My stove gives off little heat, what can I do?

My stove gives off little heat, what can I do?

The sole idea of lighting a stove generates an undeniable feeling of warmth in our minds. Although it is also undeniable that you can’t warm up just with the idea. You will have to light it, and sometimes there are stoves or fireplaces that provide little heat. Unless you get close to the fire and don’t move, you may feel very cold, or not as much heat as you would expect when lighting your wood-burning fireplace. Let’s see what can be done to make both stoves and fireplaces heat more and better.

Check the insulation in the room or throughout the house

It’s not going to do you much good to light the stove if you don’t have proper insulation in your house. Make sure that doors and windows are in good condition and that you don’t have any open, as otherwise a significant amount of heat will escape, and you won’t be able to warm up the room.

It’s not a bad idea to place weatherstripping and seal the windows. This way, you’ll have better insulation, and the heat will stay longer. It’s also important to ensure that your stove is in good condition. If the draft is not suitable, some of the heat may escape through it.

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Make sure the fuel is of good quality

Very cheap firewood or coal tends to have low efficiency. It’s better to invest a little more in high-quality logs since they last longer and produce more heat. In the end, the savings are evident because you’ll need less fuel, and you’ll feel the heat, something that may not happen with other types. You can read our blog post on what firewood to use for the fireplace if you have any doubts.

stove little heat what can I do
In addition to quality, the fuel’s performance depends on your stove. If you have a fireplace door, you’ll be able to reduce consumption and channel the heat, instead of it going wherever it wants. Keep in mind that the less fuel you need, the less money you’ll spend, and there will also be fewer residues, which in turn facilitates the cleaning and maintenance of your stove or fireplace.

Check the status of all components

Part of the heat loss or reasons why your stove may not heat as it should is that some of the parts are not working properly. If it used to work and heat up but now it doesn’t, it’s probably because some components have deteriorated or haven’t been properly maintained. Check everything and make sure that’s not why you’re losing comfort and even money.

stove little heat what can I do

Analyze if you can improve any of the parts. The ceramic glass for fireplaces, for example, is more effective than other types of tempered glass, as it withstands higher temperatures and improves the energy efficiency of your stove.

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If you have never felt all the heat you expected to get, you may have made a mistake in choosing your stove. You might be able to do something to increase its potential with these tips, but you probably need to resort to more drastic measures, such as changing the stove or placing it in another location where it works better, moving the living area there.

Clean the stove regularly

The accumulation of soot and creosote inside the stove and in the flue can significantly reduce the efficiency of the wood-burning stove and its ability to produce heat. To solve this problem, it’s important to perform at least one chimney cleaning before the heating season.

  • Inspection: Perform periodic inspections of the stove and flue to detect any accumulation of soot, creosote, or dirt. The frequency of inspections will depend on the use of the stove and the type of wood being burned.
  • Stove cleaning: Remove ashes and residues from the stove’s combustion chamber. Use a special wood stove brush or vacuum cleaner to clean the internal surfaces and eliminate any buildup of soot or creosote.
  • Flue cleaning: Hire a chimney sweep to clean and inspect the flue regularly, at least once a year. A clean flue will ensure proper airflow and efficient combustion, resulting in increased heat production.
  • Preventive maintenance: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for stove and flue maintenance. This may include adjusting or replacing worn components, such as gaskets and seals, or installing a fireplace door to prevent fires.
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Verify and adjust the size of the flue

The flue plays a crucial role in the performance of the wood stove, as it allows for the evacuation of combustion gases and the maintenance of proper draft for efficient combustion. An improperly sized flue, whether it is too long, short, narrow, or wide, can negatively affect the heat output of the stove. To solve this problem, follow these steps:

  • Flue inspection: Inspect the flue to ensure it is in good condition and free from obstructions, leaks, or damages. Pay attention to the height, diameter, and length of the flue in relation to the stove manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Size adjustment: If the flue does not meet the manufacturer’s recommendations, consider adjusting its size. It may be necessary to increase or decrease the diameter, modify the length, or change the route of the flue to improve the wood stove’s efficiency. In some cases, installing a stainless steel pipe or a lining inside the existing flue can enhance performance.
  • Thermal insulation: Well-insulated flue will maintain a constant temperature along its length, facilitating the flow of gases and preventing creosote condensation. Make sure the flue has proper insulation, especially if it passes through cold or unheated areas.
  • Maintenance: Perform regular maintenance on the flue, including cleaning and inspection, to ensure it operates efficiently and safely.