Choosing a Log Burning Stove

If you're considering a log burning stove, there are a few things to think about. You'll also need to think about whether you live in an area with smoke control and the size of the stove you'll require, as well as any maintenance requirements.

Make sure that your firewood is seasoned before using. Seasoned wood has less moisture which means it burns more efficiently.

Safety

Wood stoves aren't just efficient in heating, but they also add to the appearance of a living room creating an attractive focal point that can bring families together. Not only that, they are a low carbon form of heating that can help save on energy bills. They also satisfy a very basic human desire for fire.

Log burners are easy to maintain and use. The majority of modern wood burning stoves were designed with this in mind. They usually come with self-cleaning glass meaning that all you need to do is wipe them down using a cloth, and then removing the occasional piece of ash and you'll be left with a beautiful glowing fire.

It is crucial to remember that wood burners should only be used in a safe manner if they are used with properly seasoned logs. Unseasoned and wet wood will take a long time to burn and can generate large quantities of smoke that could cause damage to furniture, fabrics, and even your home. This is because the moisture in the wood must be evaporated before the wood can produce heat. This could require much more energy than what is required for combustion and could result in an unefficient and ineffective combustion.

Additionally it is essential to make sure that your flue pipe and chimney are in good condition. This can be done by a chimney sweep and is recommended at least twice a year. It is also a good idea to have carbon dioxide alarms that are operating, ideally outside of each sleeping area on every floor of the house.

A wood-burning stove could be more cost-effective than a gas fireplace, since firewood is typically less expensive. It can also be more eco-friendly if are able to source your own logs for wood burner from managed woodlands and this helps to support local jobs, whilst creating a beneficial habitat for wildlife. However, it's worth checking first whether you reside in a smoke control area as burning wood can produce particulates that may not be allowed in these areas.

Efficient

In the current climate of rising energy costs it is sensible to select the most efficient heating method possible and a log burning stove is highly efficient in this regard. Modern log burners can be up to 80% efficient meaning that 4/5 of the fire's energy will be converted into heat. This is a significant improvement over an open fire that can be costly to run and also loses lots of heat to the chimney.

The right kind of wood can also affect efficiency. For instance, seasoned hardwood logs produce more heat than softwood or chippings. The way you stack and handle the logs could significantly impact the efficiency of your stove, too. If you stack your logs loosely and allow the air to easily move through, the stove will be evenly burned and produce more heat. If you stack the logs tightly together and limit the air flow and allow them to smolder, they will and produce less heat.

You should also ensure that the main air vent is opened when you first light up your stove to let it fill with air and start the fire. Once you have a solid flame and embers you can gradually close the vent to ensure the fire can breathe and burn at a steady speed. It takes a lot of practice to master this skill, but once you do the stove will become incredibly efficient. You'll only need to add logs on occasion.

If you are thinking of installing a log stove, be sure to determine if your home is located in a smoke control area. If it is then you'll have to install an Defra approved stove that is designed specifically for the purpose of operating in these areas. You will also need to make sure that you maintain your stove regularly by clearing away the ash and wiping your glass window clean as necessary.

Eco-friendly

Log burners are a great way to reduce carbon emissions because wood is a green fuel. They also provide a cost-effective and sustainable heating option, particularly when utilized in conjunction with underfloor heating or radiator heating. You can expect to save around PS100 a year if you choose a stove that meets the latest Ecodesign standards.

As well as providing warmth and a cosy atmosphere Log burning stoves provide an atmosphere of comfort that other heating sources don't offer. Sitting in front of a glowing fire can help you unwind and relax which is the reason why so many people love it! You can meditate or do mindfulness exercises in this area and help to reduce stress.

It is important to use wood that is dry enough to burn in a wood-burning stove. This reduces the emission of particulates into the atmosphere, lowering overall air pollution levels.

The most recent stoves are designed to minimize harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide by regulating the combustion conditions. This is achieved by regulating the oxygen supply to the fire. This stops the wood from burning too fast which could cause the metal parts of your stove to heat up or even crack.

A log-burning stove also provides space heating. This means that you don't have to heat a whole home when only one room is being utilized. This will help you save money on your energy bills and cut down on carbon emissions.

Using logs from managed woodlands is eco-friendly since it supports jobs in the management of woodlands and improves wildlife habitats. Every combustion produces particulates. If you live in a smoke-control area, it is essential that you use a Defra approved stove and only burn wood that has been dried.

The good news is that when compared to open fires, the vast majority of wood-burning stoves emit less emissions. In fact, they generate less than 25% fine particle pollution in London and the South East, which is a hugely significant reduction!

Aesthetically pleasing

Log burners are the perfect method of creating warmth in your home and create a focal point. They are also more efficient than traditional gas fireplaces and can be used as a supplement to other types of heating. Available in various styles and finishes they can be adjusted to any style. Before you purchase, you should consider whether this type is right for you.

The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing a wood-burning stove is that you'll require a large supply of logs. If you don't have a huge Log burner Cast iron store, you may want to consider a multi-fuel model. These models can burn various approved fuels, including briquettes and smokeless anthracite, as well as logs. This can help you save money in the long run since you can purchase your logs from a greater variety of sources.

It is important to note that a modern woodburner will require a chimney to expel the fumes from the flames. Before purchasing a stove, make sure that it has a Defra approved flue and is Ecodesign ready. There are many brands of wood stoves that meet these criteria, and most have showrooms where you can see examples for yourself.

Another factor to consider is the shape of the stove. Traditionally, woodburners are rectangular, but today there are various distinctive shapes to choose from. Some are designed to fit into an inglenook, while others can be incorporated into a wall, or transformed into a focal fireplace. Some have a curved surface to enhance the view of flames.

After you've chosen a style, you will have to choose the size of the stove. You can select a smaller model that can easily fit into an inglenook, or a larger model that makes an impressive centrepiece for a large area. Take into consideration the color of the stove's color. Lighter colours may show dirt and soot more readily, whereas darker ones are easier to maintain.

A log burning stove is a wonderful addition to any home. With the right amount of maintenance it will last well for many years to come.