Blog entry by Syreeta Zelaya
Choosing a Modern Wood Burner
When selecting the best wood stove, you should be aware of factors such as size and capacity for heating, combustion technology, aesthetics, maintenance and safety features. A modern wood stove that is installed correctly and selected will satisfy your heating requirements and improve the ambiance in your home. It also will align with your environmental standards.
Find features that help you maintain your stove, and keep the glass crystal clear. Select a wood stove with a self-cleaning glass.
Easy maintenance and cleaning
When choosing a wood stove, it is important to take into consideration the ease of cleaning and maintenance that the stove can provide. Look for stoves that have removable ash trays or pans, making it easier to clean ash residue. Also, you should look for stoves that have access mechanisms that make it easy to clean the flue and chimney. Many modern wood burning stoves are even equipped with self-cleaning glass doors making them a perfect option for those looking to cut down on the amount of maintenance and cleaning required.
The length of time you will need to clean your stove depends on the fuel you choose to use and the method by which it is burned. If you are burning hardwoods, you'll require cleaning your stove more often as the tar that covers the glass has to be removed more frequently than if burning lighter coals. You can make use of a glass cleaning product to reduce the amount of tar that forms on your stove's window. But be certain to read the directions because too much cleaner could cause damage to the glass.
A lot of modern woodburning and multifuel stoves also have an airwash system, which helps keep the windows clear. This works by passing air through the glass from above, which stops the build up of tar and makes it easier to see the flames in the stove.
It is recommended to empty the ashpan whenever you need to. It is recommended that you empty the ashpan at least each 4-6 weeks. If you're unsure what frequency to empty your ashpan then ask your installer or the manufacturer.
Energy efficiency
In comparison to electric and gas fires, modern wood burners are extremely energy efficient converting 70% of the burning organic material directly to heat. This is a great advantage for anyone who wishes to lower their heating expenses while being more self-sufficient.
Stove manufacturers have responded to consumer demand by introducing cutting-edge technology that drastically reduces the emissions of particulate matter. Many of the new stoves that burn wood are certified to emit less than 2.0 grams of fine particulates operating at full capacity, an amazing achievement that would have been impossible in the past.
In addition wood-burning stoves are a carbon-neutral form of heating if you use responsibly wood logs that are sourced from sustainable sources. When they grow, trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and when burned for heating, they release a similar amount of CO2 back into the air. This is a virtuous cycle that is more beneficial for the planet than fossil fuels like gas, which release 0.198kg of CO2 per Kilowatt and electricity, which generates a costly amount of 0.517kg for each Kilowatt.
A wood-burning stove as your secondary source of heating can help to alleviate pressure on the grid during peak nighttime consumption times. Combining a wood burning stove with a condensing pellet boiler, or an air-source heatpump can offer an efficient and sustainable home heating system.
Durability
Wood burning stoves are an environmentally sustainable alternative to fossil fuel heat. If the wood used for heating is harvested in a responsible manner and is properly managed, it's carbon neutral. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and when they're burned, carbon is released back into the air, complete the cycle.
Modern wood stoves are built to last. The materials are of high quality and are resistant to warping and damage caused by excessive heat. They also feature easy-to-clean combustion mechanisms that help reduce the amount of smoke and soot produced by the stove. You can also choose wood burners that have an auto-ignition feature which means that you don't have to manually light the fire each time you use it.
very small wood burning stove is cheaper than other forms of heating on a bTU basis. It's also less volatile than fossil-fuels which means that heating costs will remain consistent year after year.
This Mendip model is the perfect option for those looking for a stove with the highest level of durability and efficiency, as well as visual appeal. The widescreen windows allow for a great view of the flames and there's plenty of space beneath the firebox to store logs. It's also DEFRA approved, meets Ecodesign standards and has level five clearSkies qualifications.
The Holborn 7 by British manufacturer Esse provides a different attractive option for wood burning. This multi-fuel stove has an efficiency of 80% and is DEFRA approved. The large window gives you a great view of the flame and is equipped with an air-wash system that keeps it clean. Suitable for smoke control areas It is available in traditional and contemporary colours. The model also has a clever catalytic combustor and is suitable for use with logs, briquettes or coal.
Style
Modern wood burners are available in a range of styles that can be suited to any home. They can be designed to suit any room style and are available in a broad selection of colors to complement your interior design. Many of them have decorative trims and details that add a touch of class. You can select a stove with an integrated log storage, which will aid in keeping your fireplace neat and tidy.
All modern log burners are made to a high standard and have an excellent reputation for reliability. The latest combustion technology enables them to efficiently burn small wood burning stove and reduce emissions which makes them an eco sustainable alternative to traditional open fires. Modern stoves can reduce the amount of particulate matter (PM) emitted by up to 50 percent and some are capable of reducing emissions of dioxins and furans.
The most modern generation of wood burners employs secondary combustion to burn the creosote which is produced when burning wooden fuel. This can be done directly or by passing wood through a catalyst converter. This aids in cleaning your home's atmosphere. However, it is important to know that some stove brands still produce only a tiny amount of PM that are released from the chimney.
The Go Eco by Stovax, a modern wood burner with high efficiency and low PM production is a great example. This 5kW multi-fuel stove features large windows that resemble portholes. It is kept clean by an airwash system. It offers a high heat output for medium-sized rooms. It is also DEFRA-approved and Ecodesign compatible. This means it is a great option for anyone wanting to upgrade their existing fireplace or add an extra heating source.
Safety
A wood stove can be an excellent source of heat, but it also releases harmful particles into the air. These are referred to as particulate matter and can affect our health and increase the risk of respiratory illnesses. Modern wood stoves are specifically designed to reduce these emissions. Ecodesign stoves are designed to meet European guidelines regarding particulate matter. They utilize a warmer fireplace to reignite combustion particles and reduce emissions. This means they need less wood to generate the same amount of heat as other stoves.
The best way to reduce emissions is to use wood fuel that is certified by the Woodsure Ready to Burn scheme and only burn dry wood that has been seasoned for at least two weeks. Avoid using briquettes or wood that is not seasoned because they can create excessive levels of toxic fumes and smoke.
It is also important to keep a flame burning at a moderate level until the ashes have cool and to regularly clear ash from the stove to prevent the accumulation of. Other safety measures include keeping the door closed when not tending the fire, never touching the flue pipe or stove unless it is completely cool and always putting out the fire before leaving the house or going to go to bed.
It's recommended to have your stove examined by an engineer at minimum every year to ensure it is operating correctly. This will help to minimise particulate matter organic gaseous compound and carbon monoxide emissions. This will ensure that the flue gas temperature is above 250 degrees Fahrenheit 121 degrees Celsius, which is essential to ensure the safety of a wooden stove.