The Benefits of a Woodburner Stove Wood stoves use constant air flow to generate heat and fire. Fresh air is drawn in through adjustable dampers, which are often located within the door of the stove. Exhaust gases are then dragged up through the chimney, and are safely removed from your home. Modern wood stoves that do not have catalytic technology rely on secondary combustion to increase their effectiveness. They will accumulate creosote, however, if they are not used properly. Energy Efficiency Modern woodburner stoves are designed to maximize heating efficiency The combustion process is being optimized to burn wood in the most efficient way possible. This means that a larger percentage of the fuel is converted to heat, and less goes to waste in the form of smoke or gas that is not burned. The BTU per hour is the primary aspect to consider when choosing a woodburner. This figure gives an idea of the amount of heat the stove produces. It's typically an excellent indicator of its capability to provide a comfortable heat source for your home. When comparing wood stoves it's important to consider the efficiency of combustion as well as heating transfer efficiency. Combustion efficiency measures how much of the fuel can be converted into useful heat, and the heating transfer efficiency is how the stove is able to convert that heat to warm air in your home. Stoves with a catalytic combustion system are able to attain high levels of efficiency in combustion due to the fact that the combustor re-burns a portion of the gases released during the initial combustion. This helps to reduce 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 is essential to keep in mind that the efficiency of energy that a stove can attain is contingent on the quality and condition the fuel it utilizes. It is better to use dry and seasoned wood than green wood, which is more moisture. It is recommended to select a stove that is specifically designed for logs, because burning other types of combustible can cause issues with the combustion process and lead to excessive emissions, or even chimney fires. Always make sure 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 a professional on a regular basis. You should also check and clean the interior of your stove and it is recommended that you clean out the chimney every couple of weeks. Clean Burning Wood burners are the eco-friendly option when used correctly. It's a renewable resource that's largely carbon-neutral (the carbon dioxide given off during combustion is equal to the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed during the lifetime of the tree). It also prevents dependence on large energy companies, which are typically subject to price hikes, or worse, have monopolies in certain areas, which leaves you open to their pricing. You can also track the amount of wood you have in your stove, and purchase it only when you require it. Many new log burners, including the Stovax range, feature an efficient combustion system that has been optimised to ensure high levels of heat efficiency and clear burn. The triple air system supplies air to the fire at two different stages. This allows for a faster ignition of the top layer and an easier to control the flaming. It also improves thermal efficiency and reduces emission. The best method to maximize the clean burn of a woodburner stove is to only make use of dried logs that have been stacked and stored 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 properly and ensure they are properly seasoned, you can reach an efficiency of that can reach 80 percent. Wood smoke is a source of harmful pollutants such as fine particle pollution and volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and benzene which can all cause breathing issues. They are associated with heart and respiratory illnesses. Modern log burners are more efficient than earlier models and, when paired with an air quality monitor that measures the gas concentrations, they can cut the amount of gas to nearly zero. It's worth noting that if you live in a Smoke Control Area It is essential to consult your local authority before buying any kind of stove as you may require a Defra approved stove in order legally use it. Defra approved stoves are certified to function under the Clean Air Act which makes it illegal to smoke out of chimneys in some areas. Low Carbon Wood stoves are a green alternative to heating your home using fossil fuels. They aid in reducing carbon emissions, which are a leading cause of global climate change. Modern, energy-efficient wood burners emit considerably less greenhouse gases and particulates when compared to older wood burning stoves. They can also be utilized to heat the house and cook. To get the most benefit of your wood-burning stove ensure that the logs are completely dry prior to burning them. It can take a while to dry wood, but it is worth the effort. If you are able to dry your logs and have the space, you'll reduce heating costs. You may also be eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive. Utilizing a woodburner stove couple of times a week can make a huge impact on your household's cost of energy. It is important to keep in mind that this isn't your primary source of heat, but rather an additional source. Use it only when needed and ensure your stove emits low levels of carbon dioxide. If you choose to use an EPA-certified wood burning stove and you are certain that it will comply with the standards for low emissions to avoid damaging the environment and your health. A good way to determine if you have an approved wood burning stove that is EPA-certified is to look at the metal tag on it check the owner's manual, or consult the EPA's list for certified wood stoves. A wood-burning stove that's EPA certified can also aid in conserving forests and habitats as well as biodiversity. Forests play a vital function in regulating climate of the earth. If they are managed properly, they are able to absorb carbon dioxide released when wood is burned. Eco-friendly stoves that only burn locally harvested wood sourced sustainably, will also offer a reason to encourage sustainable forest management. This is built on the principles of circular economy and guarantees that forests are valued for their environmental benefits and timber supply. Safety Wood stoves can create a warm and comfortable atmosphere in a space. They are also an ideal place for family and friends to gather. They also release harmful gases, especially when they aren't properly used, or if the logs are of poor quality. In addition, they can cause smoky conditions that affect indoor air quality. To help reduce the impact on your lungs and ensure you have a safe and clean burning stove, it is vital that you follow these simple guidelines for using. This includes using only dried, seasoned wood and regularly checking the stove to ensure that all logs are fully combustion-proof. It is also a good idea to use hearth mats that are specifically designed to guard your wooden floor against fire-related damage and also withstand the constant heat generated by the stove. Another tip is to stay clear of using lighter fluid. It is a very dangerous substance and is best used to ignite a fire within an open fire, not a closed wood burner. It could cause the wood to burn at a faster rate, which can result in the formation of volatile compounds which, if inhaled, can be detrimental to your health. When operating on a wood stove, be aware of the smoke and fire and keep children and animals away from it. Make use of a hearth mat that can be put under your stove to prevent sparks from falling onto the floor and causing damage. Installing carbon dioxide and smoke detectors is also suggested. Lastly it is recommended that you have your chimney inspected at least once a year during the heating season to check that it is operating properly. A trained professional can examine the chimney to make sure there are no leaks, and that the flue is free of creosote. A modern wood-burning stove that has integrated automation and monitoring, such as the Catalyst smart wood stove, is an ideal choice for those seeking a high-performance, efficient, yet environmentally friendly method to heat their home. This type of stove is able to eliminate the problems that are common to older stoves. It automatically regulates the flame to ensure it is burning at an proper level, and also avoids overfiring.
wood burning stove
