The Benefits of a Log Burner

Log burners are heating devices that use well-seasoned wood (or other solid fuels such as anthracite in multifuel models). This renewable fuel source has less impact on nature and the climate than oil, electricity and gas.

It is essential that the wood you use in your stove is dry and free of firelighters made of paraffin that are fossil fuels.

Efficient

Log burners are an ecologically friendly way to heat your home. By reducing your reliance on oil, gas and electricity, you're helping reduce greenhouse emissions and the carbon footprint of homes. In fact a wood-burning stove is the only heating device which can offer an entirely carbon-free heating solution.

Wood is a renewable fuel and trees can be planted in lieu of those that are used to heat your home. This makes a log burner one of the most sustainable methods to heat your home, particularly given recent increases in fossil fuel prices.

Despite being an environmentally friendly alternative to other fuel sources, burning of wood does create some pollution, particularly fine particulate matter which is known to cause health problems. It is important to burn only dry, well-seasoned and low-moisture wood. This will ensure a longer burn time and less pollution.

Modern log burners are incredibly efficient compared to open-fire counterparts, and there are numerous models that can be efficient to up to 90%. You can also find EcoDesign stoves that are able to reduce the emission of Particulate Matter, Organic Gaseous Compounds, Carbon Monoxide and Nitrogen Oxides by increasing combustion temperature at the top of the flue gas.

Choosing the correct size stove can allow you to make the most of your log burner. If you choose a smaller model the fire will have to work harder to maintain the flame, which results in more smoke and lower temperatures. If you opt for a larger size, you will enjoy a bigger flame that emits more heat, and less smoke, while also burning fuel faster to provide warmth for your home.

Log burners are generally longer than other central heating systems, especially when they're installed by professionals and are maintained annually. As with all heating appliances the longevity of log burners will depend on the frequency with which it is used and how it's maintained. Therefore, make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions to get the most value from your stove.

Sustainable

Log burners make use of wood as a fuel source, which is carbon neutral. Any CO2 that is produced by combustion is absorbed by trees and plants and converted back into oxygen.

However, it's important to keep in mind that even though a log burner produces little CO2 when compared to gas and electric heating systems, it still produces significant levels of toxic air pollution. It also causes damage to the circulatory and heart systems, and also leaving black soot on cars and other structures, which could leave behind unattractive stained areas.

It's also important to note that the ash produced by burning logs could release harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, if not properly disposed of. It is therefore crucial to clean the grate regularly, and remove any ashes from the area whenever you can. Additionally, keeping a log burner in a well-ventilated area is beneficial to ensure the safety and health of your home and family.

The UK Government has realised the effects that log burners have on public health and environmental issues and therefore, new models must comply with Ecodesign regulations to ensure efficiency. The burners that have been independently evaluated are designed to limit emissions to 5g per hour. If you live in an area that is under a smoke control zone, you will require smokeless fuels if you want to avoid fines.

The burning of logs in a stove could create creosote, which can lead to an explosion in the chimney. However it is possible to prevent this by regularly cleaning the grate and burning only dry and seasoned wood. You can check the moisture content of wood before putting it into your burner. Weigh it against a jar that is empty, or buy a cheap moisture meter from Amazon.

Despite all these efforts, log burning continues to be a bad choice for the environment. They contribute 17 percent of the UK's emissions of PM2.5 kw log burner which are tiny particles that are inhaled and can have a negative impact on animal and human health. They also have the lowest average efficiency rating of any domestic heating system. As such, it's essential to consider replacing your log burner with a more environmentally-friendly heating system, such as a heat pump.

Clean

A log burner can be an excellent feature for any room, but it is essential to keep your stove clean. To accomplish this, you need to remove any ash from the fire chamber after every use. If you don't take care to remove the ash frequently, your glass can become opaque and black. This isn't an attractive fire feature. It is essential to burn only kiln-dried logs, since they release less smoke and soot.

It is recommended to clean the chimney every year to avoid the buildup of creosote tar. This can help keep fumes and smoke from entering the space. A variety of cleaners are suitable for stoves that burn wood. These include WD40, oven cleaning products and bicarbonate soda mixed with water. Be careful, as some products can cause the stove to lose its warranty.

If you're seeking a way to give your hearth area some freshness, think about laying it around your log burner. Ceramic tiles can be used in both modern and traditional spaces. They are heat resistant and come in a variety of colours and textures. If you're looking for a cozy ski chalet look natural splitface tiles are also safe to heat and can be laid to create a stunning rustic surround for your log stove.

Brick surrounds can also be used to create a striking look in your living space. You can use it for the entire fireplace surround, or make a statement wall behind your stove with a brick effect wall panel. Brick panels come in a variety of finishes that range from traditional rough cut to smooth so you can select the one that best suits your design.

Now you can find stoves that are available in a variety of colours which means they can be matched to the decor. White stoves are in vogue, and can be a focal element in an open and neutral living space. Or, you can pair it with soft greys and blues for a classic look.

Attractive

As energy costs rise, many homeowners are seeking alternative forms of heating. Wood-burning stoves not only offer an efficient alternative to electric fires and central heating but they also add style, character and create a focal point for living spaces. Wood-burning stoves are also an economical heating option, since they require less fuel than gas and electric.

Modern log burners come in a range of styles and finishes to suit all interior decor schemes. Choose a cream wood burning stove with a sleek surroundings and an elegant fireplace for a classic look. Consider a contemporary stove that has multiple fuels with a minimalist design and optional log storage for a sophisticated and smart space. You can even get a DEFRA-approved, Ecodesign-ready model that meets the latest UK standards and will be exempt for use in smoke control zones.

A log stove with an open front, hidden hinges and a focus on the flames is a great idea for an elegant fireplace. This clean and elegant stove comes in a range of colors, so it can fit in with all your living room furniture and decor. A multi-fuel log burner can burn wood and coal, depending on the grate's settings, so it will adapt to whatever fuel is in your supply. There are models that burn wood logs for Wood burner or biomass that is eco-friendly to provide an efficient heating system that is green.

Electric log burners can be used even if you don't have a chimney to install traditional log burning fireplace. They have realistic flame effects, and they produce heat that is comparable to the traditional. They're easy to install and require minimal maintenance. They do not generate heat, therefore they are ideal for use during summer as well as winter.

Fires2U offers a wide range of log burners that will assist you in making the most efficient use of your home in 2018. Explore the options sorted by size and colour to find the ideal stove for your home. Don't forget we have a free-standing log burner too, ideal for those without a chimney.