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. These pollutants can cause irritation to the lungs, as well as other health issues.
Prior research indicates that frequent usage of a wood-burning indoor fireplace or stove can increase the risk of lung cancer. These findings were based solely on the self-reported use of the stove and fireplace, and were not medically validated.
Low Carbon Alternative
If you like the look and cosiness of a fireplace but are worried about the health risks it might cause, you may be looking for an eco-friendly alternative. Don't worry, there are good options available 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 emits much fewer particulates than wood.
Bioethanol is a fantastic option for those who want to keep their log burner and just change the fuel. It is made from recycled wood and plant waste and you'll feel confident about purchasing it!
You could also invest in an Eco Design stove. These meet the latest standards and provide high levels of efficiency, resulting in lower emissions. They are also more durable and more user-friendly than older models.
A new Eco Design stove would not be just a great investment for your home, but also for the environment. Remember cheap woodburner are a major source of air pollution, which in turn leads to climate change. However there are ways to reduce the impact of your stove, for example, using dry and clean fuel, sweeping up regularly and opening the windows when you're burning wood.
Another method to lessen the environmental impact of your stove is to switch to an electric model. They are also more efficient in energy use and consume a third less electricity than open fires. They are also simpler to install as there is no chimney or flue required and can be powered by a standard 3-pin plug.
There are many eco-friendly log burning options including eco briquettes that are made from recycled wood that is carbon neutral. Pellet stoves are also an option if you want to go completely green. These stoves are extremely efficient and can be used for a range of biomass fuels. Their automatic fuel feeding and air supply regulation, guarantees a very efficient combustion.
Some people may be concerned about the health risks of a fireplace with wood particularly after hearing that it can emit particles into the air. It's important that you know that the latest studies show that other household activities such as cooking can release higher levels of PM10 and PM2.5 in the indoor air.
Easy to Clean
A wood-burning stove can give your home an authentic, rustic look. It is easy to overlook the importance of regular maintenance and cleaning. The ash that sticks to grates and creosote that is formed during combustion can transform a fireplace into a towering fire.
Wood stoves should only be operated with dried, seasoned wood. If you burn unseasoned, unseasoned, or overly wet logs and the fire be difficult to start and burning cleanly, but also the amount of toxic substances released into the atmosphere increases dramatically. Wood smoke contains fine particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, as well as harmful air pollutants like benzene. These pollutants are particularly harmful to children, older adults, and those with lung diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
Most modern wood stoves feature an ash pan that is removable and removes ash and other debris from the grates. It is easy to remove the pan and empty it into an Ash bucket. It's important to keep in mind that ashes still contain embers so they must be completely cooled before disposal.
Use a fire retardant cleaner like a special spray for cleaning your stove or a vinegar-based mixture to avoid creosote buildup. You can also use soft brush attachments on your vacuum cleaner, or a dry cloth, but it is advised to avoid a damp cloth since this can cause rust.
It's also a good idea to use well-seasoned split and stacked piece of 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 just time and effort but also money as it is ready to burn. Additionally, a consistent supply of tinder that is fresh helps to keep your fire going faster and reduces the amount of soot that is produced. To avoid any penalties, if your area is a smoking control zone it is important to keep your chimney and stove operating correctly.
Saves Money
With energy prices increasing this year and more volatility expected wood stoves are an attractive alternative to traditional fuel sources. A well-maintained and efficient wood burner can dramatically reduce your energy bills, compared to electricity or gas.
In addition to savings on heating expenses, a wood-burning fireplace insert can also provide additional financial benefits. In contrast to traditional wood burning stoves, certified modern inserts generate more heat with less fuel. They can generate up to three times the heat as traditional fireplaces that burn wood, allowing homeowners to make more money.
However it is crucial to be aware of certain "non financial" costs associated with the use of wood heat. This includes the labor involved in loading the stove, lighting fires, and clearing the ashes. If you choose to split and cut your own logs on your own, it can be a lengthy and laborious process.
A place to dry and store the logs is another potential cost. Wet, unseasoned or green logs can create a lot smoke when burned. They may also cause harmful deposits to build up in the stove and chimney. It is crucial to follow the right procedures for stacking and storing logs so that they remain dry and only seasoned logs are burned in your stove.
Finally, it is important to regularly clean and maintain your chimney to avoid clogging and smoke blockages. This can be accomplished by hiring a professional chimney sweep, or by following a few simple maintenance tips, for example, making sure that the stove is swept before making use of it for the first time in a season, and then cleaning it after each fire.
In the end, homeowners who decide to switch to wood-burning stoves need to take into account the installation and purchase cost. Although currently cheaper than replacing an older gas boiler, these expenses can add up.
Adds Style
A wood stove inside is a fantastic focal point, especially when it's decorated with the appropriate decor. A wood burning stove in a kitchen living space or dining room instantly brings warmth and comfort to the space. With a variety of styles, from modern to traditional there's bound to be one that fits perfectly with the aesthetic of your home.
A wood-burning stove can bring character and history to any room. The sight and sound of burning real flames can instantly lift your mood, creating a feeling of warmth and comfort, especially when the temperature is dropping.
Alongside being a practical option for your home, a wood burner can also be used to help you reduce your energy costs. The new trend of replacing open fires with low-emission wood burning that are green is a great way to create a cozy ambience without sacrificing heating efficiency.
When choosing a stove, it is essential to consider its heat capacity in relation to the size of your home and the insulation levels. The manufacturers of the stove will provide you with guidelines to help you choose the right size stove for your home. This is recommended when you want to make the most on your investment.
Stoves with an integrated log store is ideal for a modern-day living space with a neat and uncluttered appearance and ensuring you always have wood on hand to use. Stoves with log stores are an excellent alternative for homes with small spaces. You can store logs near without having to worry about space or safety.
A wood-burning stove for indoor use is also a good option for a farmhouse interior, with the option to combine it with wooden beams and panelled walls to create a classic rustic aesthetic. This Farringdon stove by Arada Stoves in vibrant Spice Finish injects the color and style of any contemporary living room.
A wood-burning stove enables the entire family to spend time with each other while enjoying a real flame. This is a wonderful way for all the family members to bond and spend time together.