Indoor Wood Burner - An Eco-Friendly Alternative
Wood burning in the indoors can produce 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 also cause health issues.
Previous research has demonstrated that frequent use of fireplaces or wood-burning stoves indoors increases lung cancer risk. However, these results were based on self-reported frequency of use and not medically validated.
Low Carbon Alternative
If you like the look and feel of a wood stove but are concerned about the health risks it could create, you may be looking for an eco-friendly alternative. Well, fear not - there are good options available that won't cost you a fine from DEFRA. One option is to choose a bioethanol fireplace, which utilizes a liquid fuel made produced from renewable sources, which releases less particles than wood.
Bioethanol is a great option for those who want to keep their existing wood stove, but simply change the fuel. You'll feel comfortable purchasing it because it's made from recycled wood and plant residues.
Alternately, you can opt for an Eco Design wood burning stove. These meet the latest regulations and have high levels of efficiency, resulting in lower emissions. They are also more robust and less cumbersome to use than earlier versions.
A brand new Eco Design Stove would not only be a fantastic investment for your home but also for the planet. It's important to keep in mind that emissions from wood combustion contribute to the pollution of the air and cause climate change. However there are outside wood burners to minimise the impact of your stove for example, using dry and clean fuel, regularly sweeping it clean, and opening windows when you're burning wood.
Switching to an electric stove is another method to lessen your impact on the environment. They are also more energy efficient and consume a third less electricity than open fires. They are also much easier to install because they don't require chimneys or flue and can be powered using a standard 3-pin plug.
There are many eco-friendly log burning options including eco briquettes that are made from recycled wood that is carbon neutral. Pellet stoves are a great option if you want to go completely green. They are extremely efficient and can be utilized for a range of biomass fuels. Their automatic fuel supply and air supply regulation allows for exceptionally efficient combustion, minimising emissions.
There are people who are worried about the health risks of a fireplace with wood particularly after hearing that it can release particles into the air. It is important to remember that the most recent research has shown that other activities in the home like cooking can release more PM10 and PM2.5 particles into indoor air than an Eco Design wood burning stove.
Easy to Clean
Wood burning stoves can give an authentic, rustic vibe to your home. It is easy to forget the importance of regular maintenance and cleaning. The ash that sticks to the grates and the creosote that forms during combustion can transform a fireplace into a towering fire.
Wood stoves are only to be used with dry, seasoned wood. Burning green, unseasoned or wet logs will not only make the fire difficult to ignite and burn efficiently however, the amount of toxins released into the air will also rise dramatically. Wood smoke contains fine particles of pollution as well as volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide and other hazardous air pollutants like benzene. These pollutants are particularly harmful for older adults, children and those living with lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
Most modern wood stoves feature an ash pan that is removable and removes ash and other debris from the grates. It is easy to take the pan off and dispose of it into an ash container. It is important to remember that ashes can still contain embers so they must be completely cool before disposal.
Make use of a fire retardant cleaner like a special spray for cleaning your stove or a vinegar mixture to prevent the buildup of creosote. You can also use soft brush attachments on your vacuum cleaner or dry cloth, but it is advised to avoid a damp cloth 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 bringing it indoors. A stack of well-seasoned, kiln dried wood will save you not just time and effort, but also money because it is ready to burn. In addition, a constant supply of tinder that is fresh helps to keep your fire burning faster and reduces the amount of soot produced. To avoid penalties, if your region is a smoking control area it is essential to keep your chimney and stove working correctly.
Saves Money
With energy prices increasing this year, and more volatility anticipated wood stoves are an appealing alternative to traditional fuel sources. A wood stove that is well-maintained can reduce the energy cost significantly as compared to gas or electricity.
In modern wood burner to savings on heating costs, a wood-burning fireplace insert provides additional financial benefits. Modern inserts are more efficient than traditional wood-burning stoves, and produce more heat with less fuel. They can generate three times as much heat as traditional wood burning fireplaces, allowing homeowners more money in their pockets.
It is important to remember that wood heating is a process that has "non-monetary" costs. This includes a certain amount of labor involved with loading the stove, starting fires and cleaning the dust. If outside wood burners decide to split and chop your own logs on your own it could be a lengthy and laborious process.
Another cost to consider is the need for a proper storage and drying area for the logs. Unseasoned, damp or green logs can cause a lot of smoke when burned. They may also create harmful deposits that build up in the stove and chimney. Therefore, it is important to follow the best practice guidelines regarding stacking and storing your logs to ensure they are dry, and that you only burn seasoned logs on the stove.
Finally, it is important to maintain and regularly sweep your chimney to avoid blocking smoke and clogging. This can be done by hiring a professional chimney sweep or by following simple maintenance tips, like making sure that the stove is swept prior to making use of it for the first time in a season, and cleaning it after each fire.
Finally, homeowners who decide to make the switch to wood-burning stoves must be sure to take into account the installation and purchase cost. The costs can be high even though they're at present less expensive than replacing a gas boiler.
Adds Style
A wood burning stove in the indoors is a great focal point, particularly if it's decorated with the appropriate decor. Adding a wood burning stove to a living room or dining area, or kitchen instantly gives the room an inviting and warm feel. There are a variety of styles to pick from, ranging from traditional to contemporary. You're sure to find one that complements the style of your home.
A wood burning stove can bring character and historical value to any room. The sound and sight of a real fire can instantly lift your mood, especially in colder weather.
A log burner is not just a practical choice for your home but can 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 living space without compromising on heating efficiency.
It is important to consider the capacity of the stove in relation to the size of your home and insulation levels. Stove manufacturers provide 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.
A stove with a built-in log store is perfect for a modern living space that offers a clean and uncluttered appearance and ensuring you always have wood on hand to use. Stoves that have log stores are an excellent alternative for homes with small spaces. Logs can be stored near without having to worry about safety or space.
A wood stove inside can be a wonderful addition to a farmhouse-style interior. You can combine it with wood beams or panels to create a rustic and classic appearance. This Farringdon stove from Arada Stoves in an attractive Spice Finish adds color and style into any contemporary living room.
A wood-burning stove enables everyone in the family to bond while savoring a real flame. This is not only a great way to boost quality time, but it can also assist adults and children to switch off from their screens and focus on each other instead.