A Stove in the Forest

(Page 5 of 5)

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You do have to learn to manage your heat. By the same token that it takes a long time to cool off, it also takes a long time to heat up. If you wait until the stove is cold (about 48 hours to completely cool) to start your fire, you are in for a long chilly spell before it heats up, because about 90% of your heat is soaking into the bricks. Only a very little is radiating out of the door. (If I were doing it over, I might include a side window so that more of the heat would radiate out immediately.)

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The best part of the heating system is what it doesn't have—a fuel bill at the end of the month.

Woodstoves: steel, iron or stone?

• Steel stoves are designed to emit both radiant and convective heat. Convection heat is when room heat is drawn into a chamber around the firebox, heated, and then sent back out into the room.

• Cast iron primarily release radiant heat (heat that emanates from the material) and is prettier because the iron can be poured into decorative molds. Cast iron is slower to heat up and slower to cool down.

• Soapstone is beautiful and absorbs heat better than steel or cast iron.

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Comments

  • GaryGary 12/10/2008 9:33:32 PM

    Hi,
    Great article -- thanks.

    So, what is the title and author of the book on building a Russian Stove that is mentioned?

    Gary

  • Colibri 3/8/2007 12:33:23 PM

    Excellent article. I am also amazed at the amount of gasification
    information to be found here (this article in the DIY section).
    http://www.energyplanet.info/Gasification/

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