10 Things Everybody Hates About Indoor Wood Burner
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, and also cause health issues. Research has shown that frequent use of an indoor wood burning fireplace or stove increases lung cancer risk. These findings were based on self-reported usage and not medically confirmed. Low Carbon Alternative to Carbon Neutral If you love the look and cosiness of a wood stove but are worried about the health risks it may cause, you may be searching for a green alternative. Don't worry, there are plenty of options that won't result in a fine from DEFRA. One of them is a bioethanol fire, that burns a liquid fuel that is made from renewable sources and releases much fewer particulates than wood. Bioethanol is a fantastic alternative for those looking to keep their log burner and just change the fuel. It's made from recycled wood and plant waste So you can feel good about your purchase! Alternately, you can opt for an Eco Design wood burning stove. These meet the latest regulations and achieve high efficiency, which results in lower emissions. They are also more robust and less cumbersome to use than older versions. A new Eco Design Stove would not only be a fantastic investment for your home as well as for the planet. Be aware that the emissions from wood combustion can contribute to pollution of the air which, in turn, leads to climate change. However, there are ways to minimise the impact of your stove including using clean and dry fuel, cleaning up regularly, and opening windows when you're burning wood. Another method to lessen the environmental impact of your stove is to change it to an electric model. They are also more energy efficient and consume one third less electricity than open fires. These are also easier to install as they don't require a chimney or flue and can be powered using an ordinary 3-pin plug. There are a variety of green log burning options for your home, including eco briquettes made of recycled wood that is carbon neutral. Pellet stoves can also be used if you're looking to go green. These stoves are extremely efficient and can be utilized to burn a variety of biomass fuels. Their automatic fuel feeding and air supply regulation, assures the most efficient combustion. Some people may be concerned about the health implications of a fireplace with wood particularly when they hear that it may emit particles into the air. It's important that you know that the latest studies show that other household activities like cooking can release higher levels PM10 and PM2.5 in the indoor air. Easy to Clean A wood burner will give your home an authentic, rustic look. It's easy to overlook the importance of maintaining and cleaning regularly. The ash that adheres to the grates and the creosote that is formed during firing can turn a fireplace or stove from the traditional holiday-card image of a soft smoke billowing out into a massive blaze. Wood stoves are only to be used with dry well-seasoned, dried wood. Burning unseasoned, green or wet logs will not just make the fire difficult to ignite and burn effectively however, the amount of toxins released in the air will increase dramatically. Wood smoke contains fine particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, and hazardous air pollutants like benzene. These pollutants are particularly harmful to children, older adults, and those with lung diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Most modern wood stoves feature an ash pan with a removable lid that is used to collect ash and other debris from the grates. It is easy to remove the pan and empty it into a bucket for ash. It's important to keep in mind that ashes can still contain embers, so they should cool completely before disposal. Make use of a cleaner that is fire-resistant like a special spray for cleaning stoves or a vinegar mix to prevent the buildup of creosote. You can also use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner, or dry rag. Avoid using a wet rag since it can cause rust. It's also recommended to use well-seasoned split and stacked wood that has been allowed to dry outdoors for at least 12 months before bringing 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. In addition, a regular supply of tinder is helpful to keep your fire burning at a faster pace and reduces the amount of soot produced. To avoid any penalties, if your area is a smoking-control zone, it's important to keep your chimney and stove working properly. Savings on Money Wood stoves are a great alternative to the conventional fuel sources, particularly with energy prices rising and more volatility forecast. A wood burner that's well-maintained can lower your energy costs significantly as compared to gas or electricity. A wood-burning stove can provide additional financial benefits, in addition to reducing heating costs. Modern inserts are more efficient than traditional wood-burning stoves, and produce more heat with less fuel. They can produce up to three-times as much heat than traditional wood burning fireplaces and put more money to spend in their pockets. It is important to keep in mind that wood heating comes with “non-monetary” expenses. There is also a certain amount of labor required to load the stove, lighting fires and cleaning up the ashes. If you decide to split and chop your own logs on your own, it can be a time-consuming and difficult process. Another possibility is the need for a proper place to store and dry the logs. Unseasoned, wet or green logs can release plenty of smoke when burned and create harmful deposits in the chimney and stove. It is crucial to follow the right procedures for stacking and storing logs to ensure that they remain dry and that only well-seasoned logs are burned in your stove. It is also important to regularly sweep and maintain your chimney to avoid blocking smoke and clogging. This can be accomplished by hiring a professional chimney sweep, or by following some simple maintenance tips, like making sure the stove is cleaned prior to using it for the first time each season, and cleaning it after every fire. The homeowners who decide to switch to wood-burning stoves must be sure to factor in installation and purchase costs. Although currently cheaper than replacing an older gas boiler however, these costs can add up. Adds Style An indoor wood burner can be a perfect focal point for an interior setting, especially when it's adorned with the right decor. A wood-burning stove in a kitchen, living space or dining room instantly adds warmth and comfort the room. There are fireplacesandstoves of designs to pick from, ranging from traditional to contemporary. You're bound to find one that fits the aesthetic of your house. The addition of a wood burning stove to your indoor setting could also add a sense of historical and character to the space. The sound and sight of real flames is an instant mood lifter, creating a feeling of warmth and comfort, especially when the temperature decreases. Alongside being a practical option for your home, a log burner can also be used to help you save money on energy bills. With the new trend for replacing open fires with eco-friendly, low emission wood burners, you can now to create a cozy living space without sacrificing heating efficiency. It's important to consider the heating capacity of the stove in relation to the size of your home and insulation levels. The stove manufacturers will provide you with guidelines to help you select the ideal size stove for your home. This is recommended if you are looking to make the most on your investment. Stoves that have a built-in log store is perfect for a modern living space with a neat and uncluttered appearance and ensuring you have wood on hand to use. Stoves that have log stores are also a good alternative for homes with smaller spaces which allows you to store logs near by without worrying about safety or space concerns. A wood-burning stove for indoor use can also be a great option for a farmhouse interior, and you can choose to pair it with wooden beams and panelled walls to create a classic rustic aesthetic. This Farringdon stove from Arada Stoves, in a vibrant Spice finish, injects a pop of colour and style into a modern living room. With a wood burning stove, all the family can come together and spend time with friends in front of a real flame. This is a great opportunity for all the family members to bond and spend time together.