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04-15-2008, 12:32 PM
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#9
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Moderator
Last Online: Yesterday 11:45 PM
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Idaho
Posts: 3,931
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I have three wood stoves. I probably use the small one in the kitchen the most but I still don't use it that often. Some friends use their wood stove almost exclusively for their heat. I applaud them with sticking with it. Here is why I tend to not use mine ...
1) Ash - all that wood burning creates ash which needs to be removed and disposed of on a regular basis. Yes, you can put your ash in your garden but it does add up. Heck, you could even use your ash to make lye for soap making. However, I dislike putting up with it.
2) Smoke - everyone in my family has asthma so the extra smoke, even if it is being piped outside, makes it worse. If you use paper for kindling or wax to help start the fire, then the smoke that escapes into the house is much worse.
3) Humidity - or rather the lack of it. Idaho is already an extremely dry state (high desert), however, burning a wood stove eliminates almost all the humidity in the house. I'm already working to try to add some humidity during the winter. When we use the wood stove, it is important to have a cast iron kettle filled with water on top so some moisture is being released.
4) Dirt - wood is stored outside which means dirt, mold, mildew, spiders and other bugs. There is nothing like tredging outdoors on a snowy winter morning to gather up a couple of logs to get the woodstove going. I know, you're thinking, why not bring in more wood so you don't have to go out in the cold so often? Well, like I said, it is dirty and riddled with spiders / bugs who LOVE the nice, warm indoor environment. Once inside they love to go exploring all through the house. It is best to bring in wood only as needed. My girlfriend has her wood stove in a partially finished portion of her house so the dirt and mess isn't nearly as bothersome for her.
5) Heat regulation - first thing in the morning the house can be rather chilly if the banked wood has died down during the night. Many people use a supplemental heating system which kicks on if the wood stove runs out of fuel. Cold mornings make it really difficult to get out of bed. However, when the stove gets going, it can be so toasty HOT inside, you can find yourself throwing open the windows! I have been driven out of my girlfriends house due to the excessive heat. Regulating the stove is an art or science - either one, it is a skill that takes time to acquire.
I CAN heat with the woodstove. I would put up with the bother if our other utility bills required it. Now that DD is older I have considered using the woodstove more. I even cook on the one in the kitchen sometimes.
Some things to consider ...
1) Of course, have a fire extinguisher and carbon monoxide monitor nearby.
2) Have a woodstove thermostat. These are really handy to help you monitor how you're using the stove and setting the flue. You'll end up using your wood better when you can eyeball the thermostat setting.
3) Keep a wool blanket nearby. In case the woodstove gets too hot - really hot! - you can drape a wet wool blanket over it to help cool it down. This can save your house from burning down. Good, cheap wool bkankets can be found at the Army surplus store.
4) Have the flue cleaned and inspect annually.
5) Chop your own wood and store it properly. Really invest in this part of the process. This is where having a woodstove truly saves you money.
6) Check into your location regulations regarding woodstove use. In homes where wood is the only source of heat, most localities don't restrict their use. However, if you have an alternate source of heat - even if that heating method is more expensive - you could be restricted from using your stove on bad air days. There are environmental considerations to woodstove use.
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"Poor people work for their money. Rich people make their money work for them."
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