Make the Most of Your Wood Burning Stove This Winter

Is there anything as comforting as walking into a home with wind-chapped cheeks then feeling the numbness of your face and fingers disappear once you get inside? As the nip really comes into the air in January, you appreciate the warmth of a good fire more than ever.

For those who get to enjoy a wood-burning stove, it’s particularly restorative to hear the crackle of the flames and feel the warmth radiating through the home. Burning wood really does engage the senses.

As you look back on 2021 and consider the year ahead, you may wish to incorporate some new habits to make the most of your wood heat. By tweaking some of the things you do, you can get more out of this warm and wonderful part of your home or cabin.

Learn how to build a fire that lasts all night

While a good fire is a joy, waking up to a cool room in the morning can make you want to hide under the covers. By creating a long-burning fire, you can still comfortably put your feet on the floorboards in the morning without squealing.

You’ll need to start a few hours before bed by building up a good bed of coals. Once you have a good collection of these fiery little gems, place a good-sized piece of hardwood on them. Next, add another piece on top but not touching the flames.

Ideally, the initial piece of hardwood will burn down evenly, then the other wood will descend and create a second burn. If you get up during the night, check in on the fire but don’t knock the second piece down. If you have smaller pieces of firewood, stack a few of them tightly when you build the fire so they also burn in succession.

To aid in this mission, you can add an additional metal mesh to retain and radiate more heat. Products like the Firemizer spread the heat evenly across your fire to ensure all of the fuel burns thoroughly and for longer. It also cuts the costs of firewood and coal by up to 38% on your fuel costs while requiring less stoking and refuelling. 

Teach the next generation

Skills change from generation to generation, but it’s valuable to stay attuned to talents that keep you warm when needed. Take the time to teach your kids, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren how to build a fire so they can carry that knowledge forward.

Start by getting them intrigued with stacking the wood in the stove and lighting it ablaze. From there, you can move onto which types of wood to use and when.

Soon, you could be sharing the load of keeping your place warm since you have another person to help out.

Commit to good wood stove habits

As much as the new year pushes us to try new things, don’t give up the good habits that you’ve developed so far. However, you can recommit to returning to being more diligent with some routines where you may have slacked off slightly in the previous months.

This could include stepping up your woodstove maintenance by:

• Burning only seasoned wood. Plan ahead so your wood dries out thoroughly. Not only will it be more efficient in terms of heat, but it also saves you from less work for the next step.
• Clean your stove inside and out. Even if you are removing the ashes regularly, there is still debris that needs to be removed so your stove can operate better. On a warmer day, or at the end of the wood-burning season, pull out the tray and grates, then vacuum up any loose parts left behind. Wipe down the glass (if you have a window) and check to see if all the parts are in good shape. Oil the door’s hinges then admire your handiwork.
• Maintain chimney health. Although you can't see it, there is dirt inside your pipe as well. By following the habits above, you may only need to do this once a year but don’t let it slip your mind. Having a clean chimney also helps you make the most of your heating system.

There are more tips to show your wood stove love too! Check them out here.

Circulate the air well throughout the house

If you have more than one level, the heat will rise and stay in those pockets as it is wont to do.

Your goal will be to move the warm air away from the fire and into the spaces where you spend most of your time. As much as you like to cuddle near the woodstove, you want to be cozy at the kitchen table or in your reading chair as well.

Using electric fans to push the air into your room can be noisy and draw on your electricity bill, adding to your utility bill.

An Ecofan gently circulates the air from your wood stove into the room to reduce cold spot and help you get warmer, faster. Plus, they’ll help lessen your heating costs this winter. Read more about how they work here!

Whichever resolutions you choose to make, may they warm your heart and your home. Embrace the season and all the way it stimulates your senses.

We wish you well in 2022!