Choosing a Modern Wood Burner
When deciding on the right wood stove, consider factors such as heating capacity and size, combustion technology aesthetics, maintenance and safety features. A well-selected and properly installed modern wood stove will meet your heating needs, add to the ambience of your home, and align with your environmental goals.
Find features that make it simple to maintain your stove and keep the glass clean. For instance, choose a wood stove with a self-cleaning glass.
Easy maintenance and cleaning
It is important to choose a wood burner that offers easy maintenance and cleaning. Find stoves with pans or trays for ash that are removable which make it easier to clean the ash residue. Similarly, you should look for stoves with easy-access mechanisms for cleaning the flue as well as the chimney. Modern wood-burning fireplaces are equipped with doors that automatically clean. This makes them a perfect choice for those looking to reduce the amount they have to clean and maintain.
The frequency you must clean your stove will depend on the fuel you use and the efficiency with which it burns. For instance when you burn hardwood the stove will require more frequent cleaning since the tar that forms on the glass needs more regular removal than when you use lighter coals. To reduce the amount of tar that accumulates on the glass of your stove you might want to try a glass cleaner, but make sure that you go through the instructions carefully, since too much cleaner may damage the glass.
Many modern woodburning and multifuel stoves also have an airwash system that helps keep the windows clear. The system operates by blowing air from above over the glass, which helps keep it clean and also prevents the buildup of tar.
For more frequent cleaning it is recommended to check the ashpan each when you cook and empty it if needed. The ashpan should be cleaned every 4-6 weeks. If you're not sure when to empty your ashpan then ask your installer or the manufacturer.
Energy efficiency
When compared with gas and electric fires, modern wood burners are extremely energy efficient, converting 70% of the organic material directly into heat. This is a great advantage for anyone looking to lower their heating expenses while being more self-sufficient.
The stove makers have responded to the demand of consumers by developing cutting-edge technology that reduces particulate emission dramatically. Many of the new stoves that burn wood are certified to emit less than 2.0 grams of fine particulates when in operation This is an amazing feat that was unimaginable in the past.
Wood burning stoves can be an alternative to heating that is carbon neutral when they are used with wood logs that have been harvested responsibly. In their growth phase trees take carbon dioxide out and when they are used for heat and electricity, they release the same amount of CO2 into the air. This is a positive cycle that is better for the environment than fossil fuels like gas, which release 0.198kg of carbon for every kilowatt of heat and electricity that generates a cost of 0.517kg per kilowatt.
A wood-burning stove as your secondary source of heating will also 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, will provide a cost-effective and eco-friendly heating system for your home.
Durability
Wood burning stoves are a sustainable alternative to heating. If the wood used for heating is harvested in a responsible manner and is properly managed in a way that is carbon neutral. When trees are burned, they release carbon dioxide back into the air.
Modern wood stoves are built to last. The materials used are of premium quality and are resistant to warping and damage caused by excessive heat. They come with easy-to-clean combustion systems which reduce the amount of soot and smoke produced by the stove. You can select a wood stove with an automatic ignition system so that you don't have to manually light it every time.
In contrast to other forms of heat, wood is relatively inexpensive on a per-bTU basis. It's also less volatile than fossil fuels, so heating costs will remain constant year after year.
This Mendip model is a great option for those looking for a stove with the highest level of efficiency and durability as well as visual appeal. The widescreen window offers excellent flame views and there's plenty of space for logs to be placed below the firebox. It's also DEFRA approved, has been tested to meet Ecodesign standards and has clearSkies level five credentials.
The Holborn 7 by British manufacturer Esse provides a different attractive option for wood burning. The stove is multi-fuel and has an efficiency that is seasonal, which is 80% and is DEFRA approved. The large window provides great fire visuals and it comes with an air wash system to keep the glass clean. Suitable for smoke control areas It is available in traditional and contemporary colours. The model also has an efficient catalytic combustor, and is suitable for use with logs, briquettes or coal.
Style
Modern wood burners can be found in different styles that are suitable for any house. They can be designed to fit into any room style and are available in a broad variety of colors to match your interior design. A lot of them feature decorative details and trims that enhance their appeal. You can even pick one with an integrated log store which can help keep your fireplace tidy and neat.
Modern log burners are built to a high standard and have a good reputation for their reliability. Modern combustion technology permits them to burn wood efficiently while reducing emissions, making them a more 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 the emissions of dioxins and furans.
The most recent generation of wood burners employs a second combustion process to burn the creosote which is created when burning wood fuel. This can be done directly or by passing the wood through a catalytic converter which aids in cleaning the air in your home. It is important to note that certain stoves emit a tiny amount PM from the chimney.
The Go Eco by Stovax is an example of a highly efficient modern wood burner that produces very low PM. This multifuel stove with 5kW has a large window for portholes that is kept clean using an airwashing system. It generates a substantial amount of heat for medium-sized rooms. wood burners near me is also DEFRA approved and Ecodesign compatible. It is an excellent option for anyone who wants to upgrade their fireplace or add another heating source.
Safety
A wood stove can be an excellent source of heat but it also releases harmful particles into the air. These are known as particulate matter and they can affect our health and increase the risk of developing respiratory illnesses. Modern wood stoves are designed specifically to reduce these emissions. Ecodesign stoves, for instance, are engineered to meet the strict European directives regarding particulate matter. They utilize a more hot firebox to ignite the combustion particles and reduce emissions before they exit the chimney. This means they also require less logs to generate the same amount of heat as other stoves.
The best method to reduce the emissions from your home is to use wood fuel that is certified by the Woodsure Ready to Burn scheme and only burn dry wood that has been seasoning for a minimum of two weeks. Avoid using briquettes or wood that has not been seasoned because they can create high levels toxic gasses and smoke.
It is also essential to keep a fire burning at a moderate level until the ashes have cool, and to regularly remove ash from the stove to prev ent build-up. Other safety measures include keeping the door shut 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 sleep.
It's also a good idea to have your stove checked by an engineer at minimum each year to make sure it is operating correctly. This will help reduce particulate matter, organic gaseous compounds and carbon monoxide emissions. It will also ensure the flue gas temperature stays above 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degC) which is essential for safe operation of a wood stove.