Why We Love Wood Stove Burning (And You Should, Too!)
The Advantages of Wood Stove Burning Wood stove burning is the ideal source of heat for those who are looking to keep their homes warm and cozy. However, there are some important things to keep in mind before you start the fire. All wood stoves need constant air flow to produce heat and combustion. This is controlled by adjustable dampers in the door of the stove and in the flue pipe which leads to the chimney. Warmth Stoves provide heat to your home through convection, in contrast to central heating which is pumped into ductwork in order to be distributed throughout the home. They also can provide radiant heat, however this is more chilly than a convection heater since the warmth is being retained by a solid surface instead of dispersing into the air. A wood stove generates radiant heat through the burning of firewood. This will quickly warm up the room. The type of wood you select and the way it is seasoned will impact how well your stove will perform. For example hard woods such as birch, hazel and oak take longer time to burn, but they provide an extended and consistent heat. These kinds of woods are ideal for heating your home because they have an energy density that is high. Soft woods like spruce and fir have a lower energy density. This means they burn faster and produce more carbon dioxide. A majority of modern wood-burning stoves come with turn dampers that are installed in the inside of the pipe that leads to the chimney. The dampers can be turned to regulate the amount of heat retained in your home through controlling the speed of the combustion gases leaving your stove. It is essential to be aware that a stove that burns wood requires more upkeep than other heating methods. Before you can burn the wood, you'll have to cut it into pieces then split it, and stack it. You will have to restock the stove with fuel when it gets low and you'll need to clear the ash every so often. You will also have to ensure that the stove can draw enough air to ignite. You may also have to take care of smoke pollution from your stove, based on the zoning laws in your area and how you manage it. Many towns use zoning to regulate outdoor burning, and to limit visible smoke from the stove, as well as soot and odor. In addition, the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has regulations to regulate the use of outdoor-burning equipment and to limit opacity and nuisance conditions. Aesthetics A wood stove adds a distinct aesthetic to your home. The warm glow of orange flames licking at dried logs creates a sense of warmth and comfort. They look stunning in any room and are a great accent to rustic or vintage decor. modern wood burning stove are an excellent choice for power outages, as they provide radiant heating. They are also a great way to reduce carbon emissions and save money. By using a modern wood burner you can lower your heating costs and save fuel oil by burning locally sourced well-seasoned firewood. Burning wood assists in promoting active forest management which benefit wildlife and the local communities. When selecting a wood-burning stove, think about its energy efficiency. Modern wood stoves ought to be able to reach more than 80% efficiency. This means that they burn more efficiently and produce less smoke. Look for a wood stove that has secondary glass, heat-retaining and advanced combustion systems such as catalytic or non-catalytic. It is important to keep a safe distance between your stove and any combustible object like curtains or furniture. It is also important to check the combustion technology used by the manufacturer to ensure it is safe and efficient. Some stoves can be fitted in existing fireplaces, whereas others are freestanding units that can be moved around as needed. Regardless of which type of stove you pick it is crucial to make sure it has the proper safety features, such as the shut-off valve and venting system that prevents gasses that ignite from entering the home. The Scan 83-2 from Danish brand Scan is modern and sleek wood burner that can be incorporated into any decor. Its minimalistic aesthetic and elegantly round shape and lack of unnecessary details create an elegant, yet simple appearance. This contemporary wood-burning stove comes with an aluminum handle and moldings, soft-close doors, and a curved panel that provide a clear view of the flames. It is available in gray or black, and is suitable for indoor or outdoor use. It is available in various sizes to fit different spaces and rooms, including large living spaces and modern patios. Cosy atmosphere Wood stove burning has a cozy atmosphere that can be much warmer than forced air heating. Besides the warmth from the fire itself, there is also radiant heat from the metal body of the stove that warms the room. In addition, the smell of burned wood is pleasing to most people. This atmosphere is a major reason why many prefer to use a wood stove instead of central heating. Wood heat requires a lot care to maintain proper combustion. Many newer wood stoves have automated control systems that monitor the flame and adjust the amount of air needed to prevent a poor combustion that produces smoke. The operator (that is you) has a big influence on the efficiency of the stove. Particularly you can hinder the combustion process by closing too much of the air vents. This will not only reduce the efficiency of the stove, but will also increase the emissions of volatile compounds. It is important to ensure that the air vents are as wide as they can be when you start a fire to ensure that the fire has enough oxygen. This will stop the buildup of tar and other residues that may form on the heat exchange surfaces. It is also recommended to use a stove ash shovel or Broom to clean the ashes after each fire to keep the grate and firebox clean. Add the wood slowly, and avoid closing the vents too quickly. This could create a vortex which will pull the unburned smoke and volatile compounds into the firebox. This will decrease the combustion efficiency and cause the fire to burn less wood, which will decrease the heat output of the stove. A blow pipe is a device to improve combustion by blowing air into the flame. However it is crucial to keep in mind that blow pipes could be dangerous if they are not used correctly. They can create fires that are difficult to control if used too close to flames. It is recommended to leave this type of equipment to experts or those who know what they're doing. Savings The burning and purchase of wood is an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. It is a renewable fuel and therefore is considered carbon neutral. Wood stoves are usually constructed with a back boiler that means that the waste gases can be used to heat the water in your home, further cutting down on energy costs. Modern stoves are more efficient in heating your home. They have high efficiency in combustion, and emit fewer emissions. They are also smaller and compact than fireplaces, meaning they can project more heat into the space, and less heat is lost through the chimney. Many manufacturers make use of the combination of modern design and clever engineering to make their stoves eco-friendly. This is accomplished by incorporating features like the firebox insulation, a massive baffle that creates a longer and more hot gas flow path as well as pre-heated combustion air and secondary combustion. This allows for higher temperatures and reduces harmful pollution. A top-quality wood stove will be SIA Ecodesign-compliant and has passed rigorous tests to ensure that they generate very little pollution. This is vital, since the EPA has set strict limits for how much pollution a wood burner can emit. The SIA Ecodesign scheme is a symbol of a stove which has been tested to meet these standards. If you have a good garden and can collect locally-grown wood that is untreated and sustainable A wood stove can help reduce your carbon footprint and save money on heating. Locally harvested wood supports local woodlands and encourages active land management. This will benefit wildlife. You can also build your own wood burning stove. This will save you money. This is possible due to the availability of offcuts and reclaimed timber, and a range of DIY kits are available to aid you in making it yourself. You can pick between catalytic or non-catalytic wood-burning stoves. The former is more affordable and more user-friendly and operate, whereas the latter is costlier but more effective in cutting emissions.