It is becoming cooler as the days go by, making it necessary to have a source of heat in your home. If you have decided that it is now time to install a heater and you prefer to use the wood-burning type, there are some things you should keep in mind before you choose your new heater.
As you consider purchasing a wood-burning heater, here are some things you should look for to ensure you are getting the best of what is available.
Type
There are two main types of wood-burning heaters: insert heaters and standalone heaters.
Insert heaters are what people more commonly attribute to the appearance of wood-burning heaters. They are constructed between two walls with an opening dug deeper into the walls to act as the fire pit. A screen is sometimes placed over the portal. The heater is vented vertically with the smoky air directed upward through vents or a chimney before it is vented outside.
Standalone heaters do not rely on walls for placement. They can be installed in any space within the room as long as they can be sufficiently distanced from other objects to prevent damage. Another consideration is ventilation. You must still be able to attach sufficient ventilation for the heater to remain safe to operate.
Your choice between these two types of heaters is dependent on the size and type of room in which they will be installed.
There are also catalytic and non-catalytic heaters. Catalytic heaters have a combustor that burns the by-products and emissions from the wood-burn after the fire has been lit. They produce more heat and burn longer at lower temperatures. However, they require more maintenance and close observation to remain safe and effective.
Non-catalytic heaters do not have combustors, so the by-products are only burned because the heater operates at higher temperatures. These heaters burn for shorter periods but need less maintenance than catalytic heaters.
Choosing either of the above depends on the primary use of your heater.
Size
The size of a wood-burning heater affects its efficacy. Your heater must be proportional to the space you wish to warm. If the heater is too small, it will be more challenging to heat the whole area, requiring more wood. It can also be detrimental for the heater as it will experience more wear over a shorter period.
If the heater is too large, you will burn more wood than needed, making it less economical to operate. A rule of thumb is to look at the heater’s grading and then buy one whose size is at the upper limits of the range of the space.
Safety Ratings
Wood heaters have many parts that make up the whole, including the flue, chimney, and fire pit. Choose a wood heater that can be easily be safely operated and maintained after proper placement. It is best to reduce the likelihood of adverse outcomes in cases of emergencies.
The heaters are also graded for emissions to make you aware of how much emissions they release into the air. The grading of the ideal heater should not be above two grams per hour.
Wood heaters are still the ideal method of providing heat to the home. There are many options for you to choose from not to have to sacrifice form over function.
