The Benefits of Log Burning Stoves

Log burning stoves are a staple in many homes. It's become almost a hipster thing to have one in your living room. They encourage escapism, relaxing and reading by the fire.

Dry logs burn more efficiently, and emit fewer harmful emissions. And try to use local wood whenever you can - this supports the economy and reduces carbon footprint.

Warmth

Wood burning stoves can be used to heat radiators or underfloor heating. They consume less energy than their oil and gas counterparts. In addition log burners do not use blowers to operate and instead rely on natural convection to heat your home. Utilizing renewable biomass fuels instead of fossil fuels can also help reduce the carbon footprint of your home.

Stoves come in many different styles and designs. They can be freestanding or incorporated into your walls. You can pick from a variety of colours and finishes that match your interior decor. You can choose an appliance that matches your style and space.

Many people are worried about the carbon emissions generated by a log burner however the reality is that these are far lower than you'd expect. This is particularly true if you burn firewood that has been seasoned for at least one year (preferably two years), so that the moisture content is below 20 percent. This is important as a high moisture level will result in a lot smoke and harmful pollutant.

If you want to ensure that your stove is burning effectively make sure that the vents are at a medium setting while you're starting it and close them only after the fire has been established. This will help moderate the size of the flames and stop them from burning too quickly. You can also control the amount of oxygen that gets to the fire by opening or closing the air vent that is located in the front of the stove.

To get the most value out of your stove, you should be cautious about using briquettes or other manufactured fuels that can create dangerously high levels of pollution. It is also recommended to burn only dry, seasoned firewood sourced from plantations or cultivated woodland. You can reduce your impact on the environment by buying an approved DEFRA stove. This will ensure that you only emit a minimum level of unnecessary smoke which is essential to meet the requirements of the government's Clean Air Act.

Cosy atmosphere

A log-burning stove can add a warm, welcoming atmosphere to your home. The cosy atmosphere they create is perfect for a cold winter evening. The fire's roaring heat will warm your home and spread its warmth across the room. This cozy atmosphere will surely bring a smile to your face and lift your mood. It's no wonder that a wood burner is one of the most popular options for homeowners.

It is important to take into consideration the size of your home when selecting a log stove. You don't need to overheat the house by using a stove that isn't large enough. If you are in doubt regarding the size of wood burner you need check with your stockist who should be able to help you and suggest a suitable model.

Modern log burners are extremely efficient and reduce reliance on fossil fuels for heating domestically. They are perfect to heat a small area and can be utilized in conjunction with other low-carbon heating options, like heat pumps.

Installing a smoke control device in conjunction with your log burner is a good idea to ensure that it meets the requirements of your local authority. This includes a non-combustible safety for the walls and a chimney system. This work should be done by a qualified installer to ensure your safety and security.

You can also select a wood stove with a cooktop to make cooking and eating in front of the fire even more convenient. This is a fantastic addition to a kitchen, and makes it easier to cook, wash and clean your dishes.

Take the time to look through the various models and brands of stoves available. Check out the various features and colors to help you decide which is the best fit for your home.

With a range of sizes and finishes to fit all types of homes You are certain to find a wood stove that will add value to your living space. Many stoves can be installed in corners and alcoves, making them ideal for small spaces. Alternatively you can opt for a freestanding stove that is easy to move around the home if needed.

Reduced carbon footprint

Log burners help reduce our carbon footprint because they are a renewable source of energy. However, it is essential to only use wood that has been seasoned to allow the stove to utilize it effectively. Unseasoned wood releases more harmful gases when burned and may increase the amount of particles in the air, which can be harmful to your health. It is also recommended to only purchase wood from responsibly sourced forest.

Wet logs can also be an issue, as they release more harmful particles when they are burned. These tiny particles are enough to penetrate deep into the lung, causing respiratory problems. Additionally, they are believed to increase the risk for lung and heart diseases. These are known as PM2.5 particulates, and can be found in the air from automobiles and wood stoves and even from natural sources such as forest fires. This type of pollution is thought to be the cause of a large number of deaths each year.

It's also worth noting that if you're using wood that isn't sustainable sourced, it may contribute to deforestation. To avoid this, it is best to collect reclaimed wood from building sites or discarded rubbish and to look for the SIA Ecodesign Ready label or ClearSkies emissions and energy performance certification marks on the stove. This guarantees that the appliance meets or exceeds the required standards of EU Ecodesign regulations.

If you reside in a smoke-free area, then it is crucial that your stove can meet these requirements too. You won't be able to use the stove and need to install a smoke control system. The smoke from a fireplace contains "black carbon", which is harmful to your health and contributes to climate change.

A log burner isn't just beneficial for the environment, but it can be good for your mental health too. The act of sitting in front of a fire can be used as a form of meditation and is proven to reduce blood pressure, lower depression and improve the quality of sleep. A log fire creates an inviting atmosphere that draws people together and creates the impression that you're home.

Save money

If you're thinking about the installation of a wood stove in your home, you may be worried about the initial costs involved in the installation process and the expense of buying logs. Log stoves are cheaper to run than electric or gas models.

In addition to the cozy atmosphere they create, stoves are extremely energy-efficient and burn fuel very efficiently. Wood is also a renewable resource, so it's an eco-friendly method of heating your home. In turn installing a log burning stove can cut down the carbon footprint of your home significantly.

Stoves are also a cheap alternative to heat powered wood stove fan pumps, and can help save money on your heating bills. In fact, according to the Energy Saving Trust, if you own your own home and have an abundance of wood on hand stoves can reduce your heating costs by up to 10 percent.

However, despite their popularity and the warm, cozy feeling they give to any room, wood burners have recently been getting some negative press for their environmental impacts. Certain models emit huge amounts of particulate matter, which can trigger warming and can be harmful to health. The tiny particles of soot could aggravate breathing problems and cause heart disease and lung disease, not to mention the fact that they're the main cause of urban air pollution.

Thankfully, modern stoves have been developed to avoid this problem. Many come with an Defra exemption certificate, which allows them to be used in smoke-control areas. In addition, it's important to choose an oven that is properly sized for your living space. If you choose a model too small for your home it won't be able to keep your warm, and you will be spending more fuel.

It is recommended to use only dry, seasoned logs in your wood burner. This will ensure the highest efficiency and stop the appliance from burning ash or creating black glass. Stoves should be cleaned regularly to eliminate any ash build-up, and should be subject to regular inspections performed by a professional chimney sweep.