Do Not Forget to Look Up
Having an open living space is great for a wood stove, it promotes the maximum amount of breathable space for the product and therefore maximises its overall efficiency. Every space is different and for an open plan living area, the space is both vertical as well as floor level. That means that you must account for additional heating space in the ceiling. Rooms with high ceilings tend to require larger capacity stoves. Be sure to assess the room properly and if you are unsure, contact your local wood stove dealer to give proper advice on which to purchase.
Insert or Stand Alone
The beauty of a wood burning stove is that they are the most versatile in are offered in all shapes, sizes, and colours. Their versatility comes from the fact that they have options for freestanding styles as well as fireplace inserts. There is a misconception among fireplace enthusiasts that an open fire is the most energy efficient way to heat a home. In reality, open fireplaces are draughtier than wood burning stoves. The inefficiency comes from the fact that traditional flues do not allow for proper ventilation as with a wood burning stove.
Should you already have an existing fireplace in your open plan living space, a properly installed wood burning stove insert is an ideal option to simply place in the existing opening. The great thing about utilising space already available, is there is no additional infringement into the room. Wood burning stoves are up to 80% more efficient than open fires. Those who have never had a fireplace or a wood burning stove, could look at the wonderful array of designs and styles offered in freestanding stoves, these are easy to install and take up remarkably little space for the amount of heat they produce.
Think of Wood
Wood burning stoves are versatile for any sized room, but it is important to do a little research before purchasing. The stoves can burn practically any type of wood, but not all woods available are suitable or recommended to ensure the longevity and protect the air pollution. Creosote build-up from burning unseasoned and unsuitable wood can cause fires. Woods such as pine are well known fire starters and should be avoided at all costs. Homeowners should always know what woods will be available to them before investing in a new stove. Owners that have access to their own wood-rich land should assess the trees available and look for woods such as oak, beech, and birch for maximum heat efficiency as a wood stove in an open living space will have more demands placed on its use for heating the home.
Luckily, sourcing kiln dried and correctly seasoned wood recommended by stove manufacturers to maintain the life of their stoves, is no longer a problem. Most areas of the UK maintain ample access to different types of wood for customers to purchase. Due to responsible wood purveyors regularly planting back trees, the world’s wood supply is quite safe and access to wood is readily available.
Space Around the Stove
Even though an open living space provides the maximum amount of air flow with plenty of space for the stove, certain considerations must be adhered to. Homeowners that have a cluttered interior space should consider clearing out unused items and furniture from the area where they intend on placing the stove. Special consideration should also be given to window treatments that may come in close contact with the unit. Although wood burning stoves are among the safest forms of heat on the market, they have been known to cause fires due to overcrowding of the product so be sure to allow them enough safe space.
Your choice to purchase a new wood burning stove for your home is a wise one, but do not simply head out to the nearest stove showroom and purchase one without these considerations. You should take with you the measurements of the room in which you would like the stove placed and overall how large your home is if you are planning on the new stove being its primary source of heat. Buying too smaller and too larger stove will not provide the correct efficiency for the longevity of the stove and could result in a disappointment for you. A wood burning stove professional installer can also help by visiting your home to advise which product choices are best suited, so always ask plenty of questions and be willing to take advice from the experts.
