The Benefits of a Woodburner Stove
Wood stoves generate fire and heat by using constant airflow. This fresh air is drawn into the stove through adjustable dampers which are often located within the door of the stove. The exhaust gases are drawn through a chimney and safely leave your home.
Modern wood stoves that are not catalytic rely on secondary combustion to increase their effectiveness. However, they will inevitably create creosote if they are not used correctly.
Energy Efficiency
Modern woodburner stoves are engineered to maximize heating efficiency, with the combustion process being optimized to burn firewood in the most efficient way possible. This means that a larger percentage of the fuel is converted into heat and less is wasted as gas or smoke.
The most important factor to take into consideration when selecting the best woodburner stove is heating output that 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 an excellent gauge of its capability to efficiently heat your home.
When comparing wood stoves, it's also worth looking at the efficiency of combustion and heating transfer efficiency. The efficiency of combustion is an indication of how much fuel is converted into heat. The heating transfer efficiency is an indication of how your stove can convert this heat to warm the air inside your home.
Stoves equipped with catalytic combustion systems can attain high levels of efficiency in combustion due to the fact that the combustor re-burns a portion of the gases that escape during the initial combustion. This reduces the amount of creosote that is flammable in the chimney, and also cleans the exhaust gases. Modern non-catalytic stoves can still be extremely efficient, but they tend to burn a bit more quickly and perform less efficiently at low temperatures.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the efficiency of energy that a stove can attain is contingent on the quality and condition of the fuel it is using. Dry and seasoned firewood is better than green wood, which has more moisture. It is also a good idea to select the stove that is designed specifically for logs. The burning of other kinds of combustibles can cause problems with the combustion process, resulting in excessive emissions, or even an unintentional chimney fire.
Always ensure that your stove is properly insulated, and that the doors and windows are tightly shut when not in use. You should also have your flue vent cleaned by an expert on a regular schedule. It is also recommended to regularly clean the interior of your stove. It is recommended to clean out the chimney every few weeks.
Clean Burning
If used properly the wood burner is the most sustainable fuel option. It's a renewable resource that's mostly carbon neutral (the carbon dioxide released during combustion is equal to the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed during the life of the tree).
Additionally, you'll be free from relying on large energy companies that are subject to price hikes or worse they have monopolies on certain areas. This leaves you vulnerable to their tariffs. In addition, you'll be in a position to watch the amount of wood in your stove and purchase it when you need it.
Many of the new log burners, including the Stovax range, have a superior combustion system that has been optimized to ensure high levels of heat efficiency and clear burn. The triple air system provides the fire with air in two distinct stages, allowing for quicker ignition of the top layer of logs as well as an improved control of the flame. It also improves thermal efficiency and reduces emissions.
The best way to maximize the clean burn of a woodburner stove is to make use of kiln dried logs that have been stored and stacked for a period of time prior to use. These logs have a lower water content and require less energy to move. If you stack your logs correctly and make sure they are properly seasoned you can achieve an efficiency of up to 80 percent.
Wood smoke is a source of harmful pollutants, such as fine particle pollution and volatile organic compounds. It also contains nitrogen oxides, benzene and other substances which can cause breathing problems. These are known to be associated with heart and respiratory disease. The good part is that modern log burners are more efficient than the log burners of the past. They, when combined together with a quality air monitor, can cut down on the harmful gases to close-to-zero levels.
You should inquire with your local authority if you live in a Smoke Control Area prior to purchasing any kind of stove. You may require a Defra-approved stove to legally use the stove. The stoves that are approved by Defra are certified as capable of operating under the provisions of the Clean Air Act, which makes it an offence to release smoke from chimneys in certain areas.
Low Carbon
Wood stoves are a green alternative to heating your home using fossil fuels. They can help reduce carbon emissions, which are a leading cause of global climate change. Modern, energy-efficient wood stoves emit significantly less greenhouse gases and particulates when compared to older stoves that burn wood. They can also be utilized to heat the house as well as cook.
The key to obtaining the most environmentally friendly use out of your wood burning stove is to ensure that the logs are dry before you burn them. It takes some time to dry wood, but it's worth the effort. If you can dry your wood and have the space you can save money on heating expenses. You could also be eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive.
Using a woodburner stove a couple of times a week can make a huge impact on your household's energy bills. It is essential to keep in mind that this isn't your primary source of heating however, it is an additional source. Use it only when necessary and make sure your stove has low emissions.
You can be assured that a stove that is EPA-certified will comply with the standards for low emissions that are required to safeguard your health and the environment. A good way to determine if you have an EPA-certified wood burning stove is to check the tag that is made of metal, look in its owner's manual, or consult the EPA's list of certified wood stoves.
Another reason to consider an EPA-certified wood burning stove is the fact that it can help in the preservation of forest habitats and biodiversity. Forests play a vital function in regulating climate of the earth, and if they are managed sustainably they can absorb carbon dioxide released when wood is burned. Eco-friendly stoves that only burn locally harvested wood procured sustainably, also give a boost to sustainable forest management. This approach is based on the principles of circular economy and ensures that forests will be appreciated for their environmental benefits and timber supply.
Safety
Wood stoves can create a warm, cozy atmosphere in a room. They are also great places for friends and family to gather. However, they also emit several dangerous gases into the air especially if they are not installed correctly or using poor quality logs. Additionally, they may cause smoky conditions that impact the quality of indoor air.
To reduce the strain on your lungs, and to ensure that you have a safe and clean burning stove, it is vital that you follow some simple tips for use. These include using only properly dried, seasoned and dried hardwood and regularly checking the stove to ensure that all the logs are ignited. In addition, it is always a good idea to use hearth pads that are designed to withstand the constant heat of the stove and also safeguarding your wooden flooring from damage caused by fire.
Another tip is to stay clear of using lighter fluid. This is a toxic substance that should only be used to start a fire on an open flame and not in a wood burner. It can cause the wood to burn at a faster rate, resulting in volatile compounds that can be harmful if breathed in.
When operating on a wood stove, be aware of the fire and smoke and keep animals and children away from the stove. It is recommended to make use of a hearth pad that can be placed beneath your stove, to prevent embers falling onto the floor and causing fire damage. Installing smoke and carbon dioxide detectors is also recommended.
Additionally, you should have your chimney inspected at least once per heating season to ensure it's functioning properly. A qualified professional can inspect the chimney to ensure there are no leaks and that the flue is free of creosote.
A modern wood-burning stove that has built-in automation and monitoring like MF Fire's Catalyst intelligent wood stove, is a fantastic choice for those who are looking for an efficient, high-performance yet environmentally friendly way to warm their homes. This type of stove eliminates many of the problems that plague older stoves by automatically regulating the fire to ensure it is burning at the right level and avoiding overfiring which can cause an uncontrolled fire that releases more smoke, which pollutes your lungs and causes more harm to your chimney.