The Benefits of a Woodburner Stove
Wood stoves make use of continuous air flow to produce heat and fire. The dampers are usually situated in the stove’s door. They let fresh air to be drawn in. Exhaust gases are then drawn up through an chimney, leaving your home.
Modern wood stoves that are not catalytic rely on secondary combustion to increase their efficiency. They will build up creosote, but only if they are not used correctly.
Energy Efficiency
Modern woodburner stoves are designed to maximize heating efficiency, with the combustion process being optimized to burn firewood efficiently possible. This means a higher percentage of the fuel is converted into heat, and less goes to waste as smoke or unburned gases.
The most important aspect to consider when choosing a woodburner stove is the heating output which is measured in BTU per hour. This number gives you an idea of the amount of heat the stove can produce, and it’s normally an accurate gauge of its capability to efficiently heat your home.
It is important to evaluate wood stoves according to their efficiency in combustion as well as heating efficiency. The efficiency of combustion is 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 inside your home.
Stoves equipped with a catalytic combustion system are able to attain high levels of efficiency due to the fact that the combustor re-burns a portion of the gases that escape during the initial combustion. This helps reduce the amount of creosote that is flammable in the chimney and cleans the exhaust gasses. Modern non-catalytical stoves are extremely efficient. However, they tend to burn hotter and perform worse 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. Dry and seasoned firewood is better than green wood, which contains more moisture. It is recommended to choose a stove that is specifically designed for logs, because burning other types of combustible can cause issues with the combustion process and cause excessive emissions or even chimney fires.
Check that your stove is properly insulated and that all windows and doors are closed tightly when not in use. It’s a good idea to have the flue vent cleaned on a regular basis as well. It is also recommended to regularly inspect and clean the interior of your stove and it is recommended that you vacuum the chimney out every few weeks.
Clean Burning
Wood burners are the greenest option when used correctly. It is a renewable fuel and largely carbon-neutral (the amount of carbon dioxide released during combustion is similar to the amount that the tree absorbs over its lifespan).
You will also be able to avoid relying on large energy companies which are subject to price increases or, worse even have monopolies in certain areas. This leaves you vulnerable to their tariffs. You can also keep track of the amount of wood in your stove, and purchase it only when you need it.
Many new log burning stoves like the Stovax range of stoves utilize a superior method of combustion that has been designed to ensure high levels heat efficiency and flames that are clean and safe to burn. The triple air system supplies the fire with air in two stages, which allows for faster ignition of the top layer of logs and a more controlled flame image. It also improves thermal efficiency and reduces emission.
The best method to maximize the clean burning of a woodburner stove is use kiln dried logs that were stacked and stored for a period of time prior to use. These have a lower moisture content therefore require less energy to displace. If you stack your logs properly and ensure that they are properly seasoned you can reach an efficiency of that can reach 80%.
Wood smoke contains many harmful pollutants, including fine particle pollution as well as volatile organic compounds. It also contains nitrogen oxides, benzene, and other substances that can cause breathing problems. They are associated with respiratory and heart diseases. Modern log burners are more efficient than older models, and when paired with an air quality monitor that measures gas concentration, they can reduce them to almost zero.
It’s worth noting that if you reside in a Smoke Control Area and you live in a Smoke Control Area, it is important to check with the local authority before purchasing any type of stove because you may need to get a Defra approved stove in order legally use it. Stoves that are Defra-approved are deemed to be capable of operating in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act, which makes it illegal to smoke from chimneys in certain areas.
Low Carbon
Wood stoves are a green alternative to heating your home with fossil fuels. They aid in reducing carbon emissions, which are a leading cause of global climate change. Modern wood burners that are energy efficient produce significantly less greenhouse gases and particulates than older wood burning stoves and can be used to heat your home as well as cooking.
To get the most benefit of your wood-burning stove, ensure that the wood is completely dry before burning them. It takes a long time to dry wood burner stoves for sale, but it is worth the effort. If you have the space to build a log store, and manage to keep your logs dry you can save money on heating bills as well as benefiting from government support through the Renewable Heat Incentive.
Using a woodburner stove a few times per week can make a significant difference in your household’s energy costs. However, it is crucial to remember that it’s a secondary source of heat and not the main method. Only use it when absolutely required and ensure that your stove has low emissions.
If you decide to use an wood burning stove that is EPA-certified you can be certain that it meets the low emissions standards required to ensure that it does not harm your health and the environment. One method to determine whether you own an EPA-certified wood burning stove is to look at the tag that is made of metal and then look through the owner’s manual, or consult EPA’s list of certified wood stoves.
A wood-burning stove that’s EPA certified will also help preserve forest habitats, and biodiversity. When managed sustainably, forests can absorb carbon dioxide released by burning wood. Using eco-friendly stoves that only burn locally harvested, sustainably sourced portable wood burning stoves can also be 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, cosy feeling to any room and can serve as a focal point for families and friends to gather together. However, they also release a number of harmful gases into the atmosphere when not installed correctly or using poor quality logs. In addition, they can cause smoky conditions that impact indoor air quality.
To help reduce the impact on your lungs and to ensure you have a safe, clean burning stove, it is essential that you follow some easy guidelines to use. These include using only properly dried, seasoned hardwood and constantly checking the stove to ensure that all logs are fully combustion-proof. Additionally, it is always recommended to use hearth pads designed to endure the constant heating of the stove as well as protecting your wood floor from fire damage.
Another important tip is to stay clear of using lighter fluid. This is a dangerous substance that is only used to start a fire on an open fire and not in a wood-burner. It can cause wood to burn at a faster rate, resulting in volatile compounds that could be harmful if breathed in.
When operating on a wood stove, be aware of the smoke and fire and keep pets and children away from it. Use a hearth mat that can be placed beneath your stove to keep sparks from falling onto the floor and damaging the floor. It is recommended to install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors inside your home.
Lastly make sure that you be sure to have your chimney checked at minimum once per heating season to check that it’s functioning properly. A qualified professional can check the chimney to ensure that there is no creosote buildup and that it is not leaking.
A modern wood burning stove that incorporates monitoring and automation, such as MF Fire’s Catalyst intelligent wood stove, is an excellent 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 issues that traditional woodburning stoves have. It automatically regulates the flame to ensure it is burning at the proper level, and also avoids overfiring.
