So You've Bought Second Hand Wood Burning Stoves ... Now What?
Second Hand Wood Burning Stoves
Second hand wood burning stoves are a great option for those who want to upgrade their log burner, but aren't able to afford the price of a new appliance. Used stoves also add an unique look to your home and have a less environmental impact than new ones.
A HETAS-registered installer can install an older Ecodesign log-burner, as long as they can self-certify the installation and certify it themselves. However, this is a risky approach.
Cost
Wood stoves are a fantastic option to heat a home for less than what it costs to heat with traditional gas or electric. It is also an eco-friendly option since it makes use of a renewable resource that can be replenished quickly. Wood stoves also provide an inviting, warm feeling and create a warm, inviting ambiance in any room.
The price of used wood burning stoves can be affected by the condition of the product, as well as the amount of work needed to keep it in good working condition. Before purchasing a used stove, it is essential to examine its consumption of fuel and efficiency rating, as well as the warranty. A stove that is too small for the home could result in smouldering and burning fires that are not used up, whereas an appliance that is too big will waste fuel and not provide sufficient heat.
The process of selecting a used stove is often a challenge, particularly for those who aren't acquainted with the stoves. If you are looking to get the most value for your money, it is crucial to select a model that is certified by the EPA and in good condition. The best option is to choose an appliance that was constructed in 1995 or later, as this is when the EPA began regulating emissions and energy efficiency.
It is also important to consider the size of the stove and its placement within the house. It is important to have a smooth path from the stove to the fireplace as well as enough space between the wood stove and the wall to stop fires or damage to the house. It is also crucial to keep in mind that a wood stove will require annual maintenance and inspections. Therefore, it is important to plan for this expense as well.
Many people find that purchasing a second hand stove is an excellent value because of the savings in both the initial cost of purchase and fuel costs. It is important to keep in mind that a brand new stove can save you money over time. In addition to the cost savings the new stove will last for a longer time than an older model.
Efficiency
Wood stoves are a great method of heating your home because they do not require electricity or gas to operate. When burning wood, they emit some pollutants into the air. If you're concerned about this, look for a used stove with EPA certification. This will reduce its pollution. Modern stoves also employ a two-stage system to burn wood more efficiently. They deliver air to the combustion chamber in two distinct stages, which allow them to evaporate and partially burn volatile chemicals prior to their full burn. These technologies allow wood stoves to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and particulates up to 90%.
When looking for a second-hand wood or multifuel stove, it is essential to take into consideration the efficiency rating and heat output. The stove may be rated low in the event that it is extremely old. The efficiency of a stove can be affected by general wear and tear. It is also recommended to use high-quality wood that has been seasoned. Wood that is not properly seasoned or moist will emit more odours and pollute the environment. Ask an expert for advice on the type fuel to use.
It is essential to have a professional install your wood stove, whether it's new or used. This will ensure that the installation is done correctly and accurately. In addition, a professionally-installed stove will have higher efficiency on average. Make sure to check the EcoDesign label before buying the wood stove.
New wood stoves are more efficient and are more efficient than older stoves. They also use less fuel, which decreases the amount of smoke. This is important because over time, smoke can trigger asthma, anxiety, and cancer, even in people who are not directly impacted by the emissions.
It's also a good idea to get an chimney liner to your stove that will improve its efficiency and security. A chimney liner is an stainless steel tube that connects the stove to the chimney. The majority of heating providers sell them in different sizes.
Safety
It is crucial to make a well-informed decision when purchasing second-hand wood burners. Although it may seem like a great option to save money, you should be aware of the safety implications. For instance, older stoves often leak carbon monoxide. This gas is poisonous and can be fatal. It is vital that any used log burner comes with an alarm for carbon monoxide and detector. It is also important to ensure that the stove has been installed correctly, as per the manufacturer's instructions.
A newer stove is likely to be much more efficient than a secondhand one, and it is also more likely to be in compliance with the current regulations regarding smoke emissions. A new stove isn't likely to be cheaper than a previous model of the same type. It is nevertheless recommended to consult a professional before buying a secondhand appliance.
It is important to consider the size of the room where the wood burning stove will be installed when selecting a wood-burning stove. A large stove will burn too much wood and produce more smoke. On the other side, a stove that is too small won't be equipped to heat an area efficiently. A stove that is too small could also be difficult to operate.
Moreover, if you want to install your stove in an area that is smoke-free, it is essential to select an Ecodesign certified model. This regulation was introduced to increase the energy efficiency of wood burning stoves and to reduce air pollution. However, stoves manufactured prior to 2022 and sold on the secondhand market are exempt from this regulation.
The SIA strongly advises that stoves be installed by a licensed contractor. It is required to notify the local authority (LABC) of any solid fuel installation in advance. Only registered installers can self-certify. It is also illegal to use stoves that are non Ecodesign stove in a smoke-control zone.
Maintenance
It is essential to maintain your stove, whether it's new or used. wood burners near me fireplacesandstoves.uk and stoves should be emptied of ashes after each fire, gaskets need to be inspected for wear and tear and the chimney should be cleaned to avoid creosote accumulation. Some people will also use an appliance fan to help circulate air and keep the fire burning more efficiently.
Some older wood stoves were not fitted with carbon monoxide or smoke detectors alarms. You should make sure that the stove you purchase comes with one of these devices, especially if it's a second hand one. You should also check that the flue is clean and free from obstructions. If you aren't sure then ask the seller or an expert to examine it.
Maintenance of a log burner can be easy if you take care to keep it in good working order. This is best done with someone in your family or with a person who is knowledgeable about stoves. It's easy to overlook problems. It's also an excellent idea to purchase the stove with a guarantee which will give you peace of mind if something goes wrong.
It is crucial to note that you'll need to have the chimney lined by a Hetas-approved installer. You'll also need to have a Hetas-approved installer sign off on this work and issue a certificate. This is not an easy DIY job, and it's illegal to install an appliance with solid fuel that doesn't have a Hetas certificate. You could be fined up to PS20,000 for this, and your insurance company may not be thrilled either.
You should also close and open the dampers to increase or decrease the flow of air into the stove. This can affect the performance of the fire and whether it burns hot. The dampers can be adjusted with the knobs or handles that are attached. A diverter can be used to control the flow of air in the oven. This lets you control how much heat is produced, which is extremely beneficial when cooking.