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Wood And Pellet-Burning Stoves For Log Cabins
How will you heat your new log cabin? Whether it’s a newly constructed or existing cabin, you may want to consider heating with a wood-burning or pellet-burning stove. They each have pros and cons to consider and don’t depend on electricity or gas for operation.
Benefits Of Wood And Pellet-Burning Stoves
Wood-burning stoves offer benefits like potentially lowering heating costs, a warm ambiance, and the ability to use renewable resources. Pellet-burning stoves offer the same benefits plus convenience and higher efficiency with automated feeding. You don’t need to worry about power outages, and you can cook and heat water on them.
Wood-Burning Stoves: These stoves provide a warm, inviting aesthetic and the comforting ambiance and crackle of a fire. Depending on the region and type of wood available, wood can be a cost-effective heating option, especially if the wood is free. Wood is a renewable resource making it an environmentally friendly option compared to fossil fuels. These stoves can provide heating independence from reliance on electricity, natural, or propane gas.
Pellet-Burning Stoves: Pellet-burning stoves offer automated feeding that reduces the need for manual stoking. These stoves are generally more efficient than traditional wood stoves, meaning they can heat a home with less fuel. They are designed for cleaner burning than traditional wood stoves and produce less smoke and emissions. Pellets are easier to store and handle than firewood and are a more convenient fuel source. Many of these stoves have thermostats and timers that allow for more precise temperature control and scheduling.
Determining The Size Of Your Stove
Wood-burning and pellet-burning stoves are fantastic ways to heat log cabins. They do a better job than wood-burning fireplaces that are less efficient even with an insert. The first consideration when buying a stove is its size and capacity to heat your cabin. Determining the size depends on several factors:
- Determine how much area you want to heat by measuring the square feet. A stove rated at 42,000 BTUs can heat a 1,300 square foot space. A stove rated at 60,000 BTUs can heat a 2,000 square foot house.
- How well the cabin is insulated – poorly insulated cabins need more BTUs.
- How much heat is lost through and around doors, windows, gaps, and leaks.
- Ability to efficiently handle a full load of wood or pellets.
- Go for stoves that build up less creosote.
These stoves can be more efficient by placing a hot air driven fan on top to circulate warm air. You can also place a blower or fan operated by electricity behind the stove to blow warm air out into a room.
“Whether it’s a newly constructed or existing cabin, you may want to consider heating with a wood-burning or pellet-burning stove.”
Types Of Stoves
The second step is selecting the right stove for your cabin. Wood-burning stoves burn chopped firewood logs and offer a traditional fire experience. Their efficiency varies depending on the stove’s design, material quality, model, installation quality, pipe configuration, and type of wood burned.
Pellet stoves are known for better efficiency and precise heat control with a thermostat. They burn compressed wood pellets made from leftover materials like sawdust and wood shavings. Some are available with automatic feeding systems for convenience and offer consistent heat output and temperature regulation.
Placement Of Stoves And Maintenance
The third step to consider is where to place your stove. For optimal radiant heat distribution and safety, place your stove in a cabin’s center in a room with adequate airflow. If you place it in a corner, make sure it is at least three feet away from walls and combustible materials. Protect the wall behind the stove with stone, brick, metal or non-combustible material. Set the stove on a fireproof fireboard or bricks to protect the floor.
Maintain your stove by regularly emptying the ash pan, cleaning the glass door, checking for rust, and cleaning the baffle or throat plate. Ensure the brick lining is in good condition as well as the rope seals. Have the stovepipe cleaned out once or twice a year depending on how much you use it. Use a creosote remover as often as the stove needs it.
Wood And Pellet-Burning Stove And Stove Pipe Installation
Locate your stove so its pipe won’t go through the peak or ridgepole of the ceiling and roof. If you are installing an extra heavy stove, ensure the floor can support the weight. If the floor needs reinforcing, place supports under the floor on a small foundation.
These stoves can be quite heavy and need several people to carry them into the house. Be sure to place the fireboard, bricks, or other material on the floor before bringing the stove into the cabin. Some experts recommend building the first fire outdoors and letting it cool to “cure” before installing a stove.
The most common way to install the stovepipe is through the ceiling and roof, although it can go through the walls. Use metal flashing around the stovepipe so it won’t catch the ceiling, roof, or wall on fire. Ensure the stove pipe extends at least 3 feet above the highest point of the roof and 2 feet taller than anything within 10 feet. Ensure the room has adequate ventilation to allow for proper combustion and prevent the buildup of smoke and fumes. Always follow the local building codes and fire safety regulations. Consult with a professional installer and your homeowner’s insurance company for guidelines.
In conclusion, consider all the factors covered in this article when selecting your cabin’s stove. Estimate your overall cabin budget, including its cost, installation, and operation, and consult with a professional stove installer before purchases.
