The Benefits of Log Burning Stoves

Many homes have a wood burning stove in their living rooms. It's almost hip to have one. They encourage relaxation, reading and escapism in front of the fire.

Dry logs burn more efficiently and produce less harmful emissions. Try to use local wood whenever possible as it will benefit the economy and reduce your carbon footprint.

Warmth

Wood burning stoves are a great option for heating radiators or underfloor heating. They use a lower energy consumption than their oil or gas counterparts. In addition log burners don't use blowers to operate and instead rely on natural convection to warm your home. The use of renewable biomass fuels instead of fossil fuels could help reduce your carbon footprint.

Stoves come in a variety of styles and designs. They can either be installed into the wall or freestanding. You can also pick from various colors and finishes to complement your decor. You can choose a stove to match your style and space.

Many people are concerned about the emissions produced by a log burning device however the reality is that they are lower than you'd think. This is true, especially when you're using firewood that has been seasoned for one year (preferably more) and the moisture content is less than 20%. This is crucial as a high moisture content will cause lots of pollutant smoke and harmful fumes.

If you want your stove to be efficient in burning, make sure you keep the vents open to the medium setting before you start the stove and then close them once the fire has established. This will help reduce the size of the flames and keep them from burning too quickly. You can also adjust the amount of oxygen reaching 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 types of manufactured fuels that could cause dangerously high levels of pollution. It is also best to burn only dry, seasoned firewood that comes from cultivated woodland or plantations. You can also lessen your environmental impact further by buying a DEFRA approved stove. This will ensure that you only emit a minimum level of smoke that is not needed which is essential to meet the requirements of the government's Clean Air Act.

The cozy atmosphere

A fireplace that burns wood adds an incredibly welcoming feel to your home. The cosy atmosphere they create is perfect for a winter evening. The roaring heat of the fire will warm the room and radiate warmth throughout the room. The warm, cozy atmosphere will boost your mood and bring a smile to your face. It's not surprising that wood burning is one of the most popular choices for homeowners.

It is crucial to take into account the size of your home when selecting a stove made of wood fire stove. You don't want to overheat your house with an appliance that isn't big enough for the space you require. If you're not sure what size wood stove you'll need you can ask your local retailer for advice and recommend the best 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 used together with other low-carbon heating options, like heat pumps.

It is recommended to install a smoke control system with your log burner to ensure that it is in compliance with the requirements of your local authority. This includes a non-combustible safety for the walls as well as a chimney system. This work should be carried out by a certified installer to ensure your safety and integrity.

You can choose a wood stove with an oven, which makes cooking and eating around the fire even simpler. This feature can be an ideal addition to any kitchen and makes cooking, washing up and cleaning your dishes much easier.

There are a myriad of makes and models of stoves on the market, so spend some time to browse on the internet and in person to check out what's available. Compare the different features and color options to help you decide which will look best in your home.

You can find the right wood stove for your home with a variety of styles and sizes. A lot of stoves can be installed in corners and alcoves, which makes them ideal for small spaces. Or, you can choose a freestanding stove that is easy to move around the house if required.

Reduce your carbon footprint

Log burners can reduce our carbon footprint by providing a renewable energy source. It is important that you only burn wood that has been properly seasoned, since this allows the stove to use it more efficiently. Wood that is not seasoned can release more harmful gases and increase the number of particles in the air when it is burned. It is also recommended to only take wood from forests that are responsibly harvested.

Wet logs can also be an issue, as they release more harmful particulates when burned. These tiny, microscopic particles can get deep into the lung and cause respiratory issues. They are also known to increase the risk of heart and lung ailments. These are known as PM2.5 particulates, and can be found in the air from wood stoves and vehicles and even from natural sources like forest fires. This kind of pollution is believed to be responsible for many deaths each year.

Be aware that using wood that's not sustainably sourced could cause deforestation. To avoid this, it is best to only collect recycled wood from construction 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 will ensure that the stove is in compliance with or exceeds the minimum levels of EU Ecodesign regulations.

If you live in a smoke control area, then it's vital that your stove is able to meet these requirements as well. You won't be able to use the stove and will require a smoke-control system. This is because the smoke that comes from chimneys is a source of black carbon, which is a major cause of climate change and is harmful to our health.

Investing in a log burner isn't just good for the environment, but it can be good for your mental wellbeing too. The sitting in front of a fire can be a form of meditation. It has been known to lower blood pressure, decrease depression and improve sleep quality. A log burner creates an inviting atmosphere that brings people together and gives them a feeling of being at home.

Save money

If you're considering a wood burner for your home, you might be concerned about the initial cost in the installation process and the expense of buying logs. However, when it comes to running costs log stoves are an affordable heating option than electric or gas models.

In addition to the cosy atmosphere they create, stoves are efficient in terms of energy efficiency and burn fuel efficiently. It's also a green method of heating your home, as wood is renewable energy. In turn installing a log burning stove can lower the carbon footprint of your home significantly.

Stoves can also be a cheaper alternative to heat pumps, and can help you reduce your heating costs. According to the Energy Saving Trust, if you own your own home and have a stock of logs on hand, a stove could reduce your heating bills by up to 10pc.

However, despite their popularity and the cozy feeling they give to any space, wood burners have recently been getting some negative press for their environmental impacts. Some models emit large amounts of particulate matter that can cause climate change and be harmful to health. The tiny particles of soot could cause breathing problems and heart disease. They also are a major source of air pollution in cities.

Modern stoves are designed to avoid the problem. Most now come with the 'Defra exempt' certification that means they can be used in areas that control smoke. Additionally it's crucial to select the right stove for the space you live in. If you choose a model too small for your home it won't be able to keep you warm, and you will be spending more fuel.

You should only use dry and seasoned logs for your wood burner. This will ensure maximum performance and prevent the appliance becoming black or burning ash. Stoves should also be regularly cleaned to remove any build-up of ash and should be subject to regular inspections performed by a professional chimney sweep.