Wood Burning Stoves: The Ugly Truth About Wood Burning Stoves
Wood Burning Stoves
Wood stoves create a warm and inviting focal point to any living space. They are also carbon-neutral and can be obtained by reusing wood from timber dealers or fallen dead trees.
They warm your home by burning the logs inside a fireproof box and releasing unburnt exhaust through a flue system. Modern catalytic and non-catalytic models employ secondary combustion to reburn smoke emissions to improve efficiency.
Eco-Friendly
A wood stove is an excellent option for those looking to live a sustainable lifestyle. The technology behind modern wood burners means that using the same amount of fuel it is possible to keep your home warm for longer, while also reducing the carbon footprint. You can also lessen your impact on the environment by using kiln dried or seasoned wood which will burn more efficiently and produce less smoke.
Wood smoke is not a good thing for lungs of any kind, but it can be particularly harmful to children as well as older adults who already have compromised respiratory systems. It can trigger asthma attacks and worsen chronic obstructive lung disease for those who already suffer from it.
To avoid this, search for a DEFRA-approved burning stove that is in compliance with the strict standards for emissions and can be used in areas that control smoke. These stoves are equipped with an internal catalytic converter which removes the gas released during the first combustion and re-burns it in the second chamber, helping to reduce the amount of pollutants.
Another option is to go for a multi-fuel stove that can be used with a variety of different kinds of fuel. This will help reduce your reliance on wood and make it easier to source sustainable wood from a local supplier. Additionally, you'll be able to take advantage of cheaper energy rates by switching between different fuels depending on the available fuel.
The Lowry 5X stove from The Woodford Collection offers a excellent example of a high-efficiency stove that also complies with strict emission standards. It boasts an cleanSkies rating of 5, which means it produces very little pollution and can be used in smoke-free areas.
It is crucial to keep in mind that even new Ecodesign stoves can produce more than 750 times the amount of tiny particles in a laboratory than the modern HGV. It is recommended to clean your stove regularly and chimney in order to remove any soot or build-up.
Energy Efficient
When compared to other sources of heat such as gas, oil and electricity, Wood Burning Stoves are very energy efficient. They produce lots of heat for their size, which is then distributed throughout the home instead of being expelled up the chimney. This makes a wood stove very cost effective.
In general, the greater the stove's efficiency of combustion (the more of its fuel is converted to heat) the better it will be. It is also essential to consider the overall efficiency of the stove (which includes heating transfer). For more information you can go to the EPA website or talk to your retailer.
Modern wood-burning stoves which are EPA certified burn up to 90 percent cleaner than older open fireplaces, and even some of the simplest, older stoves. This is due to the use of pre-heated combustion air, fireboxes that are insulated and large baffles which provide an extended and more hot air flow to the fuel, making for an even and complete combustion. This can also help reduce the amount of creosote residue.
Wood smoke contains small particles that can easily penetrate the lungs, leading to breathing problems. This is particularly relevant for children, elderly people or those with respiratory ailments like COPD or asthma, as well as those who have lung damage. If you operate your stove correctly, it will reduce the harmful gases and keep your family healthy.
The wood used in stoves is sourced from forests that are managed sustainably which reduces the carbon footprint. Wood is regarded as carbon neutral, which means that the same amount of CO2 is absorbed by the atmosphere by the tree as is released throughout the life cycle of the wood.
A wood burner is a great alternative to fossil fuel stoves like gas or oil. It will help you escape the grip of energy prices that have become exorbitant and still provide you with a source of additional heating for your home. Wood Burning Stoves are the perfect option to save money over the course of time.
Reliable
A wood stove is a long-term investment that will help to keep your home warm for decades. It will provide a warm and cosy atmosphere when maintained properly.
Wood stoves are also extremely durable, with a minimum of moving parts that can easily fail or require repairs. This is particularly true of top-of-the-line models that have been designed and manufactured by reputable manufacturers that use high-quality materials to construct the stoves. Stoves made from reclaimed hardwood have the added benefit of being eco-friendly and aiding local communities and businesses.
In addition, the steady heat they generate radiates from all sides and even the top of the stove, thereby warming an area faster than warm air that is blown in through the vent system. This makes them an extremely efficient and energy-efficient method to heat a space, whether it is in a small cabin or a large living room.
top wood burning stoves -burning stoves are reliable because they don't need electricity to operate. This allows homeowners to have an energy source that is independent away from the power grid. This is especially beneficial for areas that have frequent winter power outages and can ensure that a space stays warm even in the event of a failure in the electricity supply.
However it is crucial to note that some models of wood burning stoves can produce carbon monoxide. This gas is dangerous and is produced when there isn't enough ventilation or if the stove is not working properly. It is crucial to install a CO detector as well as fresh air vents in the area in which the stove is located in.
It is also a good idea to buy a stove that has been recognized by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). This signifies that the stove has passed strict safety and efficiency. It is also important to use dry wood with a moisture content of less than 20%. Moisture can cause wood to burn hotter, produce more smoke and reduce efficiency. Regularly cleaning the stove and chimney is essential. Doing so will help to reduce the amount of carbon monoxide and creosote that are produced when the stove is used in a manner that isn't properly.
Cosy
With the winter chill setting in, a wood-burning stove is a great addition to any room. It's not just an affordable and warm backup heat source, but its glowing flames create a cozy atmosphere. There are a variety of options for colour and style, so you can find the ideal log burner for your home.
It's important to think about the kind of fuel you're using as well as the amount of warmth you require to provide your home with when you select a wood-burning stove. For instance, if reside in a cold climate, it's a good idea to consider a larger unit that can handle bigger logs for longer to get you through winter. You could also qualify for government assistance through the RHI scheme if you go for an Ecodesign Ready stove.
The capacity to heat the room is another factor to take into consideration. Many manufacturers offer a variety of models in various sizes which means you can pick the right size for your space. Be sure to consider any additional heating requirements you might have for your home, such as radiators or underfloor heating when deciding on the size of the wood burning stove to purchase.
Stoves can be free standing or built into walls and there are a variety of colors to choose from as well. Some models are designed with log storage as a element of their design, giving the benefit of easy access to your logs, as well as an unified look for the stove and log store. Log storage models also decrease the moisture content of the logs and increase combustion efficiency.
A variety of colors are offered for log-burning stoves that include traditional black as well as contemporary alternatives such as rich browns and terracotta hues. Black is a popular color because it hides soot stains and provides a classic appearance however, coloured stoves can add a unique design to your home.