Indoor Wood Burner - An Eco-Friendly Alternative
Indoor wood burners produce fine particle pollution, as well as other hazardous air pollutants including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, benzene, and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants can cause irritation to the lungs, and also cause health issues.
Prior research has shown that frequent use of fireplaces or stoves that burn wood indoors increases lung cancer risk. These findings were based on self-reported usage and not medically validated.
Low Carbon Alternative to Carbon Neutral
If you are a fan of the design and feel of a wood stove but are worried about the health risks it might cause, you may be seeking an eco-friendly alternative. But don't worry - there are many options that won't land you with a fine from DEFRA. One of them is a bioethanol fire which burns liquid fuel that is made from renewable sources and releases significantly less dust than wood.
Bioethanol is a fantastic option for those who want to keep their wood stove, but simply change the fuel. It is made from recycled wood and plant waste and you'll be confident about the purchase!
You could also invest in an Eco Design stove. They are up-to-date and meet the latest standards. They also feature high efficiency, which results in lower emissions. They're also designed to be more robust and easy 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 contribute to pollution of the air and, in turn, lead to climate changes. However there are ways to minimise the impact of your stove including using clean and dry fuel, sweeping up regularly and opening the windows when you're burning wood.
Switching to an electric stove is a great method to lessen your environmental impact. They are also more efficient in energy use and consume one third less energy than open fires. They're also easier to install, with no chimney or flue needed and can be powered with a standard 3-pin plug.
There are also a number of other eco-friendly log burners on the market like eco briquettes that have been made from recycled wood and are carbon neutral. Pellet stoves can also be used when you want to be more environmentally friendly. These stoves are extremely efficient and can be utilized for a range of biomass fuels. Their automatic fuel feeding and air supply regulation ensures the most efficient combustion and reduces emissions.
Some people may be concerned about the health risks of a fireplace with wood especially when they hear that it may release particles into the air. It is important to remember that, in fact, the latest studies have shown that other household activities, such as cooking, can release higher levels of PM10 and PM2.5 particles into indoor air than a contemporary Eco Design wood burning stove.
Easy to Clean
A wood stove will give your home a rustic, authentic feel. However, it is easy to overlook the need for regular maintenance and cleaning. The ash that clings to the grates and the creosote that forms when firing can transform a fireplace or stove from the traditional holiday-card image of a gentle puff of smoke into a raging inferno.
Wood stoves are best used with seasoned, dried wood. If you burn unseasoned, unseasoned, or overly wet logs and the fire have difficulty starting and burning clean, but also the amount of toxic substances released into the atmosphere increases dramatically. Wood smoke contains fine particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, and harmful air pollutants like benzene. These pollutants are particularly harmful for children, older adults and those suffering from lung diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
The majority of modern wood stoves come with an ash tray that can be removed that is used to collect ash, debris and grit from the grates. You can easily remove the pan and empty it into an bucket for ash. Be aware that the ashes contain embers and should be completely cooled before disposal.
To prevent the buildup of creosote, clean your stove every day and use a fire-repellant cleaner, such as a stove cleaner spray or vinegar mix. You can also use the soft brush attachments on your vacuum cleaner or a dry cloth, however it is best to avoid using a damp sponge as this could cause rusting.
It's also a good idea to use well-seasoned, split and stacked wood that has been allowed to dry outdoors for at least 12 months before taking it inside. A stack of well-seasoned, kiln dried wood will save you not only time and effort, but also money because it is ready to burn. Additionally, a consistent supply of tinder that is fresh helps to keep your fire going at a faster pace and reduces the amount of soot that is produced. To avoid penalties, if your region is a smoking control area it is essential to ensure that your chimney and stove working in a safe manner.
Saves Money
Wood stoves are an excellent alternative to the traditional fuel sources, especially with energy prices rising and more volatility expected. A well-maintained and efficient wood burner can dramatically reduce your energy costs in comparison to gas or electricity.
In addition to reducing heating costs, a wood-burning fireplace insert offers additional financial advantages. Modern inserts are more efficient than traditional wood-burning stoves and generate more heat using less fuel. They can generate three times as much heat than traditional fireplaces that burn wood and put more money in their pockets.
It is important to remember that wood heating has some "non-monetary" expenses. This includes the labor involved in loading the stove, igniting fires, and clearing the ashes. In addition, if decide to cut and split your logs on your own it can be lengthy and strenuous.
Another possibility is the need for a safe location to store and dry the logs. Inexperienced, damp or wet logs can create a lot of smoke when burned and cause harmful deposits to the stove and chimney. Therefore, it is important to follow the best practices regarding stacking and storing your logs to ensure they are dry, and that you only burn seasoned logs on the stove.
It is also essential to maintain and sweep your chimney on a regular basis to avoid clogging. You can do this by hiring a professional to sweep your chimney, or by following a few simple maintenance tips. For instance, you should ensure that you wash the stove after each fire and sweep it clean prior to using it the first time of the season.
Finally, homeowners who make the switch to wood-burning stoves must be sure to factor in the installation and purchase cost. These costs can add up, even though they are more affordable than replacing a gas boiler.
Adds Style
An indoor wood burner can be a perfect focal point for an interior setting, particularly when it's styled with the right décor. A wood burning stove in a kitchen, dining room or living area instantly adds warmth and comfort the room. With a variety of styles available, from modern to traditional there's bound to be one that blends perfectly with the design 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 the colder months.
A log burner isn't only a viable option for your home, but it can help you save money on energy bills. The latest trend of replacing open fires with low-emission wood burners that are environmentally friendly is a great method to create a cozy ambience without sacrificing heating efficiency.
When choosing a stove it's important to consider the capacity of its heat source in relation to the dimensions of your house and the insulation levels. Stove manufacturers provide guidelines to help you choose the best size stove for your home, which is highly recommended if you want to get the most out of your investment.
Stoves that have a built-in log store is perfect for modern living spaces with a neat and clean appearance, and ensuring that you always have wood on hand to use. Stoves that feature log stores are an excellent option for homes with limited space. Logs can be stored close to your home without worrying about safety or space.
A wood stove in the indoors is also a good choice for a farmhouse style interior, and it is possible to pair it with wooden beams and panelled walls for a classic rustic aesthetic. This Farringdon stove by Arada Stoves in an attractive Spice Finish adds color and style into any contemporary living room.
With a wood burning stove, all the family can gather to enjoy each other's company in front of a real flame. This is a wonderful way for the whole family to spend quality time together.