Indoor Wood Burner - An Eco-Friendly Alternative
Wood burning in the home can cause fine particles of pollution, in addition to other air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants can cause irritation to the lungs, and can cause other health problems.
Research has shown that frequent use of an indoor wood-burning fireplace or stove can increase the risk of lung cancer. These findings were based on self-reported usage, and not medically confirmed.
Low Carbon Alternative
You might be looking for alternatives that are green if like the appearance of a log stove but are worried about the health dangers. There are many options that won't get you an DEFRA fine. One option is to choose a bioethanol fireplace, which makes use of a liquid fuel derived produced from renewable sources, which releases far fewer particles than wood.
Bioethanol is a great 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 feel good about your purchase!
You could also invest in an Eco Design stove. They comply with the latest regulations and have high levels of efficiency, resulting in lower emissions. They're also designed to be more robust and easier to use than prev ious 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 minimize 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 way to reduce the environmental impact of your stove is to switch to an electric model. They are also more energy efficient and consume a third less electricity than open flames. They are also simpler to install, with no chimney or flue required 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 is carbon-neutral. Pellet stoves are a great alternative if you wish to go completely green. They are extremely efficient and can be utilized for a variety of biomass fuels. Their automatic fuel feeding, and air supply regulation, guarantees an extremely efficient combustion.
Some people might be worried about the health impact of having a wood-burning stove, especially after hearing that they release particles into the air. It's important to note that the most recent studies have revealed that other activities in the home like cooking can release higher levels of PM10 and PM2.5 particles into the indoor air than an Eco Design wood burning stove.
Easy to Clean
A wood burner will give your home an authentic, rustic look. It's easy to forget the importance of maintaining and cleaning regularly. The ash that adheres to the grates as well as the creosote that forms during firing can turn a stove or fireplace from the traditional holiday-card image of gentle smoke billowing up into a raging inferno.
Wood stoves can only be used with dry, seasoned wood. Burning green, unseasoned or wet logs will not just make the fire difficult to start and burn cleanly, but the amount of toxins released in the air will also increase dramatically. Wood smoke is a source of fine particles that are contaminated by volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, as well as hazardous air pollutants like benzene. These pollutants are particularly harmful to children, older adults and those suffering from lung diseases such as 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 pull out the pan and empty it into an bucket for ash. It's important to remember that ashes still contain embers and must be completely cooled before disposal.
To avoid the creosote buildup, you must clean your stove daily and use a fire-repellant cleaner such as a specialized stove cleaning spray or vinegar mixture. You can also use the soft brush attachment to your vacuum cleaner or dry rag. Avoid using a wet rag since it can cause rust.
It is a good idea to bring in wood that has been dried and seasoned outdoors for at least one year prior to moving it inside. A stack of well-seasoned, kiln-dried wood will not just save you time and effort, but also money by being ready to burn and providing an increased heat output. In addition, a constant supply of fresh tinder helps to keep your fire going at a quicker rate and reduces the amount of soot created. If your area is a smoke control area, you must be very diligent about keeping your chimney and stove in good condition to avoid any penalties.
Saves Money
With energy prices increasing this year and more volatility expected wood stoves can be an appealing alternative to traditional fuel sources. A wood burner that's maintained properly can cut down the cost of energy significantly when in comparison to gas or electricity.
A wood-burning stove can provide additional financial 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 produce up to three times the heat as a traditional wood-burning fireplace, allowing homeowners to keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets.
However it is crucial to remember that there are some additional "non economic" expenses that come with the use of wood heat. This includes the labor involved with loading the stove, starting fires and cleaning out the ashes. Additionally, if you choose to cut and split your logs on your own this process can be time consuming and exhausting.
Drying out and store the logs is a further potential cost. Green, wet or unseasoned logs can cause a lot of smoke when they're burned. They may also cause harmful deposits to build up in the stove's chimney. Therefore, it is important to follow the best practices on stacking and storing your logs to ensure they are dry and only burn seasoned logs in the stove.
It is also crucial to maintain and sweep your chimney frequently to prevent getting blocked. It is possible to do this by hiring an expert to sweep your chimney or by following some simple maintenance tips. For instance, you should ensure that you clean the stove after each fire and sweep it clean prior to using it for the first time of the season.
Installing and purchasing a wood-burning stove isn't cheap. Although they're currently cheaper than replacing a gas boiler that is older however, these costs can add up.
Adds Style
An indoor wood burner is an ideal focal point for an interior space, especially when it's decorated with the right decor. A wood-burning stove in the kitchen, dining room or living area instantly adds warmth and comfort the space. With a wide range of styles from traditional to modern, there's sure to be one that blends perfectly with the style of your home.
A wood-burning stove can add character and historical value to any room. The sight and sound of a real flame is an instant mood lifter and creates a sense of warmth and comfort, especially when the temperature decreases.
As well as being a practical choice for your home, a wood burner can also help you save money on energy bills. With the new trend for replacing open fires with eco-friendly, low emission wood burners, it is possible to create a cozy living space without compromising heating performance.
It's important to consider the heat capacity of the stove in relation to the size of your home and insulation levels. Stove manufacturers offer guidelines to help you select the right size stove for your space, which is highly recommended if you want to get the most of your investment.
A stove with an integrated log storage is ideal for modern homes. It provides a neat clean appearance and guarantees that you always have wood on hand. Stoves with log stores are also a good option for smaller homes that allow you to store logs near by without worrying about safety or space concerns.
A wood burner indoors can be a great addition to a farmhouse-styled interior. You can combine it with wood beams or panelled walls to create a classic rustic look. This Farringdon stove comes from Arada Stoves with an attractive Spice finish, injects an element of colour and style into a modern living room.
With a wood burning stove, all the family can get together and enjoy each other's company in the midst of a real flame. This is a great opportunity for the whole family to bond and spend time together.