|
|
January 18, 2012
Igniting a fire in your Jotul wood stove is a simple procedure. You just need the right materials close at hand and a rough idea of the layering technique. Follow these three easy steps and look forward to cozy flames.
Step 1 – Set up papers, kindling and two pieces of well seasoned firewood cut to a 2-inch diameter inside the firebox. Bunched paper goes on the bottom, with kindling stacked on top and the firewood laid across to weigh everything down. Leave space for air flow and ensure all materials are completely dry.
Step 2 – Open the draft vent completely. This allows maximum draw, which will help the flames ignite faster. Light the fire.
Step 3 – Leave the vent open until the firewood has burned for a few minutes. Then add a few larger pieces of firewood. Once those larger pieces are burning well, you can adjust the vents to the desired opening. Your fire should burn well for hours, with firewood added as needed.
A wood stove will dependably heat your house with very little work. Simply use these three easy steps to light your Jotul wood stove and comfort will follow.
November 30, 2011
Heating your home with wood is a wise choice, both for the environment and for your wallet. But how can you decide between pellet stoves vs wood stoves, to ensure you are installing the best heating appliance? Compare the benefits of these models and consider the ease of use, affordability and reliability before making your choice.
Pellet stoves are eco friendly, using wood byproducts to provide dependable heat in any location and circumstance. Wood stoves are also good for the environment and burn a renewable resource. Since wood pellets help avert industry waste from filling up the landfill, they are considered a greener product.
Both types of stove are easy to use. Fuel can be stored up and bought for an affordable price. Wood pellets come in bags, making them a slightly cleaner choice, but firewood is more easily sourced out and can even be acquired from your own land.
Both pellet stoves and wood stoves are reliable and the latest models are highly efficient and clean. You might pay slightly more for a pellet stove model, but it depends on the manufacturer and style.
Consider personal tastes when comparing pellet stoves vs wood stoves. Either way you will enjoy comfortable, convenient and extremely reliable heat all season long.
November 21, 2011
The rising costs of home heating oil have many homeowners taking a second look at wood burning hearth appliances. But is the investment worthwhile? Will the switch to a newer wood stove or wood burning fireplace really save you money? The easy answer is yes. Those making the switch from heating oil to wood are very likely to save money on their heating bills.
However it’s interesting to note that those upgrading their existing wood burning fireplaces are also likely to save money using a newer model. The EPA states that certified models of wood stoves and fireplace inserts will use approximately one-third less fuel over the course of a season. Assuming you are using the same seasoned firewood for both the traditional and upgraded models, this figure represents a significant savings over time.
A new wood stove or fireplace is a wise investment, providing your family with reliable, clean heat from a renewable resource. The initial cost can be recouped over the seasons as indicated by comparing the cost of wood fuel to the rising costs of heating oil. And even for those who only occasionally used their traditional fireplace, a newer model will also save money on fuel. All in all, this home improvement is a win-win situation.
November 9, 2011
Many wood stove models offer an optional ash pan, while others make this a standard feature. If you’re wondering about the benefits of this feature, you probably haven’t had to handle ash in an older wood stove model. Things can get messy real quick, making the ash pan a valuable and much sought after option.
Ash pans collect the ash in one place, making it much safer and easier to remove. Otherwise you would need to invest in a decent ash handler or shovel to scoop the ashes out of the loading door. The trick with ash pans is not to open them while starting the fire or while it’s burning. Ash drawer or ash pan doors should be tightly sealed to provide optimum air flow.
Remember that ashes can be used in your garden, on your walkway or in the soil. Some people simply bury them. Find out if there are any local regulations regarding the disposal of ash and be sure to get rid of it in a safe, environmentally friendly way. Ash pans make using your wood stove much easier, making them well worth any additional charge.
October 8, 2011
As the heating season approaches many homeowners are looking at the wisdom of installing a new wood stove. This hearth appliance will ensure your family has dependable and affordable heat all season long, but there are certain factors of installation to consider.
Location – Do you have a specific place in mind for the new wood stove? It should be located in a central area, resulting in optimum heat distribution.
Heat Protection – The area around your wood stove needs to be made from non-combustible materials. Heat shields will shrink the required clearances, but you need to be sure you are not creating a fire hazard.
Chimney Design – If your home does not have an existing chimney, heavy duty stovepipe can be used to create an efficient system. Otherwise your existing chimney may need to be renovated to meet today’s building codes.
Installing a new wood stove is a wise idea for comfort and efficient heat. Consider these vital factors to ensure your wood stove installation is safe and durable.
October 7, 2011
Wood stove and fireplace installation costs vary depending on the design of your home, the working conditions and the model chosen. The average fireplace costs between $1,200 and $2,000 and wood stoves are roughly in the same range. Installation costs must be added to that price.
If you will be renovating an existing fireplace and installation is fairly basic, the costs may only add a few hundred dollars. However, more extensive renovations and custom-built fireplaces may run in the thousands of dollars. Consider the condition of your chimney, any required removals and the cost of running natural gas lines (if you are installing a gas fireplace or gas stove).
Your best plan is to talk to a technician at your local stove shop. They will be able to point you to a model that fits your needs. And with accurate information (including pictures or a visit to your home), the staff should be able to give you a quote for wood stove or fireplace installation costs.
October 5, 2011
Equip your home with efficient zone heating this season. There are plenty of models available, but these three wood stoves are your best bet for keeping the house warm and comfortable. With distinct design, durable construction and impressive efficiency, these stoves can’t miss.
Hearthstone Homestead Wood Stove – This 50,000 BTU model heats up to 1,800 square feet and features soapstone side panels. A natural material that provides excellent heat absorption, soapstone extends the heat life of your fire by nearly 50 percent. The Homestead model is an excellent investment for your family’s comfort.
Jotul Castine Wood Stove – The Castine is an affordable model that heats up to 1,600 square feet. A classic design offers a single glass door with beautiful Gothic arches and air washed technology. Jotul is a leading manufacturer and the Castine wood stove is one of their most popular non catalytic models.
Vermont Castings Defiant Wood Stove – One of the larger models available, the Defiant is offered in both catalytic and non catalytic designs. Both sport a beautiful design, solid construction and powerful heat. The Castine wood stove offers a swing out ash pan and up to 12 hours of burn time.
Wood stoves are ideal for zone heating and offer dependable, affordable heat. Discover the difference wood burning offers with these leading models.
September 22, 2011
Combining natural beauty with amazing heat retention properties, soapstone is truly a wonder. Many manufacturers have incorporated this gorgeous natural material into their wood stoves, but why should homeowners give these products a second look? What makes soapstone so special?
There are three basic choices for wood stove construction – cast iron, steel and soapstone. All three of these materials have the ability to stand up to extreme high levels of heat. But of the three, only soapstone can make that heat last long into the night.
By absorbing the heat produced by the wood fuel and releasing it slowly over many hours, soapstone will actually extend the burn time of every single fire you light. That means money saved on fuel and time saved on loading and tending the fire. Consider how amazingly beautiful this material looks and you have the winning combination for wood stoves of every size. Check out the selection of soapstone stoves at your local stove shop today.
August 22, 2011
Although many of the models available today have air washed glass doors you will find it necessary to clean wood stove or fireplace glass on a regular basis. Be sure that you follow the proper procedures and use only fireplace glass cleaner. Standard glass cleaner has not been formulated for use with the glass installed on wood stoves, gas stoves and fireplaces.
Fireplace Glass Cleaning in Four Easy Steps
1) Decide whether you will take the door off, remove the glass or simply leave it as is during the cleaning process.
2) Place a circle or spot of fireplace glass cleaner (about 2” in diameter) onto a clean cloth or paper towel.
3) Rub the glass in an oval pattern, being sure to reach all of the edges and corners.
4) Let dry and wipe off with a clean cloth. If you can still see carbon on the glass repeat the second and third step again until the area is completely clean.
August 21, 2011
“Chop your own wood, and it will warm you twice.” Henry David Thoreau is credited with that particular bit of down-east wit and wisdom. Given today’s proliferation of high fructose corn syrup and midriff muffin tops, its meaning has never been more significant.
Ahh, the crackle of a wood fire, the warm glow of ruby-red coals, a soft, smoky aromatic –it’s an experience most of us can conjure without too many mental gymnastics. And given current energy prices, wood may be your perfect heating energy alternative. And thank goodness, unlike those days of yore, you won’t have to don your plaid shirt, grab your axe and summon Babe the Blue Ox in order to clear the “back 40.” Just a simple call or email to a local wood merchant and voila; your cords are delivered and stacked neatly. Now the question becomes; what is the best and most efficient way to burn my new-found energy, and how much wood do I need to brave the cold, hard winter ahead?
Fortunately, the answers come easily from the friendly folks here at Fireplace Village. We have experts to recommend just the right product to keep all your water pipes from freezing and meet your budget as well. Our staff can calculate the number of BTU’s it takes to heat your home and then translate that data into the approximate amount of wood you’ll require to keep the whole family warm and toasty. Even better, we can schedule an in-home consultation—face to face; on your turf. Our knowledgeable sales associates can also explain about Uncle Sam’s 10% tax credit on most wood burning stoves and inserts…enough to scare the livin’ knots out of Pinocchio!!
Additionally, as authorized dealers of Napoleon, Hearthstone, Heat & Glo, Jǿtul and Vermont Castings, we can assist in choosing a fireplace insert or freestanding wood stove model that best fits your needs and those of your family. If you already have a fireplace, the right insert can heat your home efficiently and stop all those precious BTUs from escaping up the chimney. But don’t worry, if you have no chimney, options are available for outside venting too! There’s more than one way warm the cockles of your heart.
And finally, our experienced technicians offer complete installation of your wood burner and will even start your first fire if you are so inclined. We can set up annual maintenance and cleaning programs too—we do it all—what more could you ask for? So, why not give Fireplace Village a call at any one of our local, convenient locations—you’ll be glad you did.
Older Posts »
|
