25 Shocking Facts About Cast Iron Wood Burning Stove
The Cast Iron Wood Burning Stove
The cast iron wood burning stove is a cozy, old-fashioned heating option that provides many benefits. However, it does have its problems. Its weight limits its portability and the initial cost is very high.
Employ a professional to complete the installation and any chimney work that is required. They are knowledgeable about local codes and safe installation practices.
Versatility
There is no limit to the possibilities you can make with a cast iron stove. You can pair it with a forced-air furnace or heat pump for an energy-efficient and eco sustainable home. This is especially applicable if you have an extremely well-insulated house with a tight envelope of walls windows, doors and even the walls.
If paired with other eco-friendly building strategies for homes like passive solar heating and high-performance insulation casting iron wood stove can provide a great source of warmth for the entire house. This is because wood stoves can be connected to your home's HVAC system using an efficient ducting strategy.
The most advanced wood stoves available today can burn pellets in place of logs. Pellet-burning stoves are highly efficient, generating more heat with less fuel. In fact, some stoves have an efficiency rating over 85 percent. They are also significantly less polluting than wood stoves.
In recent years, cast iron manufacturers have been exploring other materials for their stoves, such as steel. Steel is a mix of iron and, in many instances, between 0.01-1.2% carbon. It also has a variety of metals such as manganese and silicon, aluminum, molybdenum vanadium, chromium-cobalt zirconium. Steel is lighter than cast iron, making it a more convenient option for people who need portable wood heaters.
Steel stoves are usually cheaper than cast iron models, making them an excellent option for homeowners with a tight budget. However, many of these wood stoves don't have the durability and heat retention of cast iron stoves.
Steel stoves can also warp if they are exposed to extreme temperature changes. This can be a serious issue because it allows more air into the firebox. This decreases the efficiency and safety of the flame. Cast iron is, however, can withstand these drastic temperature fluctuations without causing warping or allowing more air into the firebox. Jotul makes the most efficient cast iron wood stoves available on the market, and their extensive network of US-based and Canadian dealers can help you determine the best model to meet your requirements.
Durability
It is crucial to think about how long the wood stove will last when selecting one. Stoves crafted from durable materials such as cast iron and steel tend to have longer lifespans over stoves made of less durable materials like ceramic or fiberglass. However even the top-quality wood burning stoves may be damaged over time when they are not properly maintained.
Cast iron is a robust material. It can withstand extreme temperatures and rapid temperature fluctuations without causing damage. Stoves crafted from cast iron will last for a long time but they will require regular maintenance to ensure they are looking and operating at their peak. Steel stoves, on other hand, can warp or crack over time if they are exposed to rapid changes in temperature.
The US1261E cast iron log wood stove from United States Stove Company is a good example of how a premium cast iron stove can provide years of reliable heating for an affordable cost. The 54,000 BTU power output of the stove can provide the equivalent of 900 square. ft. of space, which is ideal for log cabins, large workshops and garages. The stove can store logs as long as 19 inches, and it comes with an integrated cooktop that adds versatility.
Another benefit of a cast iron wood stove is its ability to retain heat. Cast iron absorbs and releases heat slowly over a long period of time. This allows for the temperature of the room at a constant level. A cast iron stove may also be a good choice for those who prefer the rustic, traditional style for their home.
Pellet-burning stoves are one of the most recent innovations in wood stove technology. They are becoming more popular in homes across the country. These stoves make use of pellets instead of conventional wood. They are made from sawdust and other wood scraps that have been dried then pulverized and pressing. These pellets are cleaner than wood and emit less harmful gases.
The Jotul Alderlea 1.2 cast iron wood stove offers all the durability and appeal of a classic wooden stove, but also has a variety of modern features that make it a flexible and energy efficient heating option. The stove has a large viewing surface, a lower depth that makes installation simpler, and a cast-iron profile that emits heat even after the fire has gone out. The stove is also available with doors that can be placed on either side making it a great choice for a variety of areas.
Convenience
Wood stoves are a great method of keeping your home warm in winter. Cast iron wood stoves are made of durable, thick materials that can last for decades. Wood Burning Stoves will enjoy the warmth they provide many years. A stove with more efficiency can heat your home more effectively than the traditional fireplace. Some stoves have efficiency of more than 85 percent.
These efficient stoves emit less carbon dioxide than traditional fireplaces, and are therefore more eco sustainable. They are compatible with green home building strategies and ducted heating.
The most popular kind of wood stoves available on the market are steel, however cast iron is a favorite among consumers because of its aesthetics and durability. Cast iron can be molded into more elaborate designs than a steel stove, and is available in a range of colors to fit any style of decor. Some stoves have a vintage style and others sport sleek curves and a cast iron art.
Cast iron is a more durable material, which means it can be heated more slowly and keeps the heat longer than steel stoves. It also has a better distribution of heat, helping to reduce hotspots in your living space. Certain manufacturers offer cast-iron wood burning stoves that have been painted, which can improve the appearance of your home.
Aside from the design, the most significant difference between cast iron and steel stoves is their weight. Steel stoves are lighter in weight which makes them easier to move into place than cast iron models. However, it is essential to hire a professional to perform the installation of any stove no matter what material it is made of. A professional will make sure that the stove is placed in a secure and safe position.
Pellet-burning wood stoves are an newest innovation. They are able to burn a variety of materials, such as bark and sawdust, which have been ground, dried and compressed into compact, small pellets. They are more convenient to manage and use than traditional logs, and can be stored from a hopper or introduced into the stove using an automatic hopper system.
Maintenance
Wood stoves are a popular choice for heating your home. They are durable, long lasting and easy to maintain. A quality cast iron wood-burning stove is an investment that will last for a lifetime. However there are some additional maintenance requirements that owners of wood stoves must be aware of.
The first step in maintaining your wood stove is to empty the ash pan following every use. When the ashes are cool spread them over the hearth to stop the re-ignition of dormant embers in the wind. After a few times, you can also spread a thin ash layer on the top of the hearth. This will help insulate the hearth naturally. It is crucial to keep a one-eighth-to-one-quarter inch ash bed on the bottom of the stove. This helps in the combustion of the wood and creates a natural barrier that keeps out insects and other pests.
A commercial masonry cleaner is available in a majority of hardware stores. It can be used to clean the stove. Follow the manufacturer's directions to use.
The flue should be inspected and cleaned each year by a chimney expert to prevent the buildup of creosote, an extremely dangerous chemical that could spark fires in your home. During this process the flue will be inspected for any cracks or warping. The stove and flue should be inspected for leaks at connections, joints and connectors.
Another common maintenance item is to inspect and replace the rope seal that surrounds the stove door. If the seal is flattened and loses its shape, it can allow fumes to escape and must be replaced.
Other steps are necessary beyond the basic wood stove maintenance including the installation of CO detectors in your home and maintaining a safe distance from your fireplace to any combustible substance. A chimney sweep should be hired to inspect and clean your chimney regularly to decrease the chance that carbon monoxide leaks. This is particularly crucial for older stoves that haven't been maintained properly and operated. Regular cleaning inspections, checks, and regular maintenance will increase the lifespan and efficiency of any type wood stove.