Wood Heaters have become a common way to provide warmth for the family at home. It is an effective way of reducing heating costs as a wood heater uses little firewood, emits less ash, and produces no smoke. Not only does the rising cost of electricity and gas makes the wood stove an economical choice, but it is one of the best sustainable renewable energy sources. Picking the right wood stove depends on a variety of factors.
- Heating Space and Layout
Before buying a wood stove, consider how it is going to be used. Is it just for heating or will it be used for cooking as well? You should figure out the right size and model as well. This will help you identify where you are going to position it in the house. Small stoves are for use in a room providing heat for a limited space. A middle-sized heater is for a larger room or whole floor. If you are heating a large house, a big wood heater would be best for you.
- Frequency of Use
Wood heaters are made of two types; cast iron- which takes longer to heat up and down- and welded steel- which heats up much faster. If you want the heater just for cooking, welded steel would be good for you. If you’re going to heat the house long into the night on winter days, a cast-iron stove will retain heat long after it’s put off.
- Types of heating
Convection wood heaters have an air cavity below the firebox that lets in more air as heated air rises and forced out. Radiant wood heaters have all sides of the firebox uncovered, which enables the heater to radiate heat at a stable rate. This makes it the best for larger rooms and open-plan houses. Wood pellet heaters use dense sawdust in place of firewood to heat smaller spaces. It is an energy-efficient, cleaner option.
- Insert or Freestanding Wood Heater
An Insert wood heater is built into a wall just like a fireplace. A freestanding stove can be installed anywhere in the room with little structural work involved. These give off better radiant heat; thus they operate more efficiently. You can use these wood heaters for cooking on them or even humidifying the house by boiling some water on them.
- Catalytic and non-catalytic.
Catalytic wood heaters have a combustor plated with metal like platinum that acts as a catalytic converter. This combustor is coated with ceramic honeycomb used to heighten the stove’s efficiency by burning all left-over hydro-carbons. This heater is good as it burns wood entirely and will produce heat for a longer time. You won’t need as much firewood when using a catalytic wood heater.
On the other hand, a non-catalytic wood heater contains insulation and a longer baffle to increase the flow of hot gas. However, its heat output is not as even as a catalytic heater.
Conclusion
To get the best heater, examine the purpose of it in your space. You will also need to check whether the heater has been certified by the Australian Home Heating Association to ensure it complies with Australian standards like the type of local wood to be used. Check for your local housing regulations and manufacturer’s instructions as well. If you are a first-time user, you should have your heater installed by a qualified professional.
Read Also:
