Simpler Living Blog

HEATING WITH WOOD, TIPS AND TOOLS

Tips and Tools for Wood Stoves

There’s nothing like the feeling of cutting your own firewood and then burning it in your own wood stove. The cozy heat, the crackling fire, the inviting aroma that spreads throughout your home…it’s simply satisfying.

To get the most out of your wood stove, regular maintenance is a must as well as a little know-how for using your stove safely and properly. Here are our tips and tools for using a wood-burning stove:

#1 – Burn dry, seasoned wood.

This is an important one. Moisture is the natural enemy of a roaring fire and burning green wood can cause buildup of creosote. Be sure to season your wood for at least 6 months prior to burning.

We recommend preparing your woodpile in the spring, so when the cold weather arrives, you’ll have seasoned wood ready to go.

Best Way to Keep Logs Dry: Log Rack Brackets

log stacker brackets — Durable steel brackets are easy to assemble and allow you to build a log rack to your precise needs. They help keep logs up to 5″ off the ground to prevent rotting. Available at lehmans.pro

Best for Splitting Firewood: Gransfors Bruk Splitting Axe

Best for Carrying Firewood: Canvas Firewood Carrier

#2 – Keep your stove clean for safe use.

Regularly cleaning your wood stove helps prevent the buildup of creosote. Make sure you have the right hearth tools on hand to ensure easy, safe cleanup and to maintain a cozy, efficient stove.

Best for Tidying Up: Amish Fireplace Broom

Best for Ash Removal: Steel Ash Shovel

Best for Cleaning Glass: Rutland Fireplace Glass Cleaner

#3 – Maximize your heat.

Want an easy, cost-effective way to get more warmth from your hearth? Pair your wood stove with a stove fan to push warm air through the room.

With no electricity needed, these heat-powered fans automatically start once your wood stove reaches a certain temperature. Just keep in mind that these fans are for freestanding stoves only and won’t work on insert stoves or other types of fireplaces.

Another thrifty tool to keep your stove burning efficiently is a bellows. It easily stokes your fire to life.

Best for Efficient Heat Distribution: Lehman’s Heat-Powered Oscillating Stove Fan