Indoor Wood Burner - An Eco-Friendly Alternative
Wood burning in the indoors can produce fine particles of pollution, in addition to other air pollutants like carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. They can cause irritation to the lungs and cause other health problems.
Previous research has demonstrated that the frequent use of fireplaces or wood-burning stoves indoors increases lung cancer risk. However these findings were based on self-reported frequency of use and not medically confirmed.
Low Carbon Alternative
If you like the look and cosiness of a wood stove but are worried about the health risks it might pose, you might be looking for an eco-friendly alternative. There are a variety of alternatives that won't cost you a DEFRA fine. One of them is a bioethanol-based fire which burns a liquid fuel made from renewable resources and produces much fewer particulates than wood.
Bioethanol is a great alternative for those looking to keep their log burner but simply switch the fuel. You'll feel comfortable buying it because it's made of recycled wood and plant residues.
Alternatively, you could opt for an Eco Design wood burning stove. These stoves are up-to-date and are in line with the most recent standards. They also feature high efficiency that result in less emissions. They are also more durable and less cumbersome to use than older models.
A new Eco Design Stove would not be a great investment for your home but also for the planet. Be aware that the emissions from wood combustion are a major source of pollution of the air and, in turn, lead to climate change. There are ways to lessen the impact of your stove. This includes using dry, clean fuel cleaning it up regularly, and opening your windows when you burn wood.
Switching to an electric stove is a great method to lessen your impact on the environment. They are also more energy efficient and consume one third less electricity than open flames. These are also easier to install as they don't require chimneys or flue and can be powered by a standard 3-pin plug.
There are many eco-friendly log burning options including eco briquettes made from recycled wood that is carbon neutral. Pellet stoves can also be used if you're looking to go green. These are incredibly efficient and can be used with a variety of biomass fuels. Their automatic fuel feeding and air supply regulation assures the most efficient combustion and reduces emissions.
Many people are concerned about the health risks of a fireplace that is wood-burning, especially after hearing that it could emit particles into the air. It's important that you know that recent studies indicate that other household activities like cooking can release higher levels PM10 and PM2.5 into the indoor air.
Easy to Clean
A wood stove can bring an authentic rustic look to your home. It is easy to forget the importance of maintaining and cleaning regularly. The ash that sticks to the grates and the creosote that forms when firing can transform a stove or fireplace from the image on a holiday card of a gentle puff of smoke into a raging inferno.
Wood stoves are best used with seasoned, dried wood. Burning green, unseasoned or wet logs will not only make the fire difficult to start and burn effectively however the amount of toxins released into the air will increase dramatically. Wood smoke contains fine particles of pollution and volatile organic compounds carbon monoxide and hazardous air pollutants such as benzene. These pollutants are particularly harmful for children, older adults, and those with lung conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
corner wood burner of modern wood stoves come with an ash pan that is removable and is used to collect ash and other debris from the grates. You can easily remove the pan and empty it into an ash container. It is important to remember that ashes can still contain embers, so they should cool completely before disposal.
Make use of a cleaner that is fire-resistant such as a specially-formulated spray for cleaning your stove or a vinegar-based mixture to prevent the buildup of creosote. You can also make use of a soft brush attachment to your vacuum cleaner or a dry rag. Avoid using a wet rag since it could cause rust.
It's also recommended to use a seasoned split and stacked piece of wood that has been allowed to season outdoors for at least 12 months prior moving it inside. A stack of well-seasoned, kiln dried wood will save you not only time and effort but also money as it is ready to burn. In addition, a regular supply of tinder that is fresh helps to keep your fire going faster and reduces the amount of soot produced. If your area is a smoke control zone, you must be very diligent about maintaining your chimney and stove in good condition to avoid penalties.
Savings on Money
With energy prices increasing this year, and more volatility to come wood stoves can be an attractive alternative to conventional fuel sources. A wood burner that is maintained properly can cut down the cost of energy significantly when as compared to gas or electricity.
In addition to savings on heating costs, a wood-burning fireplace insert offers additional financial advantages. Unlike traditional wood burning stoves, modern and certified inserts produce more heat using less fuel. They can produce up to three times the heat as traditional fireplaces that burn wood, allowing homeowners to make more money.
However, it is important to remember that there are certain "non monetary" costs that are associated with the use of wood heat. There is also a certain amount work required to load the stove, lighting fires, and cleaning up the ashes. In addition, if choose to cut and split your own logs, the process can be lengthy and strenuous.
Another potential cost is the need for a proper location to store and dry the logs. Unseasoned, wet or green logs can produce plenty of smoke when burned and create harmful deposits in the stove and chimney. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the best practice guidelines regarding stacking and storing your logs to ensure they're dry, and to only burn seasoned logs in the stove.
It is also important to maintain and sweep your chimney regularly to prevent clogging. This can be done by hiring a professional chimney sweep, or by following a few simple maintenance tips, for example, ensuring that the stove is cleaned prior to beginning to use it for the first time in a season, and then cleaning it after every fire.
In the end, homeowners who decide to switch to wood-burning stoves should be sure to take into account the installation and purchase cost. Although they're currently cheaper than replacing an older gas boiler, these expenses can add up.
Adds Style
An indoor wood burner is a perfect focal point for an interior setting, particularly when it's decorated with the right decor. A wood burning stove in a kitchen living room or dining area instantly adds warmth and comfort to the area. With a wide range of styles, from modern to traditional There's bound to be one that blends perfectly with the design of your home.
The addition of a wood burning stove to your indoor space can also add a sense character and history to the space. The sight and sound of a real flame can instantly lift your mood and creates a sense of warmth and comfort, especially when the temperature drops.
A log burner isn't only a practical option for your home, but can also help you save on your energy costs. With the trend of replacing open fires with eco-friendly, low emissions wood burners, it's possible to create a cozy space without compromising heating efficiency.
It is important to consider the capacity of the stove in relation to the size of your home and insulation levels. The stove makers will give you guidelines to help you choose the right size stove for your home. This is highly recommended when you want to get the best return on your investment.
A stove with an integrated log storage unit is ideal for a modern home. It provides a neat minimalist appearance and makes sure that you will always have wood available. Stoves that have log stores are also a great option for smaller homes that allow you to store logs near by without having to worry about safety or space concerns.
A wood burner indoors can be a wonderful addition to a farmhouse-styled interior. You can combine it with wood beams or panelled walls to create a rustic and classic look. This Farringdon stove comes from Arada Stoves, in a vibrant Spice finish, injects a pop of color and style into a modern living room.
With a wood-burning stove, the whole family can get together and enjoy each other's company in front of a real flame. This is not just a great way to boost quality time, but it can also assist adults and children to switch off from their screens and focus on one another instead.