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15 Woodburner Stove Benefits That Everyone Should Know
The Benefits of a Woodburner Stove
Wood stoves use constant air flow to generate heat and fire. This fresh air is drawn into the stove through adjustable dampers which are usually located inside 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 rely on secondary combustion to be efficient. However, they'll eventually develop creosote when not properly used.
Energy Efficiency
Modern woodburner stoves are engineered to maximize efficiency in heating, with the combustion process being optimized to burn wood efficiently possible. This means that a greater portion of the fuel is converted to heat, and less goes to waste in the form of smoke or gas that is not burned.
The most important aspect to take into consideration when selecting a woodburner stove is its heating output which is measured in BTU per hour. This figure will give you an idea of the amount of heat the stove is capable of producing, and it's normally a good gauge of its capability to comfortably heat your home.
It is crucial to evaluate wood stoves according to their combustion efficiency and heating efficiency. The efficiency of combustion is how much of the fuel is turned into useful heat, and the efficiency of heating transfer is how well the stove converts the heat into warm air in your home.
Stoves equipped with a catalytic combustion system are able to achieve high levels of combustion efficiency due to the fact that the combustor re-burns a portion of the gases that escape during the initial combustion. This helps in cleaning 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 little more quickly and perform less efficiently at low temperatures.
It's important to keep in mind that the energy efficiency of an appliance is only dependent on the quality and condition of the fuel used to power it. Dry and seasoned firewood is a better choice than green wood, as it contains more moisture. It is also a smart idea to select an appliance designed specifically for logs. The burning of other kinds of combustibles could cause issues with the combustion process, which can lead to excessive emissions or even a chimney fire.
Make sure your stove is well sealed and that all windows and doors are closed tightly 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 stove interior, and it's recommended that you clean out the chimney every couple of weeks.
Clean Burning
When used correctly the wood burner is the most environmentally friendly fuel option. It is a renewable fuel that is generally carbon neutral (the amount of carbon dioxide released during combustion is the same as the amount taken up by the tree over its lifetime).
Additionally, you'll be free from relying on large energy companies that are subject to price hikes or, worse even have monopolies in certain areas. This means you are subject to their tariffs. In addition, you'll be in a position to monitor the amount of wood that is in your stove and purchase it when you require it.
A lot of new stoves that burn logs like the Stovax range of stoves, use a superior system of combustion that has been designed to ensure high levels energy efficiency and clean burning. The triple air system provides air to the fire at two distinct stages. This allows for a quicker ignition of the top layer and a more controlled flaming picture. It also improves thermal efficiency and reduces emissions.
The best method to maximize the clean burning of a woodburner stove is to make use of dried logs that were stacked and stored for a certain amount of time prior to using. These have a lower moisture content so require less energy to displace. Additionally when you stack your logs correctly and make sure they are properly seasoned before burning, you can achieve an impressive efficiency that can go up to 80 percent.
Wood smoke contains a variety of harmful pollutants, such as fine particle pollution as well as volatile organic compounds. It also contains nitrogen oxides, benzene and other substances which can cause breathing problems. These are known to be associated with respiratory and heart diseases. Modern log burners are more efficient than older models and, when paired with an air quality monitor, which measures gas concentrations, they can reduce the amount of gas to nearly zero.
You should inquire with your local authority if you reside within the Smoke Control Area prior to purchasing any type of stove. You may need an approved stove from Defra to legally use the stove. Stoves that are Defra-approved 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 locations.
Low Carbon
Wood stoves provide an eco green alternative to heating fossil fuels. They can help reduce carbon emissions which are the main cause of global climate change. Modern, energy efficient wood burners produce significantly less greenhouse emissions and particulates than previous wood burning stoves and can be used to heat your home, in addition to cooking.
The key to obtaining the most eco-friendly use from your wood-burning stove is to ensure that the logs are dry prior to burning them. It takes time to dry wood, but it is worthwhile. If you have the space to build a log store, and manage to keep your logs dry, you could save money on heating bills as well as benefiting from Government assistance through the Renewable Heat Incentive.
A woodburner stove can help you save energy bills. But, it is important to keep in mind that it is only a secondary source of heat and not the main method. Use it only if absolutely required and ensure that your stove has low emissions.
If you decide to utilize an EPA-certified wood burning stove, then you can be certain that it meets the low emissions standards required to ensure that it does not harm the environment and your health. One way to tell if you have an EPA-certified wood burning stove is to examine the metal tag on it check the owner's manual or look up EPA's list of certified wood stoves.
Another reason to think about an wood burning stove that is EPA-certified is that it will help to preserve forest habitats and biodiversity. If they are managed sustainably, forests can absorb carbon dioxide released through burning wood. Utilizing eco-friendly stoves that burn locally harvested, sustainably sourced wood will also provide an economic incentive to sustain forest management practices. This method is a reflection of the principles of the circular economy, and ensures that forests are valued for their environmental benefits, as well as the supply of timber.
Safety
Wood stoves give a lovely warm, cozy feel to a space and can also be an ideal focal area for families and friends to gather together. They can also emit dangerous gases, especially if they are not properly used, or if the logs are of poor quality. Additionally, they could create smoke that can affect indoor air quality.
To help reduce the impact on your lungs, and to ensure you have a safe and clean burning stove, it is essential that you follow these simple guidelines for using. Use only dried and seasoned hardwood and be sure to check the stove regularly to ensure that all wood logs have a strong flame. It is also a good idea, to use hearth mats that are designed to protect your floor from fire damage and withstand the constant heat of the stove.
Another important tip is to avoid using lighter fluid. This is a highly hazardous substance that is best used to ignite a fire within an open flame, not in a closed wood burner. It can cause wood to burn at a higher rate, leading to volatile compounds that can be harmful if inhaled.
When operating a wood stove, monitor the smoke and fire and keep children and animals away from the stove. It is recommended to make use of a hearth pad that can be placed beneath your stove, to prevent sparks from falling on the floor and causing damage. Installing smoke and carbon dioxide detectors is also recommended.
Lastly, you should be sure to have your chimney checked at least once per heating season to ensure that it is functioning correctly. A qualified professional can check the chimney to ensure that there is no creosote buildup and that it isn't leaking.
A modern wood burning stove that incorporates control and monitoring, such as the Catalyst smart wood stove, is a great option for those seeking an efficient, high-performance but also eco-friendly method to warm their homes. This kind of stove can eliminate many of the issues that are associated with older stoves by automatically controlling the fire to ensure it is burning at the right level, and also avoiding overfiring which can result in the fire churning out more smoke, irritates your lungs, and causes more harm to your chimney.