Indoor Wood Burner - An Eco-Friendly Alternative
Indoor wood burning produces fine particle pollution and other hazardous air pollutants including carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds nitrogen oxides, and benzene. These pollutants can cause irritation to the lungs as well as other health problems.
Previous research has demonstrated that the frequent use of fireplaces or wood-burning stoves indoors increases lung cancer risk. However these results were based on self-reported frequency of usage and not medically verified.
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. Don't worry, there are good options available that won't cost you a fine from DEFRA. One such option is a bioethanol fire that burns a liquid fuel derived from renewable resources and produces much fewer particulates than wood.
Bioethanol is an excellent alternative for those looking to keep their current log burner, but switch the fuel. You'll feel comfortable buying it since it's made from recycled wood and plant residues.
You can also consider investing in an Eco Design stove. These stoves are modern and comply with the latest standards. They also are efficient and have high levels of efficiency that result in lower emissions. They are also more robust and less cumbersome to use than older models.
A brand new Eco Design stove would not only be a fantastic 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. There are methods to reduce the impact of your stove. These include using clean, dry fuel and cleaning it regularly, as well as opening windows while you burn wood.
Another way to reduce the environmental impact of your stove is to switch to an electric model. These are also more efficient and consume three times less energy than traditional open fires. They're also easier to install and have no chimney or flue required and can be powered by a standard 3-pin socket.
There are also a number of other eco-friendly log burners on the market, such as eco briquettes, which 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 work with a range of biomass fuels. Their automatic fuel supply and air supply regulation allows for an extremely efficient combustion process, reducing emissions.
There are people who are worried about the health implications of a fireplace that is wood-burning especially after hearing that it can release particles into the air. wood burning stoves small to note that the latest studies have shown that other household activities like cooking can release more PM10 and PM2.5 particles into the indoor air than a contemporary Eco Design wood burning stove.
Easy to Clean
A wood-burning stove can give your home an authentic, rustic feel. It is easy to forget the need for regular maintenance and cleaning. The ash that sticks to the grates as well as the creosote that forms when firing can transform a fireplace or stove from the holiday-card image of a gentle puff of smoke into a towering inferno.
Wood stoves can only be used with dried, seasoned wood. Burning green, unseasoned or wet logs will not just make the fire difficult to ignite and burn effectively, but the quantity of toxins released into the air will also rise dramatically. Wood smoke is a source of fine particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) carbon monoxide, and dangerous air pollutants such as benzene. These pollutants are particularly harmful for children, older adults and those with lung conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
Most modern wood stoves feature a removable ash pan that collects ash and debris from the grates. You can easily pull out the pan and empty it into a bucket for ash. It's important to keep in mind that ashes contain embers so they must cool completely before disposal.
Make use of a cleaner that is fire-resistant like a special spray for cleaning your stove or a vinegar mixture to prevent creosote buildup. You can also use soft brush attachments that come with your vacuum cleaner or a dry cloth, but it is advised to avoid using a damp cloth because it could cause rust.
It's also a good idea to select well-seasoned split and stacked wood that has been allowed to dry outdoors for at least 12 months prior to taking it inside. A stack of kiln dried, well-seasoned wood will not only save you time and effort but also money as it is ready to burn. In addition, a regular supply of tinder that is fresh helps to keep your fire going faster and reduces the amount of soot that is produced. To avoid any penalties, if your area is a smoking-control zone it is essential to keep your stove and chimney working properly.
Saves 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 stove can dramatically reduce your energy bills in comparison to gas or electricity.
In addition to savings on heating costs, a wood-burning fireplace insert offers additional financial advantages. Modern inserts are more efficient than traditional stoves that burn wood and generate more heat using less fuel. In fact, they produce 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.
It is important to keep in mind that wood heating is a process that has "non-monetary" costs. There is also a certain amount of work involved in loading the stove, lighting fires and cleaning the ashes. If you choose to split and cut your own logs it could be a long and tedious process.
Drying and store the logs is an additional potential cost. Unseasoned, wet or green logs can produce plenty of smoke when they're burned. They also cause harmful deposits to the chimney and stove. Therefore, it is important to follow the best practices on stacking and storing your logs to ensure they're dry, and that you only burn seasoned logs on the stove.
Finally, it is important to regularly sweep and maintain your chimney to avoid obstructions and smoke build-up. This can be done by hiring a professional chimney sweep, or by following a few simple maintenance tips, such as making sure the stove is swept before beginning to use it for the first time every season, and cleaning it after every fire.
The process of installing and buying a wood-burning stove isn't affordable. These costs can add up even though they're at present less expensive than replacing a gas boiler.
Adds Style
An indoor wood burner is a perfect focal point for an interior space, especially when it's adorned with the right décor. A wood burning stove in a kitchen, living space or dining room instantly adds warmth and comfort to the room. There are a myriad of designs to pick from, ranging from traditional to contemporary. You're sure to find one that matches the aesthetic of your house.
The addition of a wood-burning stove to your indoor setting could provide a sense of character and history to the space. The sound and sight of a real fire can instantly boost your mood, particularly during winter.
As well as being a practical option for your home, a wood burner can also be used to help you save money on energy bills. The new trend of replacing open fires with low-emission wood burners that are green is a great method to create a warm and cozy environment without sacrificing heating efficiency.
When choosing a stove, it is essential to consider the capacity of its heat source in relation to the dimensions of your house and the insulation levels. Stove manufacturers offer guidelines to help you select the right size stove for your space. This is highly recommended if want to get the most of your investment.
Stoves with integrated log storage is perfect for modern homes. It offers a tidy, uncluttered appearance and ensures that you will always have wood available. Stoves that feature log stores are an excellent alternative for homes with small spaces. Logs can be stored close to your home without worrying about space or safety.
An indoor wood burner can also be a great choice for a farmhouse style interior, and it is possible to combine it with wooden beams and panelled walls for the classic rustic look. This Farringdon stove is from Arada Stoves with an attractive Spice finish, adds a pop of color and style into a modern living space.
A wood-burning stove enables the entire family to enjoy each other’s company while enjoying a real fire. Not only is this an excellent way to improve quality time and bonding, but it can also aid in helping adults and children take a break from their screens and concentrate on one another instead.