If you have made the decision to invest in an oil stove system, there are a few tips and tricks to keep your eyes open for while you choose which of the many oil stoves available will be installed in your home. You need to assess the environment the stove will be required to heat.
Room Size
To start off with, you need to be sure about the size (in cubic metres) of the room or area you want to heat. Not only do stoves come with guidelines for room size (for efficiency and the longevity of the stove), but it can be a safety risk if the stove is used continuously at maximum power in an effort to heat a space which is too large for the stove’s capacity. As a general rule, 1kw of power can heat a space of 14 cubic metres – small rooms usually require 4-5kw of power, larger rooms may need significantly more.
Another indicator of the heating capacity of the stove is the ‘btu’ rating – the British Thermal Unit system is used in all heaters, stoves and fires. Large oil stoves can output up to 100,000 btu.
Ventilation
Aside from heating capacity, there are several other key factors to take into account. All oil stoves require a flue system or chimney, so it is possible that you will also have to have a flue fitted or a chimney upgraded to suit the needs of your stove. Make sure you ask for a quote prior to having the flue or chimney installed or upgraded to avoid excessive costs.