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 cause other health problems.
Research has previously demonstrated that the frequent use of a wood-burning stove or fireplace indoors increases lung cancer risk. However, these findings were based on self-reported frequency of usage and not medically verified.
Low Carbon Alternative to Carbon Neutral
If you are a fan of the design and cosiness of a wood stove but are concerned about the health risks it may create, you may be seeking an eco-friendly alternative. Well, fear not - there are many options that won't land you with a fine from DEFRA. 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 an excellent option for those looking to keep their current log burner, but switch the fuel. It's made from recycled wood and plant waste and you'll feel confident about purchasing it!
Alternatively, you could opt for an Eco Design wood burning stove. They meet the most recent standards and provide high efficiency, resulting in lower emissions. They are also more durable and less cumbersome to use than earlier versions.
A new Eco Design Stove would not be a great investment for your home but also for the environment. It's important to keep in mind that the emissions from wood combustion contribute to pollution in the air and climate change. There are ways to reduce the impact of your stove. These include using dry, clean fuel, cleaning up regularly and opening windows while you burn wood.
Switching to an electric stove is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment. These are also more efficient and use one third less power than traditional open fires. They're also easier to set up as there is no chimney or flue required and can be powered with a standard 3-pin plug.
There are a variety of green log burning options for your home, including eco briquettes that are made from recycled wood that are carbon neutral. Pellet stoves can also be used when you want to be more environmentally friendly. They are extremely efficient and can be utilized with a wide range of biomass fuels. Their automatic fuel feeding and air supply regulation ensures exceptionally efficient combustion, minimising emissions.
Many people are concerned about the health impact of having a stove that burns wood particularly after hearing that they can release particulates into the air. It is important to know that recent studies indicate that other activities in the home like cooking can release higher levels of PM10 and PM2.5 into the indoor air.
Easy to Clean
Having a wood burner brings an authentic, rustic vibe to your home. However, it can be easy to overlook the necessity for regular cleaning and maintenance. The ash that adheres to the grates and the creosote that is formed during the firing process can transform the stove or fireplace from the holiday-card image of gentle smoke billowing up into a massive blaze.
Wood stoves should only be used with dry, seasoned wood. Burning unseasoned, green or wet logs will not only make the fire difficult to start and burn efficiently however the amount of toxins released in the air will also rise dramatically. Wood smoke contains fine particle pollution as well as volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and dangerous air pollutants, such as benzene. These contaminants are particularly harmful to children, older adults, and those with lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
Most modern wood stoves have a removable ash pan that collects ash and debris from the grates. It is easy to remove the pan and then empty it into an ash bucket. Be aware that the ashes contain embers, and must be completely cooled before disposal.
Make use of a fire retardant cleaner such as a specially-formulated spray for cleaning your stove or a vinegar-based mixture to prevent the buildup of creosote. You can also use the soft brush attachments for your vacuum cleaner or a dry cloth, however it is best to avoid a damp cloth since this can cause rust.
It's also recommended to use a prepared split and stacked piece of wood that has been allowed to dry outdoors for at least 12 months before moving it inside. A stack of seasoned, kiln-dried wood will not only save time and effort but also money as it is prepared to burn and generating an increased heat output. In addition, a constant supply of fresh tinder helps to keep your fire burning at a faster pace and reduces the amount of soot that is produced. To avoid penalties, if your region is a smoking control area it is important to keep your chimney and stove working properly.
Saves Money
Wood stoves are a great alternative to the conventional fuel sources, particularly when energy prices are increasing and more volatility predicted. A well-maintained and efficient wood stove can drastically reduce your energy costs when compared to gas or electricity.
In addition to saving on heating costs, a wood-burning fireplace insert provides additional financial benefits. 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 as much heat than a traditional wood-burning fireplace, allowing homeowners to keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets.
It is important to keep in mind that wood heating comes with "non-monetary" costs. This includes a certain amount of work involved in loading the stove, lighting fires and cleaning out the ashes. If you decide to split and chop your own logs yourself it can be a lengthy and laborious process.
Drying out and store the logs is another possibility of cost. Inexperienced, damp or wet logs can create plenty of smoke when burned and result in harmful deposits on the stove and chimney. Therefore, it is important to follow best practice advice on stacking and storage of your logs to ensure that they are dry, and to only burn seasoned logs on 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 a few simple maintenance tips. For example, ensure that you wash the stove after every fire and sweep it clean prior to using it for the first time of the season.
In the end, homeowners who decide to switch to wood-burning stoves need to factor in 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
An indoor wood burner is the perfect focal point in an interior setting, especially when it's adorned with the right style. The addition of a wood-burning stove to a living room or dining room instantly gives the space an inviting and warm feel. There are a variety of styles to pick from, ranging from traditional to contemporary. You're bound to find one that matches the aesthetic of your house.
The addition of a wood burning stove to your indoor setting can provide a sense of historical and character to the room. The sight and sound of burning real flames is an instant mood lifter, creating a feeling of warmth and comfort, especially when the temperature drops.
In addition to being a practical option for your home, a wood burner can also be used to help you reduce your energy costs. With the recent trend of replacing open fires with eco-friendly, low-emission wood burners, you can now to create a warm and cozy space without compromising heating performance.
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 provide guidelines to help you select the best size stove for your home, which is highly recommended if want to get the most of your investment.
Stoves with integrated log storage unit is ideal for modern homes. It provides a neat, uncluttered appearance and ensures that you will always have wood on hand. contemporary wood burners with log stores are also a great alternative for homes with smaller spaces which allows you to store logs near by without having to worry about safety or space issues.
A wood stove inside can be a great addition to a farmhouse-style interior. You can combine it with wooden beams or panelled walls to create a classic rustic style. This Farringdon stove comes from Arada Stoves is available in a vibrant Spice finish, brings a pop of color and style into a modern living space.
A wood burning stove allows the entire family to enjoy each other’s company while enjoying a real fire. This is not only a great way to boost quality time, but it can also aid in helping adults and children get off their screens and concentrate on each other instead.