Choosing a Modern Wood Burner
When choosing the right wood stove, consider factors such as the capacity of heating and size combustion technology, aesthetics, maintenance and safety features. A properly selected and modern wood burner will meet your heating needs, add to the ambiance of your home, and align with your environmental values.
Find features that aid in maintaining your stove and keep the glass clean. For instance, you can choose an electric stove that has self-cleaning glass.
Easy maintenance and cleaning
It is important to choose a wood burner that offers easy maintenance and cleaning. Consider stoves that come with removable ash trays or pans, making it easier to wash the ash residue. In addition, you should look for stoves that have easy-access mechanisms for cleaning the flue and chimney. Some modern wood burning stoves are even equipped with self-cleaning glass doors, making them a great choice for those who want to cut down on the amount of cleaning and maintenance required.
The amount of time you'll need to clean your stove is contingent on the fuel that you choose to use and the method by which it is burned. If you are burning hardwoods, you'll require cleaning your stove more frequently because the tar on the glass must be removed more frequently than if burning lighter coals. You can use a special glass cleaning product to reduce the amount of tar on your stove's window. However, be sure to follow the directions because too much cleaner could cause damage to the glass.
Many modern multifuel and woodburning stoves also have an airwash system that helps keep the windows clear. This system is a way of blowing air from above on the glass, which helps to keep it clean and also prevents the buildup of tar.
For more regular cleaning it is recommended to check the ashpan every time you use your stove and empty it as needed. It is recommended that you empty the ashpan at least every 4 to 6 weeks. If you are not sure how often to empty your ashpan, then ask your installer or the manufacturer.
Energy efficiency
When compared to electric and gas-fired stoves the modern wood burning stoves are extremely energy efficient and convert 70% of the organic material directly to heat. This is a great advantage for anyone who wishes to reduce their heating costs while remaining self-sufficient.
Stove manufacturers have responded to the demands of consumers by introducing cutting-edge technology that drastically reduces particulate emissions. Many new log-burning fireplaces are certified to emit less than 2.0 grams of fine particles when they are in full operation. This is a stunning achievement, which would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.
In addition wood-burning stoves are a carbon neutral method of heating when made from responsibly harvested wood logs. During their growth phase trees take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and when burned for heating they release the same amount of CO2 back into the atmosphere. the advantage is a virtuous circle that is more sustainable for the environment than fossil fuels like gas which create 0.198kg of carbon for each kilowatt of heat and electricity that generates a cost of 0.517kg per kilowatt.
A wood burning stove can also aid in reducing strain on the national grid in the evenings when it is at its peak. The use of a wood stove in conjunction with a condensing or condensing boiler pellet boiler or air-source heat pump is the perfect combination for a green and affordable home heating system.
Durability
Wood burning stoves offer a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel heat. If the wood used for heating is harvested in a responsible manner and managed, it's carbon neutral. When trees are burned, they release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.
Modern wood stoves are constructed to last. They're constructed of high-end materials that resist warping and damage caused by excessive heat. They come with easy-to-clean combustion systems that minimize the amount of smoke and soot generated by the stove. You can even opt for a wood burner with an auto-ignition feature, which means you don't need to manually light the fire each time you use it.
Wood is cheaper than other heating options on a basis of BTU. It's also less volatile than fossil fuels, which means you can expect consistent heating costs year in and out.
This Mendip model is the ideal choice if you want an appliance that has the best combination of efficiency and durability and also aesthetic appeal. Its widescreen window provides fantastic views of flames and plenty of room for logs beneath the firebox. It's also DEFRA approved, complies with Ecodesign Standards and has clearSkies level 5 credentials.
The Holborn 7 from British manufacturer Esse is another impressive option for wood burning. The stove is multi-fuel and has an efficiency of 80% and is DEFRA approved. The large windows provide a stunning view of the fire and includes an air-wash system to keep it clean. It is available in traditional colors and modern colours. The model comes with a clever, catalytic combustor which can be used with briquettes, coal, or logs.
Style
Modern wood burners are available in a range of styles to suit every home. They can be constructed in any style and are available in a variety of colours to complement the interior design of your home. Many have ornamental details and trims which add to their appeal. You can select a stove with an integrated log storage, which will aid in keeping your fireplace clean and tidy.
All modern log burners are manufactured to the highest standards and have a good reputation for reliability. Modern technology for combustion allows them to efficiently burn wood which reduces emissions and makes them a more environmentally friendly alternative than traditional open fires. Modern stoves can reduce the amount of particulate matter (PM) emitted by up to 50 percent, and some are even capable of reducing the emissions of dioxins and furans.
The most recent generation of wood burners employs secondary combustion to burn the creosote which is produced when burning wooden fuel. This can be done directly or by using a catalyst converter. This can help clean your home's air. It is important to remember that certain stoves emit a tiny amount PM from the chimney.
The Go Eco by Stovax, modern wood burner that has high efficiency and low PM production, is a good example. the advantage has a large window for portholes that is kept clean using an airwashing system. It produces a good amount of heat for rooms with medium size. It is also DEFRA certified and Ecodesign compliant. It is an excellent option for anyone looking to improve their fireplace or add a second heating source.
Safety
A wood stove can be a fantastic source of heat, however it also causes harmful particles to release into the air. These particles are referred to as particulate matter, and can have a negative effect on our health and increase the likelihood of suffering from respiratory diseases. Thankfully, modern wood stoves are designed to reduce the emissions. Ecodesign stoves, for example are designed to comply with strict European directives regarding particulate matter. They utilize a more hot firebox to re-ignite the combustion particles and reduce emissions before they escape the chimney. They also make use of fewer logs to produce the same amount of heat as other stoves.
The best way 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 seasoned for at least two weeks. You should also avoid using unseasoned wood and briquettes for your stove, because they can produce excessive levels of smoke and toxic gases.
To avoid the accumulation of ash, it is essential to keep the fire burning at a low temperature until the ashes are removed. Other measures to protect yourself include closing the door when not tending the flame, and never touching the stove or flue pipe unless it is completely cool and always extinguishing the stove before leaving the house or going to sleep.
It's recommended to have your stove examined by an engineer at least every year to ensure that it is operating correctly. This will help to minimise particulate matter organic gaseous compounds, carbon monoxide emissions. It will also ensure that the flue gas temperature remains above 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degC) which is essential for safe operation of a wood stove.