What to Look For in freestanding wood burner
When looking for a clearance sale on wood burners, consider the efficiency of the appliance. The efficiency of a wood burner is the amount of heat that is absorbed by your home instead of going up the chimney. This directly relates to the amount of firewood you purchase and the frequency at which you burn it. EPA certified stoves are required to display the efficiency of combustion and overall heating. Choose a wood burner that has an EPA listed overall efficiency of 70% or higher to ensure that you're getting the most bang for your money. A higher efficiency means less waste, and you'll save money on fuel. This means less time cutting and stacking wood, and fewer trips to your pile of wood in winter snowstorms. This means you'll be able to spend more time with your family around an inviting fire.
Safety
Almost all wood stoves available today have been safety tested. Stoves not tested include stoves bought secondhand, stoves manufactured in small welding facilities and antique stoves. Most insurance companies are reluctant to issue policies that cover homes that have stoves that are not certified.
A stove that is certified will have an indication of the minimum distance that must be maintained between the stove and combustible surfaces like walls and furniture. The instructions provided by the manufacturer for installation will include this information. Additionally the test results of the manufacturer will indicate whether the stove is in compliance with the standard for fire resistance.
Even with the correct clearances a wood-burning device could be hazardous. Don't leave children unattended in a room that has wood burning equipment. They can be very hot and could cause burns to your skin and clothing within seconds. Be sure to unplug your device when you are not in use.
The term "fire safety" doesn't only refer to building materials, it also includes anything stored in the vicinity of the stove, including cleaning products and rags. Keep blankets, curtains and throws away from the open space around the stove.
By using shielding, you can reduce the clearances listed above. Always consult the manufacturer to determine the recommended clearances. If you are unsure about the safety of a certain shielding material, talk to your local building control officer or inspector to ensure that it complies with current regulations for fire safety. It's also recommended to install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors around your stove.