Indoor Wood Burner - An Eco-Friendly Alternative
Wood burning in the home can cause fine particle pollution as well as other air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants can cause irritation to the lungs, and also cause health problems.
Previous research suggests that the frequent usage of an indoor wood burning stove or fireplace increases the risk of lung cancer. These findings were based solely on self-reported usage and not medically verified.
Low Carbon Alternative
You may be searching for alternatives that are green if like the appearance of a log stove, but are concerned about the health dangers. But don't worry - there are plenty of options that won't land you with a fine from DEFRA. One option is to use a bioethanol fireplace that utilizes a liquid fuel made produced from renewable sources, which releases less particles than wood.
Bioethanol is a fantastic option for those looking to keep their existing log burner, but change the fuel. It's made from recycled wood and plant waste and you'll be confident about the purchase!
You could also invest in an Eco Design stove. They meet the most recent regulations and achieve high levels of efficiency, which results in lower emissions. They are also more durable and less cumbersome to use than older versions.
A brand new Eco Design stove would not be a good investment for your home, but also for the environment. Keep in mind that the emissions of wood combustion are a major source of pollution of the air, which in turn leads to climate changes. There are methods to reduce the impact of your stove. This includes making sure that your fuel is dry and clean and cleaning it regularly, as well as opening windows while burning wood.
Another option to reduce the environmental impact of your stove is by switching to an electric model. They are also more efficient and consume a third less electricity than traditional open fires. They're also easier to set up and have no chimney or flue and can be powered by a standard 3-pin socket.
There are a myriad of eco-friendly log burning options, including eco briquettes that are made from recycled wood that are carbon neutral. Pellet stoves can also be used when you want to go green. These are incredibly efficient and can be used with a range of biomass fuels. Their automatic fuel feeding, and air supply regulation, guarantees a very efficient combustion.
Many people are concerned about the health risks of a wood-burning fireplace, especially when they hear that it may emit particles into the air. It's important to know that, in fact, the most recent research has shown that other activities in the home like cooking can release higher levels of PM10 and PM2.5 particles into indoor air than a contemporary Eco Design wood burning stove.
Easy to Clean
Having a wood burner brings an authentic, rustic vibe to your home. It is easy to overlook the importance of maintaining and cleaning regularly. The ash that adheres to the grates as well as the creosote formed during firing can turn a stove or fireplace from the holiday-card image of a soft smoke billowing out into a towering inferno.
Wood stoves should only be operated with dried, seasoned wood. If you burn unseasoned, unseasoned, or overly wet logs and the fire be difficult to start and burning cleanly but also the amount of toxic substances released into the atmosphere increases dramatically. Wood smoke is a source of fine particle pollution as well as volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and dangerous air pollutants such as benzene. These pollutants are particularly harmful to older adults, children as well as those suffering from lung diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
Most modern wood stoves feature an ash pan that is removable and collects ash and debris from the grates. You can easily remove the pan and empty it into a bucket for ash. It is important to remember that ashes can still contain embers so they must be completely cool before disposal.
To avoid the creosote buildup, you must clean your stove regularly and use a fire retardant cleaner such as a specialized stove cleaner spray or a vinegar-based mixture. You can also use soft brush attachments for your vacuum cleaner or a dry cloth, but it is advised to avoid using a damp cloth since this can cause rust.
It's also a good idea to select seasoned, split and stacked wood that is allowed to mature outdoors for at least 12 months prior bringing it inside. woodburning fireplace of well-seasoned, kiln dried wood will not just save you time and effort, but also money because it is ready to burn and generating a better heat output. A steady supply of tinder will also aid in keeping your fire going faster and reduce the amount of soot. To avoid any penalties, if your region is a smoking control zone it is essential to keep your stove and chimney working correctly.
Saves Money
Wood stoves can be a fantastic alternative to the conventional fuel sources, especially with energy prices on the rise and more volatility forecast. A well-maintained and efficient wood burner can dramatically reduce your energy costs in comparison to electricity or gas.
A wood-burning fireplace can bring additional economic benefits in addition to reducing heating costs. Modern inserts are more efficient than traditional wood-burning stoves and generate more heat using less fuel. In fact, they generate up to three times as much heat as a traditional wood burning fireplace , which allows homeowners to keep more of their hard-earned cash in their pockets.
However, it is important to remember that there are certain "non economic" costs that are associated with the use of wood heat. There is also a certain amount work that goes into loading the stove, lighting fires and cleaning up the ashes. If you choose to split and cut your own logs it can be a long and tedious process.
Another possibility is the need for a proper location to store and dry the logs. Unseasoned, wet or green logs can produce plenty of smoke when they are burned and result in harmful deposits on the chimney and stove. It is important to follow the best practices for stacking and storing logs so that they are always dry and only well-seasoned logs are burned in your stove.
Finally, it is important to regularly sweep and maintain your chimney to avoid clogging and smoke blockages. This can be done by hiring a professional chimney sweep, or by following some simple maintenance tips, like ensuring that the stove is swept before using it for the first time in a season, and cleaning it after every fire.
Installing and purchasing a wood-burning stove is not affordable. Although currently cheaper than replacing a gas boiler that is older, these expenses can add up.
Adds Style
A wood stove in the indoors is a perfect focal point for an interior space, especially when it's decorated with the right décor. Adding a wood burning stove to a living room, dining area or kitchen instantly gives the space a warm and welcoming feel. With a wide range of designs available, from modern to traditional there's bound to be one that will fit perfectly with the aesthetic of your home.
The addition of a wood-burning stove to your indoor setting could also add a sense of authenticity and character to the room. The sound and the sight of a real fire can instantly boost your mood, particularly during winter.
Alongside being a practical option for your home, a log burner can also help you save money on energy bills. The trend of replacing open fires with low-emission wood burning that are green is a great way to create a cozy atmosphere without sacrificing heating performance.
When choosing a stove it is important to think about its heat capacity in relation to the size of your home and the insulation levels. Stove manufacturers offer guidelines to help you choose the best size stove for your space. This is highly recommended if want to get the most out of your investment.
Stoves with an integrated log store is ideal for a modern-day living space, providing a neat and uncluttered appearance and ensuring you have wood on hand to use. Stoves that have log stores are also a good alternative for homes with smaller spaces, allowing you to keep logs close by without worrying about safety or space concerns.
A wood-burning stove in the indoors can be a great option for a farmhouse-style home. It can be paired with wooden beams or panels to create a rustic and classic appearance. This Farringdon stove comes from Arada Stoves is available in an attractive Spice finish, injects the style and color into a contemporary living room.
With a wood-burning stove, the entire family can gather to have fun with each other in front of a real flame. This is a wonderful way for all the family members to bond and spend time together.