Indoor Wood Burner - An Eco-Friendly Alternative
Indoor wood burners produce fine particles of pollution as well as harmful air pollutants like carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, benzene, and nitrogen oxides. They can cause irritation to the lungs and trigger other health issues.
Previous research has demonstrated that the frequent use of fireplaces or stoves that burn wood indoors increases lung cancer risk. These findings were based solely on the self-reported use of the stove and fireplace, and were not medically confirmed.
Low Carbon Alternative to Carbon Neutral
You might be looking for a green alternative if you enjoy the appeal of a wood stove but are worried about the health dangers. There are many alternatives that won't cost you an DEFRA fine. One of them is a bioethanol fire, that burns a liquid fuel derived from renewable resources and produces much fewer particulates than wood.
prev is an excellent alternative for those looking to keep their existing wood stove and simply change the fuel. You'll feel comfortable buying it because it is made from recycled wood and plant waste.
You could also invest in an Eco Design stove. These stoves are up-to-date and comply with the latest standards. They also are efficient and have high levels of efficiency, which result in lower emissions. They're also designed to be more durable and easier to use than older models.
A new Eco Design stove would not be just a great investment for your home but also for the environment. It is important to remember that the emissions from wood combustion contribute to air pollution and climate change. However there are ways to minimise the impact of your stove such as using dry and clean fuel, regularly sweeping it clean and opening the windows when you're burning wood.
Another method to lessen the environmental impact of your stove is to change it to an electric model. They are also more energy efficient and consume a third less electricity than open fires. Wood Burning Stoves are also much easier to install because they don't require a chimney or flue and can be powered by the standard 3-pin plug.
There are a variety of other eco-friendly log burning stoves available, such as eco briquettes, which have been made from recycled wood and are carbon neutral. Pellet stoves can be used if you're looking to be more environmentally friendly. They are extremely efficient and can be utilized with a variety of biomass fuels. Their automatic fuel supply and air supply regulation assures an extremely efficient combustion process, reducing emissions.
Some people might be worried about the health risks of using a wood-burning stove particularly after hearing reports that they release particulates into the air. It is important to know that the latest studies show that other household activities like cooking can release higher levels PM10 and PM2.5 into the indoor air.
Easy to Clean
Wood burning stoves can give an authentic rustic look to your home. However, it is easy to forget the necessity to maintain and clean it regularly. The ash that adheres to grates and the creosote that is formed when firing can transform a stove or fireplace from the traditional holiday-card image of a gentle puff of smoke into a towering inferno.
Wood stoves can only be used with dried and seasoned wood. Burning green, unseasoned or wet logs will not only make the fire difficult to ignite and burn cleanly, but the amount of toxins released into the air will also increase dramatically. Wood smoke contains fine particles that are contaminated by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) carbon monoxide and other harmful air pollutants like benzene. These pollutants are especially harmful to children, older adults and those suffering from lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
Most modern wood stoves come with a ash tray that collects ash, debris and grit from the grates. You can easily remove the pan and empty it into an ash bucket. Remember that the ashes contain embers and should be completely cooled prior to disposal.
Use a fire retardant cleaner, such as a specialized spray for cleaning your stove or a vinegar mix to avoid creosote buildup. You can also use a soft brush attachment for your vacuum cleaner or dry rag. Avoid using a rag that is wet as it could cause rusting.
It's also a good idea to use seasoned split and stacked wood that has been allowed to dry outdoors for at least 12 months before moving it inside. A stack of seasoned, kiln-dried wood will not only save you time and effort but also money as it is prepared to burn and generating more heat. A consistent supply of tinder will help to keep your fire going faster and lessen the amount of soot. If your area is a smoking area, you should be very diligent about keeping your stove and chimney in good order to avoid any fines.
Saves Money
Wood stoves are an excellent alternative to traditional fuel sources, especially when energy prices are on the rise and more volatility forecast. A wood burner that's well-maintained can reduce the cost of energy significantly when compared to electricity or gas.
A wood-burning stove can provide additional financial benefits in addition to reducing heating expenses. Contrary to traditional wood-burning stoves, certified modern inserts produce much more heat from less fuel. In fact, they produce up to three times the heat than a traditional wood-burning fireplace, allowing homeowners to keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets.
It is important to remember that wood heating has some "non-monetary" costs. There is also a lot of labor required to load the stove, lighting fires, and cleaning the ashes. In addition, if you decide to cut and split your own logs it can be lengthy and strenuous.
Drying out and store the logs is an additional possibility cost. Green, wet or unseasoned logs can cause a lot of smoke when burned. They can also cause harmful deposits to build up in the chimney and stove. It is important to follow the proper procedures for stacking and storing logs so that they remain dry and that only well-seasoned logs are burned in your stove.
It is also important to maintain and regularly sweep your chimney to avoid blocking smoke and clogging. This can be accomplished by hiring a professional chimney sweep, or by following some simple maintenance tips, like making sure the stove is swept prior to beginning to use it for the first time in a season, and then cleaning it after each fire.
Installing and purchasing a wood-burning stove isn't inexpensive. These expenses can add up even though they are more affordable than replacing gas boilers.
Adds Style
A wood stove inside can be a wonderful focal point, especially if it is decorated with the right design. A wood-burning stove in a kitchen, living room or dining area instantly brings warmth and comfort to the room. There are a variety of styles to pick from, ranging from traditional to contemporary. You're sure to find one that matches the style of your home.
A wood-burning stove can give character and a sense of the past to any room. The sound and sight of a real fire can instantly lift your mood, particularly in colder weather.
A log burner isn't only a practical option for your home but can help you save money on energy bills. The trend of replacing open fires with low-emission wood burning that are environmentally friendly is a great way to create a cozy ambience without compromising heating performance.
It is important to take into account the capacity of the stove in relation to the size of your house and insulation levels. The stove makers will give you guidelines to help you select the best size stove for your home. This is highly recommended for those who want to make the most on your investment.
Stoves that have an integrated log store is perfect for a modern living space, providing a neat and uncluttered look and ensuring that you always have wood on hand to use. Stoves that have log stores are also a good option for smaller homes, allowing you to keep logs close by without worrying about safety or space issues.
An indoor wood burner is also a great choice for a farmhouse style interior, and it is possible to match it with wood beams and panelled walls to create an authentic rustic look. This Farringdon stove comes from Arada Stoves with an attractive Spice finish, injects a pop of color and style into a modern living room.
With a wood-burning stove, all the family can get together and spend time with friends in the midst of a real flame. This is a wonderful way for the whole family to spend quality time together.