
How do I determine what size stove is right for my space/square footage?
Answer:. For your convenience, a high level of review of the different stove sizes available is shown below. Because climate and location play a key role in selecting the right stove, we recommend you also watch the educational video How to Choose Your Stove".
Small wood stoves (15,000 – 30,000BTU/hr) are a good option to heat smaller areas, such as living rooms, kitchens, bedroom suites, and even quaint seasonal vacation cabins or cottages. Also, larger homes with central furnaces can benefit from a small stove for "zone heating" (or supplemental heating). Wood stove owners who have selected a stove for zone heating, typically realize an energy cost savings of 20 -30%.
Medium wood stoves are particularly well suited for older small houses or medium-sized energy-efficient homes. They can also work well in four-season cottages and cabins.
Large wood stoves are excellent when heating large open plan houses or older, drafty medium-sized houses in the colder climate zones.
I’ve heard about “clearances”; what are these?
Answer: Clearance is the space that is required between the stove and nearest combustible surface. Each model requires its own specific clearances which must be strictly followed.
Before you purchase or install your wood stove, you will need to factor in required clearances between combustible surfaces, including side and back walls, as well as floor protection. If you are unsure of the clearance requirements, download the installation manual now.
What protection is required for a combustible floor?
Answer: Generally, when fitting a Morsø stove floor protection can be anything that is made from a non combustible material. However, thermal protection is required for several Morsø models. Please consult the stove installation manual for specific requirements.
Does my stove need to be vented? If so, what type of chimney do I need?
Answer: Yes, your stove needs to be vented.
Typically, a wood stove can connect to an existing masonry chimney providing that it has been sufficiently lined to suit your stove and is not in use by another appliance. In homes where there is no chimney, a HT listed Class A chimney system can be easily installed. In either case the internal dimensions of the chimney connector and the chimney system must be no less than 6 inches in diameter (or equivalent in cross-sectional area) and should not be significantly larger. If the cross-sectional area is too large, the chimney may not draft properly which would impact your stove’s performance and efficiency.
The length of the chimney system varies from home to home however, the chimney length should be no less than 16 feet as measured from the top of the stove, extending a minimum 3’ beyond the roof line; however, local conditions for example – roof construction, large trees, or high altitude may require that the chimney height be extended.
It is always a good idea to contact your local professional chimney sweep or Morsø dealer prior to installation.
REMEMBER: Your new wood stove’s performance is dependent on your chimney; it is the most important component. Take the necessary steps to ensure that your chimney is in good condition and correctly connected to your new wood stove.
To learn more about installation requirements watch the Morsø Installing Your Stove correctly video.
What size and type of wood can I burn in my stove?
Answer: In regards to the type of wood, one of the great things about a wood stove is that you can burn many kinds of naturally cut wood to take advantage of your local resources. However, your preferred wood choice must not be green, it has to be dry enough to be deemed well-seasoned, with a moisture content of 16-20%.
Never, ever burn waste materials such as cardboard packaging, glossy magazines, or waste wood that has been painted or treated in some way. These wood by-products are likely to contain chemicals that are harmful.
Beware: if your fuel hisses or spits when lit, it is too wet and your stove’s performance will be impaired. Trying to burn wet wood will inevitably lead to poor combustion; very low heat output, dirty chimney and possibly soot build up on the stove’s window. Avoid these damaging missteps and only burn well-seasoned wood.
Watch the Morso Fuel and Storage video to learn about best storage and seasoning techniques.
In regards to the size of the wood: Consult your user manual as different stove models require different size logs.
When operating your stove it’s important to use only the specified amount and correct log size. You must avoid using oversized pieces.
If you don’t have a user manual, we recommend you download a user manual now.
How do I know if my wood is well seasoned?
Answer: Generally, well seasoned wood is light to hold and sounds almost hollow when you knock two pieces together. Also, when you look at the cut end of a piece you will see cracks leading from the center outwards. Another more precise option is to purchase a digital moisture meter.
Watch the Morsø Fuel and Storage video to learn about best storage and seasoning techniques.
Is there a preferred lighting and firing method?
Answer: Yes, up to 60% of the potential heat energy stored in wood comes from the burning of volatile gases. This process, called secondary combustion, impacts performance and is essential to a smoke free operation and a cleaner environment.
Secondary combustion can easily be achieved if you light and operate your stove correctly. To learn how to easily load and light your wood stove, watch the Operating Your Stove Correctly video.
What maintenance is involved with a Morsø wood stove?
Answer: The comfort and safety of your family is paramount; therefore, routine maintenance is essential. Regular monthly inspections should be performed. In addition, at least once a year, contact a local certified chimney sweep or Morsø dealer to have your stove and chimney professionally cleaned and checked. After all, with the rigors of long term use critical parts may need replacing.
Many of the maintenance checks are critically important as they relate to the internal ‘working’ parts, such as the firebox liners, door gaskets, bottom grates and baffle plates. A professional inspector can make certain the stove door is air tight, and also make cosmetic recommendations to keep your stove bright.
For more useful maintenance hints we recommend you watch the Maintenance educational video
What other items should I consider purchasing along with my wood stove?
Answer: If you are considering the purchase a wood stove, your fireplace will not be complete without the purchase of fireplace accessories. We highly recommend the following items.
Tool sets are used for cleaning and maintenance; however, Morsø tool sets can add style with a unique flare to your area.
Log Holders are great for keeping an evening’s worth of fuel next to your stove.
Moisture Meters are great to test your fuel to prevent burning wet, moist, or green wood. Remember: the moisture content of your fuel should be between 16-20%
Thermometers should be used to ensure the correct operation of your stove.
Ash and Storage Bucket works great for storing the ash that is removed from the bed of the firebox. Recommendation: transport your full bucket of ash into your garden as compost.
I see that you have Radiant wood stoves and Convection wood stoves. What is the difference?
Answer: Both models deliver the exact same heat to the room, but the overall method of heat distribution is different.
Radiant models are single walled in construction and deliver heat to the room in a very direct way. Clearances to combustible materials are often greater with radiant models.
Convection models on the other hand are twin-walled allowing room air to move between the two ‘skins’; consequently direct ‘heat’ is converted into comfortable ‘warmth’. It’s a bit like standing in full sunshine or standing in the shade on a warm summer day.
Is there a Manufacturers Warranty?
Quality control is at the heart of the manufacturing process; accordingly, Morsø warrants that all outer body castings on each Morsø stove will be free of material defect for a period of 10-years from the date of original purchase. For full details go to read about our Warranty.
We highly recommend that you thoroughly review your owner’s manual to learn specific care and operation directions for your new Morso wood stove. You can download an owner’s manual at [insert link to owner’s manual download page].
Also, five Morsø educational videos are now available online:
Choosing The Right Stove For Your Home.
Installing Your Stove Correctly