Indoor Wood Burner - An Eco-Friendly Alternative
Indoor wood burners produce fine particle pollution and other hazardous air pollutants including carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds, benzene, and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants can cause irritation to the lungs and trigger other health problems.
Prior research indicates that frequent usage of an indoor wood-burning fireplace or stove can increase the risk of lung cancer. However these results were based on self-reported frequency of use, and were not medically verified.
Low Carbon Alternative
You might be searching for alternatives that are green if like the appeal of a wood stove, but are concerned about the health dangers. Well, fear not - there are many options that won't result in a fine from DEFRA. One of them is a bioethanol fire which burns a liquid fuel derived from renewable sources and emits significantly less dust than wood.
Bioethanol is a great alternative for those looking to keep their log burner and just change the fuel. You'll feel comfortable buying it since it is made from recycled wood and plant waste.
You can also invest in an Eco Design stove. They comply with the latest regulations and achieve high efficiency, resulting in lower emissions. They are also more durable and less cumbersome to use than older versions.
A brand new Eco Design stove would not only be a fantastic 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. However, there are small woodburners to minimize the impact of your stove, for example, using dry and clean fuel, sweeping up regularly, and opening windows when you're burning wood.
Switching to an electric stove is a great option to reduce your environmental impact. They're also more efficient and consume a third less electricity than traditional open fires. They are also simpler to install since they don't require chimneys or flue. They can also be powered with an ordinary 3-pin plug.
There are a lot of other eco-friendly log burners on the market like eco briquettes that are made from recycled wood and are carbon-neutral. Pellet stoves are a great option for those who want to go completely green. They are extremely efficient and can be utilized for a variety of biomass fuels. Their automatic fuel feeding, and air supply regulation, guarantees a very efficient combustion.
Some people might be worried about the health risks of using a wood-burning stove in particular after hearing reports that they release particulates into the air. It's important to know that the most recent studies have revealed that other activities in the home like cooking can release higher levels of PM10 and PM2.5 particles into the indoor air than a contemporary Eco Design wood burning stove.
Easy to Clean
A wood burner will give your home a rustic, authentic feel. However, it is easy to overlook the need to maintain and clean it regularly. The dust that sticks to the grates and creosote that is formed during combustion can transform the fireplace into a huge fire.
Wood stoves should only be used with dry well-seasoned, dried wood. If you burn green or unseasoned or excessively wet logs not only will the fire have trouble starting and burning clean but also the amount of toxic substances released into the atmosphere increases dramatically. Wood smoke contains fine particles of pollution and volatile organic compounds carbon monoxide, and dangerous air pollutants like benzene. These contaminants are particularly harmful to older adults, children and those with lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
The majority of modern wood stoves come with a removable ash tray that collects ash, debris and grit from the grates. It is easy to remove the pan and empty it into a bucket for ash. Be aware that ashes contain embers and must be completely cooled before disposal.
Make use of a fire retardant cleaner, such as a specialized spray for cleaning stoves or a vinegar mixture to prevent the buildup of creosote. You can also use a soft brush attachment to your vacuum cleaner or dry rag. Avoid using a wet rag since it can cause rust.
It's also an excellent idea to use prepared split and stacked wood that is allowed to mature outdoors for at least 12 months before bringing it inside. A stack of seasoned, kiln-dried wood will not only save time and effort, but also money by being ready to burn and creating a better heat output. A steady supply of tinder will help keep your fire going faster and reduce the amount of soot. If your area is a smoking area, you should be vigilant about maintaining your chimney and stove in good condition to avoid penalties.
Saves Money
Wood stoves can be a fantastic alternative to the conventional fuel sources, especially with energy prices on the rise and more volatility predicted. A well-maintained and efficient wood stove can dramatically reduce your energy bills, compared to gas or electricity.
A wood-burning stove can provide additional economic benefits in addition to reducing heating expenses. Modern fireplaces are more efficient than traditional wood-burning stoves, and produce more heat with less fuel. In fact, they produce up to three times the 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 remember that wood heating comes with "non-monetary" costs. This includes the work involved in loading the stove, starting fires and cleaning out the dust. If you choose to split and cut your own logs it could be a long and tedious process.
Another cost to consider is the need for a suitable location to store and dry the logs. Wet, unseasoned or green logs can cause a lot of smoke when burned. They also can cause harmful deposits to build up in the stove and chimney. Therefore, it is important to follow the best practice guidelines regarding stacking and storage of your logs to ensure they're dry and only burn seasoned logs on the stove.
It is also crucial to clean and maintain your chimney regularly to prevent getting blocked. It is possible to do this by hiring an expert to sweep your chimney, or by following these simple maintenance tips. For instance, you should ensure that you wash the stove after every fire and sweep it before making use of it for the first time of the season.
The homeowners who decide to switch to wood-burning stoves should be sure to consider the cost of installation and purchase. These expenses can add up even though they're currently cheaper than replacing gas boilers.
Adds Style
An indoor wood burner is the perfect focal point in an interior setting, particularly when it's decorated with the right décor. The addition of a wood-burning stove to your living room or dining room instantly gives the room the feeling of warmth and comfort. There are a variety of styles to choose from, ranging from traditional to modern. You're bound to find one that matches the style of your home.
The addition of a wood burning stove to your indoor setting can also add a sense authenticity and character to the space. The smell and sound of a real flame can instantly improve your mood, especially in winter.
A log burner is not only a viable option for your home, but can help you save money on energy bills. The trend of replacing open fireplaces with low-emission wood stoves that are eco-friendly is a great way to create a warm and cozy environment without sacrificing heating efficiency.
When selecting 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. The manufacturers of the stove will give you guidelines to help you choose the ideal size stove for your home. This is highly recommended when you want to maximize the return on your investment.
Stoves with integrated log storage is perfect for modern homes. It provides a neat clean appearance and guarantees that you always have wood on hand. Stoves that have log stores are a great alternative for homes with small spaces. You can store logs near without having to worry about safety or space.
A wood-burning stove for indoor use is also a good option for a farmhouse-style interior, with the option to pair it with wood beams and panelled walls to create the classic rustic look. This Farringdon stove is from Arada Stoves is available in a vibrant Spice finish, brings an element of style and color into a modern living space.
With a wood burning stove, the whole family can come together and enjoy each other's company in front of a real flame. This is not just a great way to boost quality time as well, but it can assist adults and children to get off their screens and concentrate on one another instead.