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 burner will suit your heating requirements, improve the ambiance of your home, and align with your environmental values.
Look for features that will aid in maintaining your stove and keep the glass clean. For example, select an electric stove that has a self-cleaning glass.
Easy maintenance and cleaning
When selecting your wood stove, it is important to consider the ease of cleaning and maintenance the stove offers. Look for stoves that have removable ash trays or pans that make it easier to clean the ash residue. Also, you should look for stoves that have access mechanisms that make it easy to clean the chimney and flue. Modern wood-burning fireplaces are equipped with doors that automatically clean. This makes them a perfect choice for those looking to cut down on the amount of work required to clean and maintain.
The frequency with which you need to clean your stove will depend on the fuel you're using and how well it is burned. If you use hardwoods, you'll need to clean your stove more frequently because the tar that covers the glass needs to be removed more frequently than if burning lighter coals. You can use a special glass cleaner to lessen the amount of tar on your stove's window. But be sure to follow the directions since too much cleaner can cause damage to the glass.
Many modern multifuel and woodburning stoves also feature an airwash system that helps keep the windows clean. The system works by circulating air over the glass from above, which stops the accumulation of tar and allows to see the flames within the stove.
For more regular cleaning it is recommended to check the ashpan each when you use your stove and empty it as needed. You should aim to empty the ashpan every each 4 to 6 weeks. If you're unsure how often to empty your ashpan then ask your installer or manufacturer.
Energy efficiency
When compared with gas and electric fires, modern wood burners are extremely energy efficient, converting 70% of the burning organic material directly to heat. This is an advantage for anyone who wants to cut down on heating costs while remaining self-sufficient.
Stove manufacturers have responded to consumer demand by introducing cutting-edge technology that drastically reduces the emissions of particulate matter. Many new log-burning fireplaces are certified to emit fewer than 2.0 grams of fine particles when in full operation. This is a stunning achievement that would have been unthinkable just a few short years ago.
Wood burning stoves can be an alternative to heating that is carbon neutral when used with wood logs that are sourced responsibly. In their growth phase trees take carbon dioxide out and when they are used to generate heat and electricity, they release the same amount of CO2 into the air. This is a circle that is more sustainable for the environment than fossil fuels like gas which create 0.198kg of carbon per Kilowatt of electricity and heat that generates a cost of 0.517kg per kilowatt.
A wood-burning stove can aid in reducing the pressure on the national grid in the evenings when it is at its peak. more.. of a wood stove together with a condensing boiler pellet boiler or air-source heat pump provides the perfect combination for a green and affordable heating system for your home.
Durability
Wood burning stoves are a green alternative to heating. So long as the wood used is obtained in a responsible manner and properly managed, it's carbon neutral. When trees are burned, they release carbon dioxide back into the air.
Modern wood stoves are built to last for a long time. The materials are of high quality and resist warping and damage resulting from excessive heat. They also have easy-to-clean combustion systems that can reduce the amount of soot and smoke generated by the stove. You can even opt for a wood stove with an auto-ignition system that means you don't need to manually light the fire every time you use it.
In contrast to other forms of heat, wood is relatively inexpensive on a per-bTU basis. It's also less volatile than fossil-fuels and heating costs will be consistent year after year.
If you're looking for a stove that has the best mix of efficiency, durability and visual appeal, look no further than this model from Mendip. The large-screen window gives a great view of the flames and there is plenty of space beneath the firebox to store logs. It's also DEFRA-approved, meets Ecodesign standards and has level five clearSkies credentials.
The Holborn 7 by British manufacturer Esse provides a different attractive option for wood burning. This slim multi-fuel stove is DEFRA-approved and has a good seasonal efficiency of 80%. The large window gives you an excellent view of the flame and is equipped with an air-wash system that keeps it clean. It is suitable for areas with smoke control, it's available in both traditional and contemporary colors. The model also has an innovative catalytic combustor that is suitable for use with logs, briquettes or coal.
Style
Modern wood burners are available in a range of styles that will fit into any home. They can be designed to suit any style of room and are available in a broad selection of colors to complement your interior design. Many have ornamental details and trims that enhance their appeal. You can also pick one with an integrated log store which will help keep your fireplace clean and neat.
All modern log burners are manufactured to an extremely high standard and have an excellent reputation for reliability. Modern combustion technology permits them to efficiently burn wood while reducing emissions, making them a greener alternative than traditional open fires. Modern stoves can reduce the amount of particulate matter (PM) emitted by up to 50% and some are capable of reducing the emission of dioxins and furans.
The latest generation wood burners burn creosote produced by burning wood fuel through secondary combustion methods. This is done either directly or by passing the wood through a catalytic converter which helps clean the atmosphere in your home. It is important to keep in mind that certain stoves emit a tiny amount PM from the chimney.
The Go Eco by Stovax, a modern wood burner with high efficiency and low PM production is a great example. This 5kW multi-fuel stove features an enormous porthole-like window that is kept clean by an airwash system. It has a good heat output for medium-sized rooms. It is also DEFRA-approved and Ecodesign compliant. This means it's a great option for anyone who wants to upgrade their current fireplace or add an extra heating source.
Safety
A wood stove can be a fantastic source of heat, but it also causes harmful particles to release into the air. These are known as particulate matter, and they can affect our health and increase the risk of respiratory illnesses. Modern wood stoves are specifically designed to reduce these emissions. Ecodesign stoves, for instance, are engineered to meet the strict European directives regarding particulate matter. They utilize a warmer fireplace to ignite combustion particles and reduce emissions. They also make use of fewer logs to generate the same amount of heat as other stoves.
The most effective way to cut down on these emissions is to use wood fuel certified by the Woodsure Ready to Burn scheme and only burn dry wood that has been seasoned for a minimum of two weeks. Avoid using briquettes or wood that is not seasoned because they can produce high levels toxic fumes and smoke.
It is also essential to keep the fire burning at a moderate level until the ashes have cooled and then to remove the ash from the stove to prevent build-up. Other measures to protect yourself include keeping the door closed when you're not working on the fire, never touching the flue pipe or stove unless it is completely cool, and always turning off the stove prior to leaving the house or going to bed.
It's also a good idea to have your stove inspected by an engineer at minimum every year to ensure that it is operating correctly. This will help to minimise particulate matter, organic gaseous compounds and carbon monoxide emissions. It will also ensure that the flue gas temperature is maintained at or at or above 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degC) which is essential for the safe operation of wood stoves.