Indoor Wood Burner - An Eco-Friendly Alternative
Indoor wood burning produces fine particle pollution as well as other air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. These can irritate the lungs and cause health problems.
Research has previously demonstrated that the frequent use of fireplaces or stoves that burn wood indoors can increase the risk of lung cancer. However these results were based on the self-reported frequency of use, and were not medically verified.
Low Carbon Alternative
You may be searching for a green alternative if you love the appeal of a wood stove, but are concerned about the health risks. But don't worry - there are many options that won't land you with a fine from DEFRA. One of them is a bioethanol fire, that burns a liquid fuel derived from renewable resources and produces significantly less dust than wood.
Bioethanol is a great option for those who want to keep their log burner and just switch the fuel. It's made from recycled wood and plant waste and you'll feel confident about purchasing it!
You can also invest in an Eco Design stove. These stoves are modern and are in line with the most recent standards. They also have high levels of efficiency that result in lower emissions. They're also designed to be more durable and easy to use than older models.
A brand new Eco Design Stove would not be a great investment for your home, but also for the environment. Keep in mind that the emissions of wood combustion can contribute to air pollution and, in turn, lead to 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 burning wood.
Another option to reduce the environmental impact of your stove is to switch to an electric model. They are also more efficient and use one third less power than traditional open fires. They are also simpler to install as there is no chimney or flue required and can be powered by a standard 3-pin plug.
There are also a number of other eco-friendly log burning stoves available including eco briquettes that are made from recycled wood and are carbon neutral. Pellet stoves are also an alternative if you wish to go completely green. These stoves are extremely efficient and can be utilized to burn a variety of biomass fuels. Their automatic fuel supply and air supply regulation assures exceptionally efficient combustion, minimising emissions.
Some people may be concerned about the health effects of a fireplace with wood particularly after hearing that it could release particulates in the air. It is important to know that recent studies indicate that other household activities like cooking can release higher levels of PM10 and PM2.5 into the indoor air.
Easy to Clean
A wood stove can bring an authentic, rustic vibe to your home. It is easy to overlook the necessity to maintain and clean it regularly. The ash that clings to grates and the creosote that is formed during the firing process can transform a stove or fireplace from the holiday-card image of gentle smoke billowing up into a towering inferno.
Wood stoves are best operated with dried, seasoned wood. If you use green wood that is not seasoned or wet logs and the fire have difficulty starting and burning clean however, the amount of toxic substances released into the atmosphere increases dramatically. Wood smoke contains fine particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, and dangerous air pollutants such as benzene. These contaminants are particularly harmful to older adults, children and those suffering from lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
small wood burning stove are equipped with a removable ash tray that can be used to collect ash, debris, and grit from the grates. You can easily pull out the pan and empty it into an ash bucket. Be aware that the ashes contain embers, and must be completely cooled before disposal.
To avoid the buildup of creosote, clean your stove daily and use a fire-repellant cleaner such as a specialized stove cleaner spray or vinegar mixture. 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 rusting.
It's also recommended to select well-seasoned split and stacked wood that has been allowed to dry outdoors for at least 12 months prior moving it inside. A stack of seasoned, kiln dried wood will save you not just 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 created. To avoid any penalties, if the area is a smoking control zone, it's important to ensure that your chimney and stove operating properly.
Saves Money
With energy prices increasing this year and more volatility anticipated wood stoves are an attractive alternative to traditional fuel sources. A well-maintained and efficient wood stove can significantly reduce your energy costs in comparison to gas or electricity.
In addition to savings on heating expenses, a fireplace with wood-burning technology can also provide additional financial benefits. Contrary to traditional wood-burning stoves, modern and certified inserts generate more heat with less fuel. In fact, they produce up to three times the heat than a traditional wood burning fireplace, allowing homeowners to keep more of their hard-earned cash in their pockets.
It is important to remember that wood heating is a process that has "non-monetary" expenses. This includes the work involved in loading the stove, starting fires and cleaning out the dust. In addition, if decide to cut and split your own logs, the process is time-consuming and strenuous.
Another possibility is the need for a safe location to store and dry the logs. Inexperienced, damp or wet logs can release a lot of smoke when burned and result in harmful deposits on the stove and chimney. Therefore, it is essential to follow best practice advice on stacking and storing your logs to ensure they are dry and only burn seasoned logs on the stove.
It is also crucial to clean and maintain your chimney frequently to prevent the clogging. This can be accomplished by hiring an expert chimney sweep or by following some simple maintenance tips, for example, ensuring that the stove is swept prior to beginning to use it for the first time each season, and cleaning it after every fire.
The homeowners who make the switch to wood-burning stoves should be sure to take into account the cost of installation and purchase. While they are currently less expensive than replacing an older gas boiler however, these costs can add up.
Adds Style
A wood burning stove in the indoors is a great focal point, especially if it's decorated with the right decor. A wood-burning stove to a living room or dining room instantly creates an inviting and warm feel. With a variety of designs available, from modern to traditional, there's sure to be one that blends perfectly with the design of your home.
A wood burning stove can give character and a sense of history to any room. The sight and sound of 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 choice for your home, a log burner can also be used to help you save money on energy bills. With the recent trend of replacing open fires with eco-friendly, low emission wood burners, you can now to create a cozy living space without compromising heating efficiency.
It's important to take into account the capacity of the stove in relation to the size of your house and insulation levels. Stove manufacturers provide guidelines to help you choose the correct size stove for your space. This is highly recommended if want to get the most of your investment.
Stoves with a built-in log store is ideal for a modern-day living space, providing a neat and uncluttered look and ensuring you have wood ready to use. Stoves with log stores are also a good alternative for homes with smaller spaces that allow you to store logs near by without having to worry about safety or space issues.
A wood stove in the indoors can also be a great option for a farmhouse-style interior, and you can choose to combine it with wooden beams and panelled walls for the classic rustic look. This Farringdon stove from Arada Stoves with vibrant Spice finish adds design and color into any modern living space.
A wood-burning stove enables all family members to spend time with each other while enjoying a real flame. This is a great opportunity for all the family members to bond and spend time together.