer is used to gauge the temperature of the flue pipe (magnetic varieties), the flue gases (probe varieties) or the surface of the stove (stove top varieties). This information warns of excessive temperatures and inefficient or unsafe burning. Some would argue that glass viewing doors offer similar warnings on newer models, but many hearth experts state that the temperatures provided by wood stove thermometers inform the users and help maintain a safe atmosphere.
Considering the affordable price of these wood stove accessories, it makes sense that wood stove users invest in this extra level of safety. Check with your local stove shop for the ideal brand and read through the owner’s manual of your wood stove – it may recommend a certain type or give further instructions on the use of this accessory.
September 11, 2010
For essential safety and basic operation of your wood stove, it’s important to watch your fire. For a quicker gauge (or if your wood stove doors don’t give you a proper view), apply a wood stove thermometer to the system.
These handy gadgets come in two main styles. The probe thermometers are inserted into the flue pipe and require more extensive installation. For the easiest method of keeping an eye out utilize a magnetic stove top or stovepipe thermometer.
Sitting on the stove top or on single-walled stove pipes, this style of wood stove thermometer will read lower than the probe yet still offer excellent protection. Make sure your fire is burning at the right temperatures. And allow yourself the opportunity to give the stove immediate attention when that condition changes with a wood stove thermometer.
Drop by one of our New Hampshire locations to buy wood stove thermometers and all of your woodstove and fireplace accessories. Or you can buy wood stove thermometers online. Fireplace Village is the largest wood stove and fireplace accessories dealer in New Hampshire and New England.
June 4, 2010
Perhaps the most obvious reason for attaching wood stove thermometers onto your unit is to monitor the temperature of the stove pipe. But what for? There are a few different reasons.
First of all, there is an optimum temperature for a complete, low emission fire. Between 400 and 900 degrees Fahrenheit to be exact. Use a wood stove thermometer to make sure you’re not burning a fire that’s under 400 degrees and producing excessive creosote.
Secondly, if the stove overheats you have other problems. Premature breakdown of the materials in the flue and stove itself, as well as a higher risk of chimney fires are just a few. Have a wood stove thermometer to keep that from happening. Continuous overheating also wears out the catalytic combustors, so operating without overheating makes your stove last longer.
Lastly, when the temperature is in that sweet spot, because you’ve monitored it and adjusted the settings as needed, your wood will last longer and require less reloads. That will save you time and money.
With these three reasons, you can see how important it is to invest in and use wood stove thermometers in your home.
Fireplace Village has the largest selection of wood stove accessories in New England. Buy wood stove thermometers online or at one of our New Hampshire locations.
May 26, 2010
There is an optimum temperature for your fire and fireplace thermometers can help you to reach them. Installing a wood stove thermometer will gauge the level of heat inside your firebox and indicate whether the prime conditions are being met.
On wood stove thermometers, the fire needs to be toned down when temperatures on a surface mounted stovepipe thermometer go higher than 480 degrees. At this stage your pipe and stove are at risk of corroding and premature break down. High heat can also cause the catalytic combustor to deteriorate quickly, affecting the overall efficiency of the unit. Many wood stove thermometers use a magnet to attach to and read the level of heat in the pipe itself, an indicator of the heat inside the firebox.
Another type of wood stove thermometer is the probe style. A 4” probe is inserted into the pipe to calculate an accurate reading of the temperature inside. An easy to read, color coded face will indicate when the fire is too hot and likely causing damage or presenting a danger. Keep a close watch on this.
The opposite problem can also be true and fireplace thermometers can help you to discover that problem. When fires are burning too cold, creosote build up is high likely and dangers are present. The fuel is not being burned completely, sometimes due to water content. A low temperature indicator will signal you to stoke up the fire with properly dried and seasoned logs or put it out altogether and build another for a better burn.
Wood stove thermometers can come in varying styles. Some are for use on the stove top, a convenient spot that allows you to read to temperature easily. Others attach to or are inserted in the flue pipe. Remember that the optimum temperature in the pipe is not the same as the outside measurement. The inside of a stovepipe can reach temperatures that are much higher and still not damage the surrounding materials.
Monitoring the heat that is reached in your fire is not just for safety. Make sure the life of the fuel is extended by finding that sweet spot on the thermometer and maintaining it there. That will save you time on refueling and plenty of money on wasted wood.
For a small investment, your wood stove can work harder and have good temperature control with a fireplace thermometer. Whether you opt for the stovetop, stovepipe or probe style, those fireplace accessories will all help your wood stove to be operated more efficiently.
Buy wood stove thermometers online or at one of our New Hampshire stove shop locations. Fireplace Village provides wood stove, fireplace and chimney cleaning service in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 211 states, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.” Fireplace Village recommends annual safety inspection and cleaning of all hearth appliances and related venting systems.
February 9, 2010
When relying on the comfort and warmth of a wood stove, it is important to maintain safe operating procedures. Wood stove thermometers play a part in the safety and efficiency of your fire.
If your fire burns too hot, the flue pipe and the stove itself will downgrade and corrode before their time. If the fire is not hot enough, too much creosote builds up in the chimney creating a substantial fire hazard. Watching the temperature of your fire with a wood burning stove thermometer can help you to avoid both of those extremes each time to you light up.
Wood stove thermometers work differently based on the design of your wood stove. Often a stovepipe model will be used – and the style depends on whether your stovepipe is single or double walled. 
With a single walled stovepipe, a magnetic thermometer is effective. Place it on the flue pipe, anywhere from 12 – 24” from the stove. This thermometer will read the temperature of the air leaving the stove. To measure how hot the actual fire is, a stovetop thermometer is most effective. Either mount a magnetic one on the top or upper side of the stove or purchase a specially designed stove top model. Those can be engineered differently than the stovepipe thermometers and work well when access to the flue is limited.
Most thermometers will have color coded ranges to quickly indicate the safety level of the fire. When the thermometer reads 100 to 260 degrees, the fire is not warm enough and creosote will be quickly forming. If it reads higher than 480 degrees, the heat level is dangerous for the maintenance of your wood burning stove. Anything in between those two is ideal.
To correct the wood stove temperature, simply adjust the air intakes, making sure that both the pipe and the firebox are within the accepted heat level.
With double walled stovepipe, the magnetic thermometer will not work. You need to install a probe thermometer to achieve accurate readings. Probe thermometers go through the walls of the stovepipe delivering instant and precise temperature readings. They often have 4” probes and faces very similar looking to the magnetic style.
To ensure your wood stove is burning properly and efficiently, the investment of a thermometer is a must. Considering the low general cost of many thermometers on the market, it is a small price to pay to keep your wood burning stove functioning and heating your home well.
Fireplace Village recommends wood stove thermometers for all wood burning stoves. Fireplace Village sells various thermometers in our New Hampshire locations and online starting at $11.40.
When dealing with the danger of flames in your fireplace or wood stove, you need to have quality safety products nearby. Be sure that you are equipped to handle the fire with these items.
Hearth Rugs
Generally inexpensive, these rugs sit in front of your fireplace and wood stove to protect the flooring from sparks and ash. They are often made of synthetic fibers and need to pass rigid flammability tests. Alternatively you can install tiles of non-flammable materials around the fireplace or wood stove – such as stone or ceramic.
Hearth Gloves
Fully insulated for protection, these gloves, sometimes referred to as fireplace gloves, are a must when handling wood and tools for use in the flames. Often the exterior is leather, while the inner glove can be felt or something equally comfortable. The fingers should be reinforced for strength.
Hearth Gates and Fireplace Screens
Fireplace screens are decorative, but they do protect the flooring and surrounding area. For more extensive and stable protection, install hearth gates. These act like a solid fence, are often higher than a screen with a gate for entrance, generally child proof. Made of steel or iron with interlocking sections, hearth gates can be purchased and designed to fit almost any size of fireplace. Perfect when infants and toddlers are around, hearth safety gates give homeowners security while still allowing access.
Thermometers
Useful for maintaining good working order in your fireplace or wood stove, thermometers are also a safety feature. They warn you when the flames have become too hot or too cold, as both situations are unsafe for your home.
Log Racks
A rack specified for log storage can help to contain any tumbling logs. Keeping your fuel stacked tightly and out of the way also deters climbing on and playing in the wood.
Ash Buckets and Tools
These are not only handy but help encourage you to keep the hearth empty of dangerous ash buildup. With a flat shovel and a brush, homeowners can quickly and easily clear ash from the fireplace and into the bucket for disposal.
Glass Cleaners
Specially formulated for the particle buildup from fires, these cleaners will keep the glass door or windows clear. This will allow you to properly see the shape and size of the fire inside. It will also help you to enjoy view of the fire better.
Fireplace and Wood Stove Safety
It is imperative that you have these safety features close at hand when dealing with fire. They will limit dangers and potential damage as well as allow you to enjoy the warmth and beauty of a well built fire with less worry.
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