Indoor Wood Burner - An Eco-Friendly Alternative
Indoor wood burners release fine particle pollution and other dangerous air pollutants, including carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds, benzene, and nitrogen oxides. These can irritate the lungs and cause health problems.
Research has previously demonstrated that frequent use of fireplaces or wood-burning stoves indoors increases lung cancer risk. However, these findings were based on self-reported frequency of usage and not medically validated.
Low Carbon Alternative to Carbon Neutral
If you are a fan of the design and cosiness of a wood stove but are worried about the health risks it may cause, you may be looking for an eco-friendly alternative. Well, fear not - there are many options that won't land you with a fine from DEFRA. One of them is a bioethanol fire which burns a liquid fuel made from renewable sources and releases significantly less dust than wood.
Bioethanol is a fantastic option for those who wish to keep their wood stove, but simply change the fuel. You'll feel comfortable buying it since it's made of recycled wood and plant waste.
You can also consider investing in an Eco Design stove. These stoves are modern and are in line with the most recent standards. They also have high levels of efficiency, which results in lower emissions. They're also designed to be more robust and easy to use than previous models.
A brand new Eco Design stove would not be a good investment for your home, but also for the environment. It is important to remember that emissions from wood combustion contribute to air pollution and climate change. However, there are ways to minimize the impact of your stove, including using clean and dry fuel, cleaning up regularly and opening your windows when you're burning wood.
Another option to reduce the environmental impact of your stove is by switching to an electric model. These are also more efficient and use a third less electricity than traditional open fires. They are also much easier to install as they don't require chimneys or flue, and can be powered with the standard 3-pin plug.
There are a myriad of eco-friendly log burning options including eco briquettes made of recycled wood that are carbon neutral. Pellet stoves can also be used if you're looking to go green. They are extremely efficient and work with a wide range of biomass fuels. Their automatic fuel feeding and air supply regulation, ensures a very efficient combustion.
Some people might be worried about the health impact of using a wood-burning stove in particular after hearing that they release particles into the air. It is important to know that recent studies indicate that other household activities like cooking can release higher levels PM10 and PM2.5 into the air.
Easy to Clean
Wood burning stoves can give an authentic rustic look to your home. However, it is easy to forget the necessity for regular maintenance and cleaning. The ash that clings to the grates as well as the creosote formed during the firing process can transform the stove or fireplace from the image on a holiday card of a soft smoke billowing out into a raging inferno.
Wood stoves should only be operated with dried, seasoned wood. Burning green, unseasoned or wet logs will not only make the fire difficult to start and burn cleanly, but the amount of toxins released into the air will also increase dramatically. Wood smoke contains fine particle pollution and volatile organic compounds carbon monoxide and other hazardous air pollutants, such as benzene. These pollutants are particularly harmful to children, older adults and those with lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
Most modern wood stoves feature an ash pan with a removable lid that collects ash and debris from the grates. You can easily pull out the pan and empty it into an Ash bucket. Remember that the ashes contain embers, and must be cooled completely before disposal.
Make use of a fire retardant cleaner such as a specially-formulated spray for stove cleaning or a vinegar-based mixture to prevent creosote buildup. You can also use soft brush attachments for your vacuum cleaner or dry cloth, however it is advised to avoid using a damp sponge since this can cause rust.
It is a good idea to bring in wood that has been dried and seasoned outdoors for at least one year prior to taking it indoors. A stack of well-seasoned, kiln-dried wood will not only save time and effort but also money as it is prepared to burn and generating more heat. A consistent supply of tinder will help to keep your fire going at a faster pace and lessen the amount of soot. If your area is a smoke control zone, you must be very diligent about maintaining your chimney and stove in good working order to avoid any fines.
Saves Money
Wood stoves can be a fantastic alternative to the traditional fuel sources, particularly with energy prices increasing and more volatility expected. A wood burner that's well-maintained can reduce the cost of energy significantly when as compared to gas or electricity.
A wood-burning stove can provide additional financial benefits, in addition to reducing heating costs. Modern fireplaces are more efficient than traditional stoves that burn wood and produce more heat with less fuel. They can produce up to three times the heat than traditional wood burning fireplaces and put more money to spend in their pockets.
However it is essential to be aware of certain "non economic" costs that are associated with the use of wood heat. There is also a certain amount labor that goes into loading the stove, lighting fires, and cleaning up the ashes. In addition, if you choose to cut and split your own logs, the process can be time consuming and strenuous.
Drying and store the logs is another possibility of cost. Unseasoned, wet or green logs can create lots of smoke when they are burned and result in harmful deposits on the stove and chimney. Therefore, it is important to follow best practice advice regarding stacking and storing your logs to ensure that they are dry, and that you only burn seasoned logs in the stove.
Finally, it is important to maintain and regularly sweep your chimney to prevent obstructions and smoke build-up. You can do this by hiring a professional 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 clean prior to using it the first time of the season.
Finally, homeowners who decide to make the switch to wood-burning stoves need to consider the installation and purchase cost. Although currently cheaper than replacing an older gas boiler but these costs can add up.
Adds Style
A wood burner indoors can be a wonderful focal point, especially if it's decorated with the right design. The addition of a wood-burning stove to a living room, dining area or kitchen instantly gives the room a warm and welcoming feel. There are a variety of styles to pick from, ranging from traditional to modern. second hand wood burning stoves to find one that matches the style of your home.
A wood burning stove can bring character and history to any room. The sound and sight of a real flame can instantly lift your mood, particularly during winter.
A log burner is not just a practical choice for your home, but can also help you save on energy bills. The new trend of replacing open fires with low-emission wood burning that are green is a great way to create a warm and cozy environment without sacrificing heating efficiency.
When choosing cheap wood burning stoves , it is essential to consider its heat capacity in relation to the dimensions of your house and the insulation levels. Stove manufacturers offer guidelines to help you choose the best size stove for your space, which is highly recommended if want to get the most of your investment.
Stoves that have integrated log storage is perfect for a modern home. It offers a tidy, uncluttered appearance and ensures that you have plenty of wood available. Stoves with log stores are an excellent option for small homes. You can keep logs near without having to worry about space or safety.
A wood stove in the indoors can also be a great choice for a farmhouse style interior, with the option to pair it with wood beams and panelled walls for an authentic rustic look. This Farringdon stove from Arada Stoves with a vibrant Spice finish, adds the colour and style into a contemporary living room.
With a wood burning stove, the whole family can come together and have fun with each other in front of a real flame. This is a great opportunity for all the family members to bond and spend time together.