Indoor Wood Burner - An Eco-Friendly Alternative
Indoor wood burning produces fine particle pollution, as well as other air pollutants like carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants can cause irritation to the lungs and cause health problems.
Research has shown that frequent use of an indoor wood burning fireplace or stove increases the risk of lung cancer. These findings are based on self-reported usage, and not medically verified.
Low Carbon Alternative
You may be searching for alternatives that are green if love the look of a log stove, but are concerned about the health dangers. There are a variety of alternatives that won't cost you an DEFRA fine. One option is a bioethanol fireplace that uses a liquid fuel produced from renewable sources, which releases far fewer particles than wood.
Bioethanol is a great alternative for those looking to keep their existing log burner and just change the fuel. It is made from recycled wood and plant waste, so you can feel confident about purchasing it!
You can also consider investing in an Eco Design stove. They comply with the latest regulations and have high efficiency, which results in lower emissions. They're also designed to be more robust and easy to use than older models.
A brand new Eco Design stove would not be a good investment for your home, but also for the environment. Be aware that the emissions from wood combustion can contribute to pollution of the air and, in turn, lead to climate change. There are methods to reduce the impact of your stove. This includes using dry, clean fuel, cleaning up regularly and opening your windows when you burn wood.
Switching to an electric stove is a great option to reduce your environmental impact. These are also more efficient and consume one third less power than traditional open fires. They are also much easier to install since they don't require a chimney or flue. They can also be powered by the standard 3-pin plug.
There are also a number of other eco-friendly log burning stoves available, such as eco briquettes, which are made from recycled wood and are carbon-neutral. Pellet stoves can also be utilized if you're looking to go green. These stoves are extremely efficient and can be used for a variety of biomass fuels. Their automatic fuel feeding and air supply regulation allows for exceptionally efficient combustion, minimising emissions.
Some people may be concerned about the health implications of a fireplace that is wood-burning particularly when they hear that it may release particles into the air. It is important to remember that, in fact, the latest studies have shown 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
Having a wood burner brings an authentic, rustic vibe to your home. It's easy to overlook the importance of regular maintenance and cleaning. The ash that sticks to grates and the creosote that forms during the firing process can transform a stove or fireplace from the traditional holiday-card image of a soft smoke billowing out into a massive blaze.
Wood stoves are only to be used with dry and seasoned wood. Burning unseasoned, green or wet logs will not just make the fire difficult to ignite and burn effectively however the quantity of toxins released into the air will also rise dramatically. Wood smoke contains fine particles of pollution and volatile organic compounds carbon monoxide and hazardous air pollutants, such as benzene. These contaminants are particularly harmful to children, older adults, and those living with lung diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
Most modern wood stoves come with a removable ash tray that is used to collect ash, debris and grit from the grates. You can easily remove the pan and empty it into an Ash bucket. It is important to remember that ashes still contain embers, so they should be completely cooled before disposal.
To prevent the buildup of creosote, wash your stove regularly and use a fire-repellant cleaner, such as a special stove cleaning spray or vinegar mixture. You can also use the soft brush attachments that come with your vacuum cleaner or dry cloth, but it is recommended to avoid using a damp sponge since this can cause rust.
It's a good idea bring in wood that has been dried and seasoned outdoors for at least a year prior to taking it indoors. A stack of well-seasoned, kiln dried wood will not only save you time and effort but also money since it is ready to burn. Additionally, a consistent supply of tinder that is fresh helps to keep your fire going faster and reduces the amount of soot that is produced. To avoid penalties, if the area is a smoking-control zone, it's important to keep your chimney and stove working properly.
Saves Money
With energy prices increasing this year and more volatility to come wood stoves are an attractive alternative to traditional fuel sources. A wood burner that is 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 expenses. Contrary to traditional wood-burning stoves, modern and certified inserts produce more heat using less fuel. They can produce up to three-times as much heat than traditional wood burning fireplaces, allowing homeowners to make more money.
However it is essential to remember that there are certain "non economic" expenses that come 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. In addition, if choose to cut and split your logs on your own, the process can be time consuming and strenuous.
Drying out and store the logs is another potential cost. Green, wet or unseasoned logs can cause a lot of smoke when they're burned. They also can cause harmful deposits to build up in the stove's chimney. It is important to follow the best practices for stacking and storing logs so that they are always dry and that only seasoned logs are used in your stove.
It is also important to clean and maintain your chimney on a regular basis to avoid clogging. This can be done by hiring a professional chimney sweep or by following simple maintenance tips, such as making sure the stove is swept before beginning to use it for the first time in a season, and then cleaning it after every fire.
Finally, homeowners who decide to make the switch to wood-burning stoves should be sure to take into account the cost of installation and purchase. second hand wood burning stoves can add up even though they are currently cheaper than replacing a gas boiler.
Adds Style
An indoor wood burner can be the perfect focal point in an interior setting, especially when it's decorated with the right decor. Adding a wood burning stove to a living room or dining area, or kitchen instantly creates the feeling of warmth and comfort. With a variety of styles from modern to traditional, there's sure to be one that blends perfectly with the style of your home.
The addition of a wood burning stove to your indoor setting can provide a sense of character and history to the space. The sound and the sight of a real fire can instantly boost your mood, particularly in the colder months.
In addition to being a practical choice for your home, a log burner can also be used to help you save money on energy bills. The latest trend of replacing open fireplaces with low-emission wood stoves that are eco-friendly is a great way to create a cozy atmosphere without sacrificing heating efficiency.
It is crucial to consider the heat capacity of the stove in relation to your home's size and insulation levels. The stove manufacturers will give you guidelines to help you choose the right size stove for your home. This is highly recommended when you want to make the most on your investment.
A stove with an integrated log store is ideal for a modern living space, providing a neat and clean appearance, and ensuring you always have wood ready to use. Stoves that have log stores are also a good option for smaller homes that allow you to store logs near by without having to worry about safety or space concerns.
A wood-burning stove for indoor use is also a great choice for a farmhouse style interior, with the option to pair it with wood beams and panelled walls to create a classic rustic aesthetic. This Farringdon stove from Arada Stoves with an attractive Spice Finish adds the color and style of any contemporary living room.
A wood burning stove allows the entire family to bond while enjoying a real fire. This is a great way for the entire family to spend time with each other.