How To Tell The Good And Bad About Woodburner Stove
The Benefits of a Woodburner Stove
Wood stoves employ constant air flow to generate fire and heat. The fresh air is dragged into the stove via adjustable dampers, which are typically located inside the door of the stove. Exhaust gases are then dragged up through an chimney, leaving your home.
Modern wood stoves that do not have catalytic technology rely on secondary combustion for their efficiency. However, they will inevitably build up creosote if not used correctly.
Energy Efficiency
Modern woodburner stoves have been 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 into heat and less is wasted as smoke or unburnt gases.
The most important aspect to consider when choosing a woodburner stove is its heating output, which is measured in BTU per hour. This figure gives an idea of the amount of heat the stove can produce. It's generally a good indication of its capacity to heat your home comfortably.
When comparing wood stoves, it's also worth looking at the combustion efficiency and heating transfer efficiency. The efficiency of combustion is a measure of the amount of fuel converted into heat. The efficiency of heating transfer is an indication of how your stove is able to convert this heat into warmth for the air inside your home.
Stoves with a catalytic combustor are able to attain very high levels of combustion efficiency due to the fact that the combustor capable of re-burning some of the gasses that escape the initial combustion process. This helps to clean the exhaust gases and reduces the amount of flammable chimney deposits called creosote. Modern non-catalytic stoves may be extremely efficient, but they tend to burn a bit hotter and have lower efficiency at lower temperatures.
It is essential to keep in mind that the efficiency of energy that a stove can attain is contingent on the condition and quality of the fuel it is using. Dry and seasoned firewood is a better choice than green wood, which has more moisture. It is also a good idea to select a stove that is specifically designed for logs, as burning other types of combustibles can cause problems with the combustion process and lead to excessive emissions or even chimney fires.
Always make sure your stove is properly insulated, and that the windows and doors are closed tightly when it's not in use. It's a good idea to have the flue vent professionally cleaned on a regular basis also. You should also regularly check and clean the interior of your stove, and it's recommended that you clean out the chimney every couple of weeks.
Clean Burning
When properly used the wood burner is the greenest fuel option. It's a renewable resource and mostly carbon-neutral (the carbon dioxide given off during combustion is equal to the amount absorbed during the life of the tree).
It also avoids dependence on large energy companies, which are often subject to price hikes, or even worse, have monopolies in certain areas, making you open to their pricing. You can also keep track of the amount of wood in your stove, and buy it only when you really need it.
A number of the latest log burning stoves, like the Stovax range of stoves use a superior system of combustion that has been designed to ensure maximum heat efficiency and flames that are clean and safe to burn. The triple air system supplies the fire with air in two stages, allowing for faster ignition of the top layer of logs as well as a more controlled flame picture. It also increases the efficiency of the thermal system and reduces emission.
The best way to maximise the clean burning of a woodburner stove is to only use kiln dried logs that have been stacked and stored for a period of time prior to using. garden wood burner contain less moisture and which means they require less energy to displace. If you stack your logs properly and ensure that they are properly seasoned, you can attain a level of efficiency that can reach 80%.
Wood smoke contains a number of harmful pollutants including fine particle pollution as well as volatile organic compounds nitrogen oxides and benzene, which can all cause breathing issues. They are linked to respiratory and heart diseases. Modern log burners are more efficient than previous models, and when paired with an air quality monitor that measures gas concentration, they can reduce the amount of gas to nearly zero.
It is important to note that if you reside in an area that is a Smoke Control Area, then it is important to check with your local authority prior to purchasing any type of stove because you may need to get a Defra approved stove in order to legally use it. Stoves that are Defra-approved are certified as being capable of operating under the provisions of the Clean Air Act, which makes it an offence to smoke from chimneys in certain areas.
Low Carbon
Wood stoves provide an eco friendly alternative to heating with fossil fuels. They reduce carbon emissions which are the main contributor to global warming. Modern, energy efficient wood burners produce significantly fewer greenhouse gases and particulates than older wood burning stoves and can be used to heat your home as well as cooking.
The key to obtaining the most environmentally friendly use out of your wood 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'll save money on heating expenses. You could also be eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive.
A woodburner stove can help you save energy bills. However, it is important to remember that it is a secondary source of heat and not the primary method. Only use it when absolutely necessary and make sure your stove emits low levels of carbon dioxide.
You can be assured that an EPA-certified stove will meet the standards for low emissions that are required to protect your health and the environment. Check the metal tag on your wood burning stove, check its owner's guide or refer to EPA's certified wood stove list to see if it is certified by the EPA.
Another reason to think about an EPA-certified wood burning stove is the fact that it helps in the preservation of habitats for forests and biodiversity. Forests play a crucial role in regulating the climate of the earth. If they are managed sustainably they can absorb the carbon dioxide that is released when wood is burned. Using eco-friendly stoves that only burn sustainably sourced, locally harvested wood will also provide an economic incentive to sustain forest management practices. This approach embodies the principles of the circular economy, and ensures that forests are valued for their environmental benefits, as well as their supply of timber.
Safety
Wood stoves can create a warm, comfortable atmosphere in a space. They are also an ideal place for friends and family to gather. However, they can also release several dangerous gases into the air when not properly used or with poor quality logs. Additionally, they may cause smoky conditions that affect the quality of indoor air.
To reduce the strain on your lungs, and to ensure you have a clean, safe burning stove it is important that you follow some simple tips for use. Make sure to use only dry and seasoned hardwood and be sure to examine the stove on a regular basis to ensure that all wood logs have a decent flame. It is also a good idea, to utilize hearth mats specifically designed to guard your floor from fire damage and withstand the constant heat generated by the stove.
Another important point is to avoid using lighter fluid. This is a toxic substance that should only be used to light a fire in an open fire and not in a wood burner. It can cause wood to burn at a higher rate, which can result in volatile compounds that could be harmful if inhaled.
Keep pets and children away from the wood stove when it is in use. Make use of a hearth mat that can be put beneath your stove to keep burning embers from falling to the floor and causing damage. It is recommended to also install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors inside your home.
Finally it is recommended that you be sure to have your chimney checked at least once per heating season to check that it is operating 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, with built in automation and monitoring like MF Fire's Catalyst smart wood stove, is a fantastic choice for those looking for an efficient, high-performance but also eco-friendly method to warm their homes. This type of stove is able to eliminate the problems that traditional stoves have. It regulates the flame to ensure it is burning at an right level, and prevents overfiring.