Second Hand Wood Burning Stoves
Second-hand wood burning stoves are an excellent option for people who are looking for a new stove but can't afford the price of new appliances. They also provide an unique look to the house and have a lower environmental impact than new ones.
It is possible for a HETAS certified installer to install a second-hand non Ecodesign log burner, as they can self-certify and sign off the installation in accordance with rules for competent persons. However, this is an extremely risky option.
Cost
A wood stove is a great way to heat a home at only a fraction of the price of gas or electric heating. It is an eco-friendly choice because it makes use of renewable resources that are easily replenishable. Wood stoves also emit warmth and comfort and create a relaxing atmosphere in any room.
The cost of used wood burning stoves can be affected by the quality of the product, as well as the amount of work needed to keep it in good working order. It is essential to verify the efficiency, fuel consumption, rating, and warranty prior to buying a second hand stove. If you purchase a stove that's too small for your home could result in smouldering and burned out fires, whereas an appliance that is too large will waste fuel and not provide sufficient heat.
It can be difficult to choose an old stove, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the stoves. If you are looking to get the best value for your money, it is important to choose a stove that is EPA-certified and in good condition. The best choice is to choose an oven that was built in 1995 or later, as this is the year that the EPA began to regulate emissions and energy efficiency.
You should also look at the size of the stove and its position in the house. freestanding wood burner is crucial to ensure that there is an open path between the wood stove and the fireplace, and that there is enough space between the wood stoves and the walls to prevent fires or damage. It is also important to keep in mind that a wood stove will require annual maintenance and inspections. Therefore, it is important to budget for this expense as well.
Many people find that purchasing an older stove is a good deal because of the savings on both the initial cost as well as the fuel costs. However it is essential to keep in mind that a brand new stove may save you more money in the long term. large wood burning stove is more durable than an older model, and will last for longer.
Efficiency
Wood stoves are an excellent option to heat your home as they do not require gas or electricity to operate. However, they release pollutants into the air when burning wood. If you're worried about this, you should look for a stove that has EPA certification. This will lower the amount of pollution. Modern stoves also employ two-stage systems to make wood burning more efficient. They supply air to the combustion chamber in two stages, allowing them to vaporize volatile chemicals and partially burn them before they completely combust. These technologies help wood stoves reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and particulates to as high as 90%.
When looking for an older wood or multifuel stove it is important to consider the efficiency rating and the heat output. The stove may have a low rating in the event that it is extremely old. The effectiveness of a stove could also be affected by wear and tear. It is also recommended to select only high-quality firewood, which is properly seasoned and dry. Wet or unseasoned wood will release more odours and pollute the environment. Ask an expert for advice if you're unsure of the right type of fuel to use.
It is crucial to hire a professional to install your wood stove whether it's brand new or used. This will ensure that the installation is done correctly and accurately. In addition, a professionally-installed stove will have higher efficiency on average. Make sure to check the EcoDesign label before purchasing wood stoves.
New wood stoves last longer and are more efficient than older stoves. They also consume less fuel, which decreases the amount of smoke. It is important to note that the smoke can cause anxiety, cancer, and asthma in those who have not been directly affected.
It is also a good idea to have a chimney liner installed on your existing stove, which will improve effectiveness and safety. A chimney liner is an stainless steel tube that connects the stove to the chimney. Most heating suppliers sell these in various sizes.
Safety
It is essential to make a well-informed choice when purchasing second-hand wood burners. While it might appear to be a good idea to save money, there are some important safety concerns to be taken into consideration. Carbon monoxide can be a problem with old stoves. This gas can be deadly and is poisonous. It is crucial that any log burner you use comes with an alarm for carbon monoxide and detector. It is also crucial to make sure that the stove has been installed correctly, as per the instructions of the manufacturer.
A newer model is likely to be more efficient and will meet the most recent smoke emission regulations. This means it is unlikely that a new stove will be more expensive than a secondhand one similar to the one you have. It is recommended to consult a professional before buying a secondhand appliance.
It is crucial to take into account the size of the room where the wood-burning stove will be placed when selecting a wood-burning stove. A stove that is too large will use more wood and produce more smoke. On the other the other hand, a stove which is too small will not be equipped to heat a large space effectively. A stove that is too small can also be difficult to operate.
If you plan to install your stove within the smoke control zone it is essential to select a model that is Ecodesign conforming. This regulation was enacted to improve the energy efficiency of wood burning stoves and reduce the amount of air pollution. This regulation is not applicable to stoves manufactured prior to 2022 and that are sold on the secondary market.
The SIA strongly recommends that stoves are installed by an authorised installer. It is mandatory to inform the local authority (LABC) of any installation of solid fuel in advance. Only registered installers are able to self-certify. It is also illegal to use any non Ecodesign stove in a smoke control area.
Maintenance
It is essential to maintain your stove, regardless of whether it's brand new or used. After every fire, you should remove the ashes from your stoves as well as fireplace inserts. Also, you should look for worn gaskets and clean the chimney to prevent creosote build-up. Some people utilize fans to circulate the air and keep the fire burning more effectively.
Some older wood stoves were not fitted with carbon monoxide detectors or smoke alarms. It is important to ensure that the stove you purchase comes with one of these devices, particularly when it's a second-hand one. Also, make sure that the flue is free of obstructions. If you're unsure about this, you can ask the seller or a professional to look at it.
If you keep your stove in good condition Maintaining it is simple. This can be accomplished with an individual from your family or a someone who is familiar with stoves. It's easy to miss problems. A stove that is guaranteed will give you peace-of-mind if anything goes wrong.

Another important aspect to remember is that the chimney will almost certainly require lining, and you'll have to get this done by an Hetas approved installer and carry the certificate to verify it. This is not a DIY job and it's illegal to install an appliance that is solid fuel without having a Hetas certificate. You could be fined as high as PS20,000 for this, and your insurance company may not be happy either.
You should also move the dampers between open and closed to increase or reduce the airflow to the stove. This will affect the fire's performance and will determine if it burns hot or not. The dampers can be adjusted with the knobs or handles that are attached. The air flow can be adjusted in the oven by using an air diverter. This lets you control how much heat is produced, which is very useful when cooking.