15 Shocking Facts About Woodburner Stove You've Never Known

The Benefits of a Woodburner Stove

Wood stoves make use of continuous air flow to produce fire and heat. The fresh air is dragged in through adjustable dampers, which are usually located inside the door of the stove. The exhaust gases are then pumped up the chimney, and are safely removed from your home.

Modern wood stoves that are non-catalytic rely on secondary burning to make them efficient. However, they'll build up creosote if not used correctly.

Energy Efficiency

Modern woodburner stoves have been designed to maximize heating efficiency. The combustion process has been optimized to burn firewood as efficiently as possible. This means that a greater percentage of the fuel is converted to heat, and less goes to waste as gas or smoke.

The most important aspect to consider when choosing a woodburner stove is the heating output that is measured in BTU per hour. This number gives an idea of the amount of heat that the stove produces. It's typically an accurate indicator of its ability to efficiently heat your home.

It is crucial to evaluate wood stoves on the basis of their efficiency in combustion and 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 well the stove converts the heat into warm air in your home.

Stoves with catalytic combustor may achieve extremely high levels of combustion efficiency because the combustor is 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, also known as creosote. Modern non-catalytic stoves can still be extremely efficient, but they tend to burn a bit hotter and have lower efficiency at lower temperatures.

It is important to remember that the efficiency of energy used by the stove is only as good as the quality and condition of the fuel used to power it. 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 designed for logs, since burning other kinds of combustibles can cause problems with the combustion process, resulting in excessive emissions and chimney fires.

Always ensure that your stove is properly insulated and that the doors and windows are shut tightly when not in use. It's a good idea have the flue vent professionally cleaned on a regular basis as well. Also, you should regularly clean the interior of the stove. It is recommended that you vacuum out the chimney every few weeks.

Clean Burning

When used correctly the wood burner is the most environmentally friendly fuel option. It's a renewable source and largely carbon-neutral (the carbon dioxide given off during combustion is equivalent to the amount absorbed during the lifetime of the tree).

You will also be free from relying on large energy companies which are subject to price hikes or worse even have monopolies in certain areas. This leaves you vulnerable to their tariffs. Additionally, you'll be able to monitor the amount of wood in your stove and purchase it as you need it.

A number of the latest log burning stoves such as the Stovax range of stoves make use of a superior system of combustion that has been streamlined to ensure high levels energy efficiency and clear burning. The triple air system provides the fire with air in two stages, allowing for quicker ignition of the top layer of logs and a more controlled flame image. It also increases the efficiency of the thermal system and reduces emissions.

The best way to maximise the clean burn of a woodburner stove is to only use kiln dried logs that were stacked and stored for a time before use. They have a lower content of water and require less energy to move. If you stack your logs properly and ensure that they are properly seasoned you can attain a level of efficiency up to 80%.

Wood smoke is a source of harmful pollutants such as fine particle pollution as well as volatile organic compounds nitrogen oxides, and benzene which can all cause breathing issues. They are associated with respiratory and heart disease. The good news is that modern log burners are more efficient than their predecessors of the past and, when paired with a suitable air quality monitor, they can reduce the harmful gases to close-to-zero levels.

It is important to inquire with your local authority if you are within Smoke Control Area prior to purchasing any type of stove. You may require an approved stove from Defra to be able to legally use the stove. Defra-approved stoves are deemed to be capable of operating under the provisions of the Clean Air Act, which makes it a crime to emit smoke from chimneys in certain areas.

Low Carbon

Wood stoves are an eco-friendly alternative to heating your home using fossil fuels. They help reduce carbon emissions that are a major factor in global warming. Modern, energy efficient wood burners produce significantly fewer greenhouse gases and particulates than earlier wood burning stoves and can be used to heat your home, in addition to cooking.

The most important thing to get the most sustainable use from your wood stove is ensuring the logs are dry prior to burning them. It can take some time to dry wood, but it is well worth the effort. If you have the space to build an outdoor log store and manage to keep your logs dry, then you can save money on heating costs and also benefit from Government support through the Renewable Heat Incentive.

A woodburner stove can help you save money on your household's energy bills. However, it's crucial to remember that it is a secondary source of heat, and is not the sole method. You should use it only when you really need to, and ensure that your stove is a high-efficiency model with low emissions.

You can be assured that a stove certified by EPA will meet the low emission standards necessary to safeguard your health and the environment. A good way to determine whether you have an approved wood burning stove that is EPA-certified is to look at the metal tag it has on it, look in its owner's manual or refer to the EPA's list of certified wood stoves.

Another reason to consider an EPA-certified fireplaces wood burning stoves burning stove is the fact that it helps to preserve habitats for forests and biodiversity. If they are properly managed, forests can absorb carbon dioxide produced through burning wood. Eco-friendly stoves, which only burn wood that is locally harvested and sourced sustainably, will also provide an incentive to sustainable forest management. 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 their supply of timber.

Safety

Wood stoves give a lovely cozy and warm atmosphere to any room and can also be an ideal focal place for families and friends to gather together. They can also release harmful gases, particularly when they aren't used correctly, or if the logs are of poor quality. Additionally, they may create smoke that can impact indoor air quality.

Follow these simple steps to minimize the impact of your stove on your lung. Use only dried and seasoned hardwood, and make sure to check the stove frequently to ensure that all wood logs have a strong flame. Additionally, it is always an excellent idea to make use of hearth pads that are designed to stand up to the constant heating of the stove and also safeguarding your wooden flooring from fire damage.

Another tip is to not use lighter fluid. It is a dangerous substance that is best used for starting a fire in an open flame, not in a closed wood burner. It can cause the wood to burn at a faster rate, leading to volatile compounds that can be harmful if inhaled.

When operating on a wood stove, be aware of the smoke and fire, and keep pets and children away from it. Make use of a hearth mat that can be put underneath your stove to stop burning embers from falling to the floor and damaging the floor. Installing smoke and carbon dioxide detectors is also recommended.

You should also be sure to have your chimney inspected at least once a year to ensure that it is working correctly. A qualified professional will inspect the chimney to ensure that there is no creosote buildup and that it is not leaking.

A modern wood burning stove, with built in control and monitoring, such as MF Fire's Catalyst intelligent wood stove, is an excellent choice for those looking for an efficient, high-performance and environmentally friendly method to warm their homes. This kind of stove eliminates many of the problems that come with older traditional stoves by automatically regulating the fire to ensure it is burning at the right level and avoiding overfiring which can result in the fire churning out more smoke, irritates your lungs and causes more harm to your chimney.