Is it okay to burn while not at home?

So last year I burned wood in the evenings after work and on the weekends while we were home. If I were to fill the stove in the morning before leaving for work, I could cut down even more on my heating bill. Not sure I am comfortable with the thought of it, though. Does anyone recommend doing this, or is it just a bad idea?

 

We burn 24/7 including when we are not at home since it was our only source of heat up until last year. That being said you need to trust your stove/chimney setup and I never leave unless the stove is shut down and cruising nicely.

 

I think a strong argument could be made that burning dry wood 24/7 is safer than starting 2 new fires each day, less opportunity to create creosote.

 

Same here. Our first season with a mordern stove we only burned when we were home. As our confidence in our set-up increased we burned for longer periods. Now it is 24/7. When we get ready to leave the house one of the chores is to load the stove and set it to the burn rate we want. You do have to know your set-up well enough so you set the stove to burn at a safe temperature while you are away or sleeping...

KaptJaq

 

Had similar concerns at first as well. I figured that it wouldn't behave any differently when I wasn't here as it does when I am here.
Took a bit to gain that confidence though. I'd walk out the door, then wonder if I shut and latched the door, or if I set the air control for a low burn.
Good burning practices, dry wood, and you're gooder to go.

 

I burn 24/7 all winter. I keep a watch on my stove pipe, which is 1/4" thick stainless pipe welded together in 4 ft pieces. That pipe will be there long after I am gone. Lol.... I feel comfortable that no fire can get out. I usuallg come home at lunch, let dogs out and through a log on fire.

 

I wouldn't toss in an armful and head out the door but like already said once the fire has leveled out Id leave.

 

I was nervous at first, I got used to it after a few times and now it's no big deal. I worry more about my coffee maker being plugged in.

 

Looks as tho it's definately something every wood burner here thinks about Frank and Beans Get to know your stove and you're good to go.

 

Havent paid for fuel in 10 years Frank. You'll get to trust it for sure! We have 3 dogs that keep watch on the stove mind you.

 

Yes
24/7 for 6 months , for many years.

Grew up heating with wood & coal, so I'm pretty comfortable with it.

 

Yeah I load it up and get it set right and then I could be gone for 12 hours or longer and it burns fine. Usually come back to a nice bed of coals that I can just put some dry wood on and it takes right off. Same in the morning, I like it to burn all night. Not a problem as long as your setup is safe, but it does take a little while to get used to.

 

Sounds like I just need to gain some confidence in my set up. I REALLY like the idea of heating exclusively with wood, just not sure I'm there yet. I am still learning about where to set the damper to get the right burn. It seems to me that this could vary, depending the wood being burned. This year will be better than last. At least the wood will be drier.

 

I wouldn't start ANY fire in my stove if I wasn't 100% confident in its ability to be safe.

 

Burning wood isn't much different that cutting with a chainsaw. Both take time and experience to get you to feel comfortable and safe.

 

X2, this is what I was going to say, know your stove and you're good to go

 

Yep, 24/7 here too.
If your stove and chimney are installed/setup properly and you are comfortable and confident with stove operation skills...go for it.
Common sense (although not so common anymore) goes a long way when heating with wood

 

It's the one's who at first aren't concerned about it that scare me.

 

We've been 9 years with nothing but wood for heat.

Think about it this way. Would you leave the house with a fire burning in your oil/gas furnace? A fire is a fire no matter what the fuel source. As long as it's contained and well vented you're good.

 

Amen Brother...We burn 24/7 only because we are confident in our setup, burn dry wood and do regular chimney maintenance