Wood heaters are the most well-known and the most common types of heaters used in the home. Their design and evolution have moved in tandem with house layouts while seeming to remain mostly the same. They form a core part of the image which comes to mind whenever someone is asked to conjure up their idea of a warm, cozy space.
When your wood heater becomes more inefficient it can produce a cascading effect. Primarily, you will see a marked increase in your energy costs where you burn a lot of wood to get very little heat in return. Technological advances have helped to reduce, if not eliminate, the most glaring drawbacks of using wood heaters. For example, there are now more energy-efficient gas and wood fireplaces in production. Nevertheless, there are still some ways a homeowner can increase the efficiency of their heater.
Ensure Proper Operation
How you operate your fireplace has a significant impact on its efficiency. Allowing cold air to flow freely into the house through open doors and windows contributes significantly towards your heater becoming less effective. Remember to try and keep all spaces as warm as possible even after the fire has been extinguished. This method prevents the need for more wood to be burned longer to raise the temperature again.
Reinforce Your Insulation
Insulation retains heat. If your home is well insulated, the warmth radiated by your heater will go further throughout the house. It will also take less time and fuel to heat the home entirely, thus reducing energy costs. Inspect areas around the building where gaps are most likely to occur, including the main doorway, around all windows, and the attic. Once you have certified that they are adequately sealed, you will notice a difference in how well your heater performs.
Use The Correct Firewood
Wood heaters work best with dry hardwood. Such timber produces the optimum amount of heat to render your heater effective. Wet wood is difficult to light and keep alight. When the wood is wet, you will be forced to use more while the fireplace barely radiates enough heat to be satisfactory.
Position Your Heater Correctly
The space you choose for your heater is crucial. Get the most out of the device by selecting a spot most central to all the rooms you aim to heat. As long as this specific position is appropriately separated from other objects and walls, the heater will be able to radiate enough warmth to keep every place adequately cozy.
Buy The Right Heater
Wood heaters vary in size. The dimensions you select for your home must be proportionate to the size of the room in which you will install it. Too big, and it will generate more warmth than needed, making the space uncomfortably warm. A smaller-than-ideal heater won’t heat the room quite so well. Avoid both scenarios to preserve the efficacy of your wood heater.
Care For Your Chimney
The chimney forms a fundamental part of the structure of your heater. However, burning wood creates a by-product known as creosote. Over time, creosote deposits accumulate on the flue, creating a fire hazard if it is not cleared away. In addition, debris tends to gather in the chimney. This collection can limit how well wood in the firepit burns, making the heater less effective.
Ensure that you schedule regular chimney sweeps to clear away soot and debris so that your heater remains effective.
Contact a professional who is well versed in wood heaters to take a look at your heating device. They may give you an assessment of how well it is working while making suggestions of any changes you need to make.