Indoor Wood Burner - An Eco-Friendly Alternative
Indoor wood burners release fine particles of pollution as well as hazardous air pollutants including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, benzene, and nitrogen oxides. They can cause irritation to the lungs and trigger other health issues.
Previous research suggests that the frequent use of a wood-burning indoor fireplace or stove increases lung cancer risk. However, these results were based on self-reported frequency of use, and were not medically validated.
Low Carbon Alternative
If you like the look and cosiness of a fireplace but are worried about the health risks it might create, you may be seeking an eco-friendly alternative. But don't worry - there are many options that won't cost you a fine from DEFRA. One of them is a bioethanol-based fire which burns a liquid fuel that is made from renewable sources and releases less particulates than wood.
Bioethanol is a great option for those who want to keep their existing wood stove, but simply change the fuel. It's made from recycled wood and plant waste So you can feel confident about purchasing it!
Alternatively, you could invest in an Eco Design wood burning stove. They are up-to-date and meet the latest standards. They also feature high efficiency, which result in less emissions. They're also designed to be more robust and user-friendly as opposed to older models.
A brand new Eco Design stove would not only be a fantastic investment for your home but also for the environment. It's worth remembering that emissions from wood combustion contribute to the pollution of the air and cause climate change. However, there are ways to reduce the impact of your stove, including using clean and dry 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 switch to an electric model. These are also more efficient and use a third less electricity than traditional open fires. These are also easier to install as they don't require chimneys or flue, and can be powered using the standard 3-pin plug.
There are a lot of other eco-friendly log burners available, such as eco briquettes that are made from recycled wood and 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 variety of biomass fuels. Their automatic fuel feeding and air supply regulation, guarantees the most efficient combustion.
There are some who are concerned about the health risks of having a stove that burns wood, especially after hearing that they release particulates into the air. It's important to know that the latest studies have shown that other household activities, such as cooking, can release higher levels of PM10 and PM2.5 particles into the indoor air than a modern Eco Design wood burning stove.
Easy to Clean
Wood burning stoves can give an authentic, rustic feel to your home. It's easy to forget the importance of regular cleaning and maintenance. The ash that adheres to grates and the creosote that forms during firing can turn the stove or fireplace from the traditional holiday-card image of gentle smoke billowing up into a massive blaze.
Wood stoves can only be used with dried well-seasoned, dried wood. Burning unseasoned, green or wet logs will not only make the fire difficult to ignite and burn cleanly however the quantity of toxins released into the air will also increase dramatically. wood burning stoves uk contains fine particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, and harmful air pollutants like benzene. These pollutants are particularly harmful for children, older adults and those with lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
Modern wood stoves are equipped with an ash tray that can be removed 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 cooled completely before disposal.
To avoid the buildup of creosote, clean your stove every day and use a fire-repellant cleaner, such as a stove cleaning spray or vinegar mix. You can also make use of a soft brush attachment for your vacuum cleaner or dry rag. Avoid using a rag that is wet as it could cause rust.
It's also an excellent idea to select seasoned split and stacked piece of wood that has been allowed to season outdoors for at least 12 months before taking it inside. A stack of seasoned, kiln-dried wood will not only save time and effort, but also money because it is ready to burn and creating more heat. A regular supply of tinder will help keep your fire going at a faster pace and lessen the amount of soot. If your area is a smoking zone, you must be very diligent about maintaining your chimney and stove in good order to avoid any fines.
Savings on Money
With energy prices rising this year and more volatility expected wood stoves can be an appealing alternative to conventional fuel sources. A well-maintained and efficient wood burner can significantly reduce your energy bills when compared to gas or electricity.
In addition to reducing heating costs A fireplace that burns wood provides additional financial benefits. Unlike traditional wood burning stoves, modern and certified inserts produce more heat with less fuel. They can produce up to three-times as much heat as traditional fireplaces that burn wood, allowing homeowners more money to spend in their pockets.
It is important to remember that wood heating is a process that has "non-monetary" costs. This includes the work involved in loading the stove, lighting fires and cleaning the dust. If you decide to split and chop your own logs on your own it could be a time-consuming and difficult process.
A place to dry and store the logs is another possibility cost. Unseasoned, damp or green logs can cause a lot of smoke when burned. They may also create harmful deposits that build up in the chimney and stove. Therefore, it is important to follow the best practice guidelines on stacking and storing your logs to ensure they are dry, and to only burn seasoned logs in the stove.
It is also crucial to maintain and sweep your chimney on a regular basis to avoid getting blocked. This can be done by hiring a professional chimney sweep or by following a few simple maintenance tips, for example, making sure the stove is swept prior to using it for the first time every season, and cleaning it after every fire.
Finally, homeowners who decide to switch to wood-burning stoves need to take into account the cost of installation and purchase. Although they're currently cheaper than replacing a gas boiler that is older but these costs can add up.
Adds Style
A wood burning stove in the indoors is a great focal point, especially when it is 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, which range from traditional to contemporary. You're sure to find one that complements the style of your home.
A wood-burning stove can add character and history to any room. The smell and sound of a real flame can instantly improve your mood, particularly in the colder months.
Alongside being a practical option for your home, a log burner can also be used to help you save money on energy bills. With the trend of replacing open fires with eco-friendly, low emissions wood burners, it's possible to create a cozy space without sacrificing heating efficiency.
It is crucial to take into account the capacity of the stove in relation to your home's size and insulation levels. Stove manufacturers provide guidelines to help you choose the best size stove for your space. This is highly recommended if you want to get the most out of your investment.
A stove with an integrated log storage unit is ideal for modern homes. It offers a tidy, uncluttered appearance and ensures that you have plenty of wood readily available. Stoves with log stores are also a good option for smaller homes which allows you to keep logs in close proximity without worrying about safety or space concerns.
A wood-burning stove for indoor use is also a great choice for a farmhouse style interior, and it is possible to match it with wooden beams and panelled walls to create the classic rustic look. This Farringdon stove by Arada Stoves in an attractive Spice Finish injects color and style into any contemporary living room.
A wood-burning stove enables the entire family to bond while savoring a real flame. This is not only an excellent way to increase 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.