Indoor Wood Burner - An Eco-Friendly Alternative
Indoor wood burning produces fine particles of pollution as well as dangerous air pollutants, including carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds, benzene, and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants can cause irritation to the lungs and also cause health issues.
Research has previously demonstrated that frequent use of a wood-burning stove or fireplace indoors can increase the risk of lung cancer. However, these results were based on the self-reported frequency of use and not medically verified.
Low Carbon Alternative
If you love the look and feel of a log burner but are concerned about the health risks it might pose, you might be looking for an eco-friendly alternative. There are many alternatives that won't result in a DEFRA fine. One of them is a bioethanol fire, which burns liquid fuel that is made from renewable resources and produces much fewer particulates than wood.
Bioethanol is a great option for those who wish to keep their wood stove but change the fuel. You can feel good about purchasing it because it's made from recycled wood and plant residues.
Alternately, you can consider investing in an Eco Design wood burning stove. These meet the latest standards and provide high levels of efficiency, resulting in lower emissions. They are also more robust and less cumbersome to use than older models.
A new Eco Design stove would not be a good investment for your home but also for the environment. It's worth remembering that the emissions from very small wood burner combustion contribute to the pollution of the air and cause climate change. However, there are ways to minimise the impact of your stove, such as using dry and clean fuel, cleaning up regularly, and opening windows when you're burning wood.
Switching to an electric stove is another way to reduce your environmental impact. They are also more efficient and use a third less electricity than traditional open fires. They are also simpler to install as there is no chimney or flue and can be powered with a standard 3-pin plug.
There are a variety of eco-friendly log burning options including eco briquettes that are made from recycled wood that are carbon neutral. Pellet stoves can also be utilized if you're looking to be more environmentally friendly. These are incredibly efficient and can be utilized with a wide range of biomass fuels. Their automatic fuel supply and air supply regulation assures an extremely efficient combustion process, reducing emissions.
Some people may be concerned about the health effects of a fireplace with wood, especially when they hear that it may release 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 more PM10 and PM2.5 particles into the indoor air than a contemporary Eco Design Wood Burning Stoves burning stove.
Easy to Clean
Having a wood burner brings an authentic rustic look to your home. However, it is easy to forget the need for regular maintenance and cleaning. The ash that sticks to grates and the creosote that forms during combustion can transform the fireplace into a huge fire.
Wood stoves are only to be used with dried and seasoned wood. If you burn green wood that is not seasoned or wet logs not only will the fire have trouble starting and burning clean but also the amount of toxic substances released into the atmosphere increases dramatically. Wood smoke is a source of fine particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) carbon monoxide and other harmful air pollutants like benzene. These pollutants are particularly harmful to older adults, children as well as those suffering from lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
The majority of modern wood stoves come with an ash pan with a removable lid that is used to collect ash and other debris from the grates. It is easy to take the pan off and dispose of it into an ash container. It is important to remember that ashes still contain embers and must cool completely before disposal.
To prevent the buildup of creosote, wash your stove daily and use a fire retardant cleaner, such as a special cleaner for stoves or vinegar mix. You can also use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner, or a dry rag. Avoid using a wet rag since it could cause rust.
It is a good idea to bring in wood that has been seasoned outside for at least a year before taking it indoors. A stack of kiln dried, well-seasoned very small wood burner will not only save you time and effort but also money as it is ready to burn. A regular supply of tinder will help keep your fire burning faster and lessen the amount of soot. If your area is a smoke-control area, you should be vigilant about keeping your chimney and stove in good working order to avoid penalties.
Saves Money
Wood stoves are an excellent alternative to the traditional fuel sources, particularly when energy prices are rising and more volatility forecast. A well-maintained and efficient wood stove can significantly reduce your energy costs, compared to gas or electricity.
A wood-burning stove can provide additional financial benefits in addition to reducing heating costs. Contrary to traditional wood-burning stoves, modern and certified inserts produce much more heat using less fuel. They can generate three times as much heat than traditional wood burning fireplaces and put more money in their pockets.
However, it is important to be aware of some additional "non monetary" costs associated with the use of wood heat. This includes the labor involved in loading the stove, starting fires, and clearing the dust. If you choose to split and cut your own logs yourself it could be a lengthy and laborious process.
Another possibility is the need for a proper location to store and dry the logs. Inexperienced, damp or wet logs can release plenty of smoke when they're burned. They also cause harmful deposits to the stove and chimney. Therefore, it is important to follow the best practice guidelines regarding stacking and storing your logs to ensure that they are dry and only burn seasoned logs on the stove.
Finally, it is important to regularly clean and maintain your chimney to prevent blocking smoke and clogging. This can be accomplished by hiring a professional chimney sweep, or by following simple maintenance tips, like ensuring that the stove is cleaned prior to beginning to use it for the first time in a season, and then cleaning it after every fire.
The homeowners who decide to make the switch to wood-burning stoves must be sure to consider the installation and purchase cost. These expenses can add up even though they're at present less expensive than replacing gas boilers.
Adds Style
An indoor wood burner is a perfect focal point for an interior setting, especially when it's styled with the right style. The addition of a wood-burning stove to your living room, dining area or kitchen instantly gives the room an inviting and warm feel. There are a myriad of designs to choose from, ranging from traditional to contemporary. You're sure to find one that complements the aesthetic of your house.
A wood burning stove can bring character and historical value to any room. The sight and sound of real flames can instantly boost your mood that creates a feeling of warmth and comfort - especially when the temperature is dropping.
As well as being a practical choice for your home, a wood burner can also be used to 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 warm and cozy space without compromising heating efficiency.
When choosing a stove it is important to think about the capacity of its heat source in relation to the size of your home as well as the insulation levels. The stove makers will give you guidelines to help you choose the best size stove for your home. This is recommended when you want to make the most on your investment.
Stoves with an integrated log store is perfect for a modern living space with a neat and uncluttered look and ensuring you always have wood on hand to use. Stoves that have log stores are a great option for homes with limited space. You can keep logs close to your home without worrying about safety or space.
An indoor wood burner can also be a great option for a farmhouse interior, and it is possible to match it with wood beams and panelled walls to create a classic rustic aesthetic. This Farringdon stove from Arada Stoves in an attractive Spice Finish injects the color and style of any modern living space.
With a wood-burning stove, all the family can come together and enjoy each other's company in the presence of a real fire. This is a great opportunity for all the family members to bond and spend time together.