Indoor Wood Burner - An Eco-Friendly Alternative
Indoor wood burning produces fine particle pollution and other harmful air pollutants like carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, benzene, and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants can cause irritation to the lungs as well as other health issues.
Prior research indicates that frequent use of an indoor wood burning fireplace or stove increases lung cancer risk. However these results were based on self-reported frequency of usage and not medically confirmed.
Low Carbon Alternative
You might be searching for a green alternative if you love the appearance of a log stove but are concerned about the health risks. Well, fear not - there are many options that won't cost you a fine from DEFRA. One of them is a bioethanol fire, which burns a liquid fuel made from renewable resources and produces much fewer particulates than wood.
Bioethanol is a fantastic option for those who wish to keep their existing wood stove but change the fuel. You'll feel comfortable purchasing it because it is made from recycled wood and plant residues.
You can also invest in an Eco Design stove. They comply with the latest regulations and have high efficiency, which results in lower emissions. They are also more robust and more user-friendly than earlier versions.
A new Eco Design Stove would not be a great investment for your home, but also for the environment. It's important to keep in mind that emissions from wood combustion contribute to air pollution and climate change. However, there are ways to minimize the impact of your stove, such as using dry and clean fuel, cleaning up regularly and opening your windows when you're burning wood.
Another way to reduce the environmental impact of your stove is by switching to an electric model. They are also more efficient in energy use and use one third less energy than open fires. small wood burning heater to set up as there is no chimney or flue needed and can be powered by a standard 3-pin socket.
There are also a number of other eco-friendly log burners on the market, such as eco briquettes that have been made from recycled wood and are carbon-neutral. Pellet stoves can also be utilized if you're looking to be more environmentally friendly. They are extremely efficient and can be used for a range of biomass fuels. Their automatic fuel feeding and air supply regulation, ensures an extremely efficient combustion.
There are some who are concerned about the health impact of having a wood-burning stove particularly after hearing that they release particulates into the air. It's important to note that, in fact, the most recent studies have revealed that other activities in the home, such as cooking, can release more PM10 and PM2.5 particles into indoor air than a contemporary Eco Design wood burning stove.
Easy to Clean
Wood burning stoves can give an authentic, rustic feel to your home. However, it can be easy to overlook the need for regular maintenance and cleaning. The ash that adheres to the grates as well as the creosote that forms during the firing process can transform a stove or fireplace from the image on a holiday card of gentle smoke billowing up into a raging inferno.
Wood stoves are best operated with dried, seasoned wood. If you burn unseasoned or unseasoned or excessively wet logs not only will the fire be difficult to start and burning cleanly, but also the amount of pollutants released into the air increases dramatically. Wood smoke contains fine particles of pollution and volatile organic compounds carbon monoxide, and dangerous air pollutants like benzene. These pollutants pose a particular risk to older adults, children and those suffering from lung diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.
Most modern wood stoves come with an ash tray that can be removed that collects ash, debris and grit from the grates. It is easy to take the pan off and dispose of it into an ash container. Remember that the ashes contain embers, and must be cooled completely before disposal.
Make use of a cleaner that is fire-resistant such as a specially-formulated spray for cleaning your stove or a vinegar mix to prevent the buildup of creosote. You can also use an attachment for a soft brush to your vacuum cleaner or a dry rag. Avoid using a rag that is wet as it could cause rust.
It's also recommended to use a prepared split and stacked piece of wood that has been allowed to season outdoors for at least 12 months prior bringing it inside. A stack of kiln dried, well-seasoned wood will save you not only time and effort but also money since it is ready to burn. Additionally, a consistent supply of tinder is helpful to keep your fire going faster and reduces the amount of soot produced. If your area is a smoke control zone, you must be extremely vigilant about keeping your chimney and stove in good order to avoid penalties.
Savings on Money
With energy prices increasing this year and more volatility to come wood stoves can be an attractive alternative to conventional fuel sources. A wood burner that is well-maintained can lower the energy cost significantly as compared to gas or electricity.
A wood-burning insert offers additional economic benefits in addition to reducing heating expenses. Modern inserts are more efficient than traditional stoves that burn wood and produce more heat with less fuel. They can produce up to three-times as much heat as traditional wood burning fireplaces which means homeowners can keep to make more money.
It is important to keep in mind that wood heating comes with "non-monetary" costs. This includes a certain amount of work involved in loading the stove, starting fires, and clearing the ashes. If you decide to split and chop your own logs it could be a time-consuming and difficult process.
A place to dry and store the logs is another potential cost. Green, wet or unseasoned logs can create a lot smoke when they're burned. They may also cause harmful deposits to build up in the chimney and stove. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the best practice guidelines on stacking and storing your logs to ensure that they are dry, and to only burn seasoned logs in the stove.
It is also essential to clean and maintain your chimney on a regular basis to avoid clogging. You can accomplish this by hiring an expert to sweep your chimney or by following a few simple maintenance tips. For instance, you should ensure that you wash the stove after each fire and sweep it before making use of it for the first time of the season.
The process of installing and buying a wood-burning stove isn't inexpensive. The costs can be high even though they're at present less expensive than replacing gas boilers.
Adds Style
A wood stove inside is a great focal point, especially if it's decorated with the right design. A wood burning stove in the kitchen, living space or dining room instantly brings warmth and comfort to the space. There are a myriad of designs to choose from, ranging from traditional to contemporary. You're bound to find one that matches the aesthetic of your house.
The addition of a wood burning stove to your indoor setting could also add a sense of authenticity and character to the room. The sight and sound of burning real flames can instantly lift your mood and creates a sense of warmth and comfort - especially when the temperature decreases.
Alongside being a practical choice for your home, a log burner can also help you save money on energy bills. With the trend of replacing open fires with eco-friendly, low emission wood burners, it is possible to create a cozy living space without compromising heating efficiency.
When choosing a stove it is essential to consider the capacity of its heat source in relation to the size of your home as well as the insulation levels. Stove manufacturers provide guidelines to help you select the correct size stove for your home, which is highly recommended if you want to get the most out of your investment.
Stoves that have integrated log storage is perfect for a modern home. It offers a tidy minimalist appearance and makes sure that you always have wood readily available. Stoves that have log stores are also a great alternative for homes with smaller spaces that allow you to keep logs in close proximity without worrying about safety or space concerns.
An indoor wood burner can also be a great choice for a farmhouse style interior, and you can choose to pair it with wooden beams and panelled walls for the classic rustic look. This Farringdon stove from Arada Stoves in an attractive Spice finish adds the color and style of any modern living space.
A wood burning stove allows the entire family to enjoy each other’s company while savoring a real flame. This is not just a great way to boost quality time as well, but it can aid in helping adults and children take a break from their screens and focus on one another instead.