The Benefits of a Woodburner Stove
Wood stoves make use of constant air flow to generate heat and fire. Fresh air is drawn into the stove through adjustable dampers which are usually located inside the door of the stove. The exhaust gases are then taken through a chimney and safely removed from your home.
Modern wood stoves that do not have catalytic technology rely on secondary combustion for their effectiveness. However, they will inevitably create creosote if they are not used properly.
Energy Efficiency
Modern woodburner stoves are designed for optimum heating efficiency, with the combustion process being optimized to burn wood efficiently possible. This means that more fuel is converted to heat and less is wasted as smoke or gases that have not been burned.
The most important aspect to consider when choosing a woodburner stove is the heating output, which is measured in BTU per hour. This figure will give you an idea of how much heat the stove is capable of producing and is a good indication of its capacity to comfortably heat your home.
It is important to evaluate wood stoves based on their combustion efficiency and heating efficiency. The combustion efficiency is an indication of how much fuel is converted into heat. small wood burning stoves heating transfer efficiency is an indication of how your stove converts this heat into warmth for the air in your home.
Stoves that employ a catalytic combustor are able to achieve very high levels of efficiency in combustion because the combustor is capable of re-burning a portion of the gasses that escape the initial combustion process. This helps to reduce the amount of flammable creosote in the chimney and cleans the exhaust gases. Modern non-catalytical stoves are very efficient. However, they tend to burn hotter and perform less well at lower temperatures.
It's important to keep in mind that the energy efficiency of the stove is only dependent on the quality and condition of the fuel used to power it. It is best to make use of dry and seasoned wood over green wood that has more moisture. It is also a good option to choose an appliance designed specifically for logs. The burning of other kinds of combustibles may cause problems with the combustion process, leading to excessive emissions or even an unintentional chimney fire.
Always ensure that woodburning stove is properly insulated and the windows and doors are closed tightly when it's not in use. You should also have your flue vent cleaned by professionals on a regular basis. It is also recommended to regularly clean the interior of your stove. It is recommended that you vacuum out the chimney every few weeks.
Clean Burning
Wood burners are the most eco-friendly option when used properly. It's a renewable source and largely carbon neutral (the carbon dioxide released in the combustion process is equal to the amount absorbed during the life of the tree).
You'll also be in a position to avoid having to rely on large energy companies that are subject to price hikes or, even worse they have monopolies on certain areas. This leaves you vulnerable to their tariffs. You can also keep track of the amount of wood in your stove, and buy it only when you need it.
A lot of new log burners, including the Stovax range, feature an advanced combustion system that has been optimized to ensure high levels of efficiency in heat and a burning cleanly. The triple air system provides the fire with air in two stages, which allows for faster ignition of the top layer of logs and a more controlled flame picture. It also increases the efficiency of the thermal system and reduces emissions.
The best way to maximise the clean burning of a woodburner stove is use kiln dried logs that have been stacked and stored for a certain amount of time before use. They have a lower moisture content so require less energy to displace. Furthermore If you stack your logs correctly and make sure they are properly seasoned prior burning, you can attain an impressive efficiency that can go up to 80%.
Wood smoke contains many harmful pollutants, including fine particle pollution as well as volatile organic compounds. It also contains nitrogen oxides, benzene, and other compounds that can cause breathing problems. These pollutants are linked to respiratory and heart problems. The good news is that modern log burners are a lot more efficient than their counterparts of the past. They, when combined together with a quality air monitor, can reduce the harmful gases to near-zero levels.
It is important to inquire with your local authority if you live in a Smoke Control Area before purchasing any type of stove. You may require an approved stove from Defra to be able to legally use the stove. Stoves that are approved by Defra are able to function under the Clean Air Act which makes it illegal to smoke from chimneys in some areas.
Low Carbon
Wood stoves are an environmentally green alternative to heating fossil fuels. They reduce carbon emissions, which are a major contributor to global warming. Modern, energy-efficient wood burners emit considerably less greenhouse gases and particulates as compared to older wood burning stoves. They can also be used to heat your home and cook.
The key to obtaining the most sustainable use from your wood stove is to ensure that the logs are dry before you burn them. It can take a while to dry wood, but it is worth the effort. If you have the space to construct an outdoor log store and manage to keep your logs dry you could save on heating bills and also enjoy Government assistance through the Renewable Heat Incentive.
Using a woodburner stove a few times per week can make a significant difference to your household cost of energy. It is essential to keep in mind that this isn't your primary source of heat however it is an additional source. It is best to use it only when you really require it, and make sure that your stove is of high-efficiency with low emissions.
If you choose to use an EPA-certified wood burning stove and you are certain that it will comply with the standards for low emissions to protect your health and the environment. Look for the metal label on the stove you are using to cook on or read the owner's guide or consult EPA's certified stove list to determine if it is EPA-certified.
Another reason to think about an wood-burning stove that is certified by the EPA is that it will help in the preservation of forest habitats and biodiversity. When properly managed, forests can absorb carbon dioxide that is released through burning wood. Eco-friendly stoves, that only burn locally harvested wood that is sustainably sourced, will provide an incentive to sustainable forest management. This is based on the principles of circular economy and ensures that forests will be valued for both their environmental benefits as well as their timber supply.
Safety
Wood stoves provide a beautiful cozy and warm atmosphere to a room and can also be an ideal focal place for gatherings of friends and families together. However, they can also release various harmful gases into the atmosphere, particularly if not properly used or with poor quality logs. In addition, they can cause smoky conditions that impact indoor air quality.
To lessen the impact on your lungs and ensure that you have a safe, clean burning stove, it is vital to follow a few easy guidelines to use. This includes using only dried, seasoned hardwood and constantly checking the stove to ensure that all logs are fully ignited. It is also a good idea, to utilize hearth mats designed to protect your floor from fire-related damage and also withstand the constant heat generated by the stove.
Another important tip is to not use lighter fluid. This is a highly dangerous substance that is only suitable for starting a fire in an open flame, not in the closed wood burner. Using it could result in the wood burning at a faster rate, which can result in the formation of volatile compounds which, if inhaled, can cause harm to your health.
When operating on a wood stove, be aware of the fire and smoke and keep animals and children away from it. It is recommended to make use of a hearth pad that can be put under your stove, to prevent burning embers from falling onto the floor and causing damage. It is recommended to install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors within your home.
Additionally it is recommended that you have your chimney inspected at minimum once per heating season to ensure it is operating properly. A qualified professional will inspect the chimney to ensure that there isn't any creosote accumulation and that it isn't leaky.
A modern wood burning stove that has built-in control and monitoring, such as the Catalyst smart wood stove, is a great option for those seeking an efficient, high-performance but also eco-friendly method to warm their homes. This kind of stove eliminates many of the issues that are associated with older stoves by automatically regulating the fire to ensure it is burning at the right level, and also avoiding overfiring which can cause an uncontrolled fire that releases more smoke, pollutes your lungs, and causes more harm to your chimney.