The Benefits of a Woodburner Stove
Wood stoves use constant air flow to create fire and heat. The fresh air is dragged into the stove through adjustable dampers which are usually located inside the door of the stove. The exhaust gases are transported through a chimney, and then safely out of your home.
Modern wood stoves that are not catalytic rely on secondary combustion to make them efficient. They will accumulate creosote, however, if they are not used properly.
Energy Efficiency
Modern woodburner stoves are designed to maximize the efficiency of heating. The combustion process has been optimized to burn wood as efficiently as it can. This means that a larger percentage of the fuel is converted into heat, and less goes to waste in the form of smoke or gas that is not burned.
The BTU per hour is the primary factor to take into account when choosing the best woodburner. This figure gives an idea of the amount of heat that the stove produces. It's generally an accurate indicator of its capability to heat your home comfortably.
When comparing wood stoves, it's important to consider the combustion efficiency and heating transfer efficiency. The combustion efficiency is an indication of how much fuel is transformed into heat. The heating transfer efficiency is a measure of how well your stove can convert this heat to warm the air inside your home.
Stoves with a catalytic combustor can achieve very high levels of combustion efficiency, as the combustor is able to re-burn some of the gasses that escape the initial combustion process. This reduces the amount of creosote that is flammable in the chimney and cleans the exhaust gases. Modern non-catalytic stoves can be very efficient, however they tend to burn a little hotter and have lower efficiency at lower temperatures.
It's important to keep in mind that the energy efficiency of a stove is only as good as the quality and condition of the fuel that powers it. Dry and seasoned firewood is more suitable than green wood, as it contains more moisture. It is important to select a stove that is designed specifically for logs because burning other types of combustibles could cause problems with the combustion process, resulting in excessive emissions and chimney fires.
Check that your stove is well sealed and that all windows and doors are closed tightly when not in use. It is a good idea to have the flue vent professionally cleaned on a regular basis as well. It is also recommended to regularly inspect and clean the interior of your stove, and it's recommended that you clean out the chimney every couple of weeks.
Clean Burning
Wood burners are the greenest option when used correctly. It is a renewable fuel that is generally carbon neutral (the amount of carbon dioxide released during combustion is similar to the amount absorbed by the tree during its lifetime).
It also prevents dependence on large energy companies, which are typically subject to price hikes, or worse, have exclusive rights in certain areas, making you exposed to their tariffs. You can also keep track of the amount of wood in your stove and purchase it only when you require it.
A number of the latest log burning stoves such as the Stovax range of stoves, utilize a superior method of combustion that has been streamlined to ensure maximum energy efficiency and flames that are clean and safe to burn. The triple air system supplies the fire with air at two different stages, allowing for quicker ignition of the top layer of logs and an improved control of the flame. It also improves thermal efficiency and reduces emissions.
To get the most clean burn of the woodburner, make sure to use kiln-dried logs that have been stacked for some time before use. They contain less water and require less energy to move. If you stack your logs correctly and ensure that they are properly seasoned you can attain a level of efficiency that can reach 80 percent.
Wood smoke contains a variety of harmful pollutants, such as fine particle pollution and volatile organic compounds. It also contains nitrogen oxides, benzene, and other compounds that can cause breathing issues. These pollutants are linked to heart and respiratory diseases. Modern log burners are more efficient than previous models and, when combined with an air quality monitor that measures gas concentrations, they can cut them to a minimum.
It is important to inquire with your local authority if you reside within the Smoke Control Area before purchasing any type of stove. You may need a Defra-approved stove for legal use of the stove. The stoves that are Defra approved are certified to function under the Clean Air Act which makes it illegal to release smoke out of chimneys in some areas.
Low Carbon
Wood stoves are an environmentally friendly alternative to heating with fossil fuels. They can help reduce carbon emissions which are the main cause of global climate change. 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 getting the most environmentally friendly use out of your wood-burning stove is ensuring the logs are dry before you burn them. It takes time to dry wood, but it is worthwhile. If you can dry your wood and have the space, you'll reduce heating costs. You could also be eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive.
A woodburner stove could help you save a significant amount of energy bills. However, it's important to remember that it's a second source of heat and is not the sole method. Use indoor wood burning stove if absolutely required and ensure that your stove has low emissions.
You can be sure that a stove that is EPA-certified will meet the low emission standards necessary to protect your health and the environment. Look for the metal label on the stove you are using to cook on and read the owner's manual or consult EPA's certified stove list to see if it is EPA-certified.
Another reason to consider an wood-burning stove that is certified by the EPA is the fact that it can help to protect forests and biodiversity. Forests play a vital function in regulating earth's climate, and when they are managed sustainably they are able to absorb carbon dioxide released when wood is burned. Eco-friendly stoves, which only burn locally harvested wood that is sustainably sourced, will give a boost to sustainable forest management. This method is based 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 produce a wonderful warm, cozy feel to a room and can also be an ideal focal area for families and friends gathering together. However, they also release several dangerous gases into the air when not properly used or with poor quality logs. They can also cause indoor air pollution as a result of smokey conditions.
To help reduce the impact on your lungs and ensure you have a clean, safe burning stove, it is vital to follow a few simple guidelines for using. This includes using only dried, seasoned hardwood and regularly checking the stove to ensure that all logs are combustion-proof. It is also a good idea to make use of hearth mats that are designed to protect your wood flooring from fire damage and to withstand the constant heat from the stove.
Another tip is to stay clear of using lighter fluid. It is a very hazardous substance that is best used to ignite a fire within an open flame, not in the closed wood burner. It can cause the wood to burn at a higher rate, which can result in volatile compounds that can be harmful if breathed in.
Keep pets and children away from the wood stove when being used. It is best to make use of a hearth pad that can be placed under your stove to avoid burning embers from falling onto the floor and causing fire damage. It is recommended to install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors within your home.
It is also recommended to have your chimney checked every year to ensure it is working correctly. A qualified professional can inspect the chimney to ensure that there are no leaks and that the flue is free of creosote.
Modern wood-burning stoves with built-in automation and monitoring, such as MF Fire's Catalyst intelligent wood stove, can be an excellent option for those looking for a high-performance efficient, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly method to heat their home. This kind of stove eliminates many of the problems that plague older stoves by automatically controlling the fire to ensure it is burning at a suitable level and avoiding overfiring which can cause a fire that churns out more smoke, irritates your lungs, and causes more damage to your chimney.