The Benefits of a Woodburner Stove
Wood stoves produce fire and heat through constant airflow. Fresh air is drawn in through adjustable dampers, which are typically located inside the door of the stove. Exhaust gases are then drawn up through the chimney, and are safely removed from your home.
Modern wood stoves that do not have catalytic technology rely on secondary combustion for their efficiency. However, they will inevitably create creosote if they are not properly used.
Energy Efficiency
Modern woodburner stoves are designed to maximize the efficiency of heating. The combustion process has been designed to burn wood as efficiently as is possible. This means that more of the fuel is converted to heat, and less of it is wasted in the form of smoke or gases that have not been burned.
The most important factor to consider when choosing the best woodburner stove is 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 usually an excellent indicator of its ability to comfortably heat your home.
It is important to evaluate wood stoves based on their efficiency in combustion and heating efficiency. The efficiency of combustion measures how much of the fuel can be converted into useful heat, and the heating transfer efficiency determines how well the stove converts that heat to warm air in your home.
Stoves that use a catalytic combustor are able to achieve very high levels of efficiency in combustion because the combustor is able to re-burn some of the gasses that have escaped the initial combustion process. This helps to clean the exhaust gases and reduces the amount of flammable chimney deposits, also known as creosote. Modern non-catalytical stoves remain extremely efficient. However they tend to burn more hot and perform worse at lower temperatures.
It is important to remember that the energy efficiency that a stove can attain is contingent on the quality and condition of the fuel it is using. Dry and seasoned firewood is more suitable than green wood, which contains more moisture. It is recommended to select a stove which is designed for logs, because burning other types of combustibles could cause problems with the combustion process and lead to excessive emissions or even chimney fires.
Always ensure that your stove is properly insulated and the windows and doors are closed tightly when it's not in use. It is a good idea to have the flue vent cleaned on a regular basis as well. It is also recommended to regularly clean the stove's interior. It is recommended that you vacuum out the chimney every couple of weeks.
Clean Burning
When used correctly when contemporary wood burning stoves is used correctly, a wood burner can be the most sustainable fuel option. It is a renewable fuel that is largely carbon-neutral (the amount of carbon dioxide released during combustion is similar to the amount taken up by the tree over its lifetime).
You will also be in a position to avoid having to rely on large energy companies which are subject to price increases or worse, have monopolies over certain areas. This makes you liable to their tariffs. You can also track the amount of wood you have in your stove, and purchase it only when you require it.
Many new log burners, such as the Stovax range, have a superior combustion system that has been optimized to ensure high levels of heat efficiency and clean burn. The triple air system provides air to the fire at two distinct stages. This allows for a faster ignition of the top layer as well as a more controlled flaming picture. It also improves thermal efficiency and reduces emission.
The best method to maximize the clean burning of a woodburner stove is to make use of dried logs that were stacked and stored for a certain amount of time prior to use. They have a lower water content and require less energy to move. If you stack your logs properly and ensure they are properly seasoned you can reach a level of efficiency that can reach 80 percent.
Wood smoke contains a variety of harmful pollutants, including fine particle pollution as well as volatile organic compounds. It also contains nitrogen oxides, benzene, and other substances that can cause breathing issues. These pollutants are associated with respiratory and heart diseases. Modern log burners are more efficient than previous models, and when paired with an air quality monitor that measures the gas concentrations, they can reduce them to almost zero.
It's worth noting that if you reside in an area that is a Smoke Control Area It is important to check with your local authority prior to purchasing any kind of stove as you may require a Defra approved stove to be able legally use it. Defra-approved stoves are certified as being capable of operating under the provisions of the Clean Air Act, which makes it a crime to smoke from chimneys in certain areas.
Low Carbon
Wood stoves are an environmentally friendly alternative to heating with fossil fuels. They reduce carbon emissions which are a major factor in global warming. Modern wood burners that are energy efficient produce significantly fewer greenhouse gases and particulates than older wood burning stoves. They can be used to heat your home as well as cooking.
The key to getting the most eco-friendly use from your wood burning stove is to ensure that the logs are dry prior to burning them. It can take some time to dry wood, but it is worthwhile. If you have the space for a log store, and manage to keep your logs dry, you could save on heating costs and also benefit from Government support through the Renewable Heat Incentive.
Utilizing a woodburner stove few times per week can make a significant impact on your household's cost of energy. However, it is crucial to remember that it is only a secondary source of heat, and is not the sole method. You should only use it when you really have to, and be sure that your stove is a high-efficiency model with low emissions.
If you choose to use an wood burning stove that is EPA-certified and you are certain that it will comply with the standards for low emissions to protect the environment and your health. One way to tell whether you own an EPA-certified wood burning stove is to examine the metal tag on it, look in its owner's manual or refer to the EPA's list of certified wood stoves.
A wood-burning stove that's EPA certified will aid in the preservation of forest habitats, and biodiversity. When properly managed, forests can absorb carbon dioxide produced through burning wood. Using eco-friendly stoves that burn locally-sourced, sustainably harvested wood will also provide an economic incentive to sustain forest management practices. This is built on the principles of circular economy, and ensures that forests are appreciated for their environmental benefits as well as their timber supply.
Safety
Wood stoves can create a warm, warm and cozy ambience in a room. They are also a great place for friends and family to get together. However, they can also release several dangerous gases into the air especially if they are not used correctly or with poor quality logs. They can also contribute to indoor air pollution as a result of smoky conditions.
Follow these easy tips to reduce the effect of your stove on your lung. Make sure to use only dry and seasoned wood and make sure you make sure to check the stove frequently to ensure that all wood logs have a decent flame. In addition, it is always recommended to make use of hearth pads that are designed to stand up to the constant heat of the stove and also protecting your wood flooring from fire damage.
Another important suggestion is to avoid using lighter fluid. It is a hazardous substance that is only suitable to start a fire in an open fire, not in the closed wood burner. It could result in the wood burning at an accelerated rate, which can result in dangerous volatile compounds forming which, if inhaled, can be detrimental to your health.
When operating on a wood stove, be aware of the smoke and fire and keep children and animals away from it. It is recommended to utilize a hearth pad which can be put under your stove, to prevent embers falling onto the floor, causing fire damage. Installing carbon dioxide and smoke detectors is also recommended.
Finally it is recommended that you have your chimney inspected at minimum once per heating season to check that it's functioning properly. A qualified professional can inspect the chimney to make sure there are no leaks, and that the flue is free of creosote.
A modern wood-burning stove that has built-in control and monitoring, such as MF Fire's Catalyst smart wood stove, is a great choice for those who are looking for an efficient, high-performance yet environmentally friendly way to warm their homes. This type of stove eliminates the problems associated with older traditional stoves. It regulates the flame to ensure it is burning at an appropriate level, and avoids overfiring.