Wood stoves are heating appliances designed to burn wood efficiently for residential heating purposes. They typically consist of a firebox, a catalytic combustor, and a flue or chimney to exhaust the smoke outside.

Here are some key points about wood stoves:

1. Heat Source: Wood stoves are primarily used as a source of heat in homes, cabins, and sometimes even in outdoor spaces like patios or workshops. Wood stoves burn wood logs as fuel, be sure to only burn dry wood.

2. Efficiency: Modern wood stoves are designed to be highly efficient, meaning they can extract more heat from the wood they burn and use a catalytic combustor to produce less pollution compared to older models.

3. Types: There are several types of wood stoves, including traditional cast iron stoves, steel stoves, and newer, more advanced models with features like catalytic combustors or secondary combustion chambers for increased efficiency.

4. Installation: Proper installation of a wood stove is crucial for safety and efficiency. This includes ensuring proper clearance from combustible materials, a suitable chimney or flue system, and compliance with local building codes and regulations.

5. Maintenance: Regular maintenance is necessary to keep a wood stove operating safely and efficiently. This includes cleaning the stove, catalytic combustor, and chimney regularly, inspecting for damage or wear, and replacing gaskets or other parts as needed.

6. Lifespan: The average lifespan of a wood stove is 10-20 years, but can be extended with regular maintenance.