Tips on Wood Heating

Wood is a renewable energy. It is also a very clean heat source when used with appliances that are certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a standard accepted in Canada as well.

EPA-certified wood stoves are different than conventional wood stoves. Burning with an EPA-certified wood stove may therefore require that you modify some of your heating habits. To get the most satisfaction out of your new wood-heating system, please make sure you go through the following check list.

The chimney is the engine that drives the wood-heating system. Use a chimney that is UL-listed, with an inner diameter to match the stove’s outlet collar (6” for all Drolet wood stoves);

Try to run the chimney inside the building for as much length as you can. A tall and warm chimney will produce a good draft;

Try to install your chimney straight up and avoid 90 degree turns in the flue pipe and offsets in the chimney;

Make sure that the chimney is tall enough and its top is clear of obstacles so it can produce a stable draft;

Use a chimney thermometer installed at a distance of approximately 18 inches on the flue pipe above the stove. Flue gases should reach at least 350oF before you close the stove’s primary air intake completely. Operate your unit within the comfort zone indicated on the thermometer;

To reduce the risk of smoke spillage into the room upon reloading your stove, leave the primary air intake completely open for a few minutes. This will heat up the chimney and build up draft before you open the stove door;

Maximize hot air circulation! Our wood stoves are designed to easily receive a variable speed blower that will improve heat distribution in front of the stove; Remember that wood stoves produce radiant heat. Since heat rises, the use of floor traps will greatly improve the heat transfer to rooms upstairs;

Use a mobile home approved stove if you are going to install your wood-heating system in a mobile home. A fresh air kit must be connected to the stove. Never install your wood stove in a bedroom;

Burn only dry cordwood;

Make sure you have a good bed of red coals before you load your stove with logs exceeding 3 inches in diameter;

Read and keep you owner’s manual. It will provide you with tips on how to run a successful wood-heating system.