Second Hand Wood Burning Stoves
Second-hand wood burning stoves can be an excellent choice for those who want a new stove but can't afford to pay the cost of new appliances. Used stoves can also add an unique look to your home and leave less impact on the environment than new models.
It is possible for a HETAS registered installer to fit an older non Ecodesign log burner, since they are able to self-certify and sign off the installation under rules for competent persons. However, this is an extremely risky option.
Cost
A wood stove is a fantastic method of heating a home at a fraction of the cost of gas or electric heating. It is a green option as it uses renewable energy sources that can be easily replenished. Wood stoves give warmth and comfort in any room.
The price of second hand wood burning stoves can vary based on the quality of the product and the amount of work it needs to be in good operating condition. Before buying an old stove, it is important to examine the consumption of its fuel and efficiency rating, as well as the warranty. Buying a stove that is too small for the space can lead to smouldering or burning fires that are not used up, whereas a stove that is too big will waste fuel and not provide adequate heat.
It can be difficult to choose an old stove, particularly in case you aren't familiar with the stoves. It is vital to find one that is EPA certified and in good condition, or else it won't be worth the cost. It is recommended to select a stove built after 1995, when the EPA started regulating emissions and energy efficiency.
You should also look at the size of the stove and its position within the house. It is essential to have a clear path from the stove to the fireplace and also enough space between the wood stove and the wall to prevent fires or damage to the home. It is also essential to remember that wood stoves will require annual maintenance and inspections. Therefore, it is crucial to plan for this expense as well.
Many people find that purchasing an old stove is an excellent value due to the savings in both the initial purchase price as well as the cost of fuel. It is crucial to keep in mind that a brand new stove can save you even more in the long run. A new stove is more durable than an older model and will last longer.
Efficiency
Wood stoves are a great way to warm your home, since they don't require gas or electricity. When burning wood, they emit some pollutants into the air. If you are concerned about this, you should look for an old stove that is EPA certified. This will lower the amount of pollution. Modern stoves also employ two-stage systems to make wood burning more efficient. They deliver air to the combustion chamber through two different stages, which enables them to partially burn and vaporize volatile chemicals before they fully burn. These technologies help wood stoves reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and particulates by up to 90 percent.
When buying an used stove, whether multifuel or wood, it is important to look at the efficiency rating and the heat production. If the stove is old, it may have an inadequate efficiency rating. The effectiveness of a stove could also be affected by wear and tear. It is recommended to use top-quality firewood that has been properly seasoned. Wood that is not seasoned or is wet will emit more odours, polluting the environment. Consult an expert if you're unsure of the kind of fuel you should use.
No matter if you purchase a new or used wood stove, it is essential to install it by a skilled professional. This will ensure that the installation is completed correctly and accurately. In addition, a professionally-installed stove will have higher efficiency on average. Make sure to check the EcoDesign label before buying a wood stove.
In addition to enhancing efficiency, new wood stoves can burn for longer than older stoves. They also use less fuel, which reduces the amount of smoke. It is important to remember that the smoke can cause anxiety, cancer and asthma in people who aren't directly affected.
It's also a great idea to get an chimney liner to your stove, which will improve its efficiency and security. A chimney liner consists of a stainless steel tube connecting the stove and the chimney. Most heating suppliers sell these in different sizes.
Safety
It is important to make a well-informed decision when buying second-hand wood burners. Although it may seem like an excellent option to save money, it is important to be aware of the safety implications. For instance, older stoves often leak carbon monoxide. This gas can be deadly and is poisonous. It is essential to ensure that any second-hand log burner is fitted with an carbon monoxide detector and alarm. Additionally it is crucial to ensure that the stove is erected properly and in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines.
A newer stove will likely be more efficient than a secondhand one, and it is also more likely to comply with the latest standards for smoke emissions. A new stove is not likely to be more expensive than an older model of the same model. However, it is still recommended to speak with a professional before deciding whether or not to purchase a secondhand stove.
When choosing a wood burning stove, it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the space in which it is going to be utilized. A stove that is too big will burn too much wood and create more smoke. A stove that is too large will not be able heat an area of a significant size effectively. In addition, a stove which is too small will be more difficult to operate safely.
If you are planning to place your stove within a smoke control zone it is essential to select a model that is Ecodesign compliant. This regulation was created to improve energy efficiency and reduce air pollution caused by wood-burning stoves. However, stoves that were manufactured prior to 2022 and sold on the secondhand market are exempt from this requirement.
The SIA strongly advises that stoves be installed by an authorised contractor. It is legally required to notify the local authority building control (LABC) prior to any solid fuel installation, and only registered installers are able to self-certify. Additionally, corner wood burning stove is illegal to purchase a non-Ecodesign stove for use in a smoke control area.
Maintenance
You'll require regular maintenance on your stove, whether it's brand new or used. Stoves and fireplace inserts should be cleaned of ashes after every fire, gaskets must be examined for wear and tear, and the chimney must be swept to avoid creosote accumulation. Some people also employ a stove fan to circulate air and keep the fire burning more efficiently.
Certain older wood stoves did not have carbon dioxide or smoke detectors alarms. It is important to ensure that the stove you purchase has one of these devices, particularly when it's a second-hand one. It is also important to ensure that the flue is clean and free of obstructions. If you are unsure then ask the seller or an expert to examine it.
As long as you maintain your log burner in good working order, maintaining it can be simple. This is best done with an individual from your family or a friend who knows about stoves. It is easy to overlook problems. It's also recommended to buy a stove with a warranty, as it will give you peace of mind if something goes wrong.
It is important to note that you will need to have the chimney lined by a Hetas approved installer. You'll also need to have a Hetas-approved contractor accept the work and provide a certificate. It's not an easy DIY project, and it is illegal to install solid fuel appliances without a Hetas certification. You could face a fine of up to PS20,000 if you do this and your insurance provider might not be pleased with the decision either.
Additionally, you must ensure that the dampers are opened and closed to increase or reduce the amount of airflow that enters the stove. This will affect the performance of the fire and whether it burns hot. The dampers can be adjusted with knobs or handles that are attached to them. A diverter can be used to regulate the flow of air in the oven. This lets you control the amount of heat generated, which is very useful when cooking.