Choosing a Modern Wood Burner
When choosing the right wood stove, you should be aware of factors such as size and capacity for heating as well as the technology of combustion aesthetics, maintenance and safety features. A well-selected and properly installed modern wood stove will meet your heating requirements, improve the ambiance of your home, and also align with your environmental values.
Find features that aid in maintaining your stove, and keep the glass clear. Select conservatory wood burner with a self-cleaning glass.
Easy maintenance and cleaning
When selecting a wood burner, it is important to think about the ease of cleaning and maintenance that the stove provides. Look for stoves that have ash pans or trays that make it simple to clean the ash residue. You should also search for stoves with simple access mechanisms to clean the chimney and flue. Modern wood burning stoves are even equipped with self-cleaning glass doors making them an ideal option for those looking to reduce the amount of maintenance and cleaning required.
The frequency with which you need to clean your stove will be contingent on the fuel you're using and the efficiency with which it is burned. If you use hardwoods, you will have to clean your stove more often because the tar on the glass must be removed more frequently than if burning softer coals. To lessen the amount of tar that accumulates on the glass of your stove, you can try using a special glass cleaner, but ensure that you go through the instructions carefully, as too much cleaner could damage the glass.
Airwash systems are also available on a variety of modern multifuel and wooden stoves. They help to keep the glass windows clear. This works by passing air over the glass from above, which stops the build up of the tar and helps to see the flames inside the stove.
You should empty the ashpan when necessary. It is recommended that you empty the ashpan at least once every 4 to 6 weeks. If you're not sure what frequency to empty your ashpan then ask your installer or manufacturer.
Energy efficiency
When compared with electric and gas-fired stoves, modern wood burners are extremely energy efficient and convert 70% of the organic material directly into heat. This is an advantage for anyone who wants to cut down on heating costs while being more self-sufficient.
Stove manufacturers have responded to consumer demand with advanced technology that dramatically reduces particulate emissions. A majority of new fireplaces that burn wood are certified to emit less than 2.0 grams of fine particles when they are in full operation. This is an amazing accomplishment that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.
Additionally, wood burning stoves are a carbon-neutral form of heating when using responsibly harvested wood logs. In their growth phase trees take carbon dioxide out and when they are used to heat they release the same amount of CO2 into the atmosphere. This is a positive cycle that is more beneficial for the planet than fossil fuels such as gas, which produce 0.198kg of CO2 for each Kilowatt, and electricity, which produces the cost of 0.517kg per Kilowatt.
Having a wood burning stove as your secondary source of heating can help to ease pressure on the grid during peak nighttime consumption times. The use of a wood burner when combined with a condensing boiler pellet boiler or air-source heat pumps is the ideal mix for a green and affordable heating system for your home.
Durability
Wood burning stoves are a green alternative for heating. If the wood used for heating is harvested in a responsible manner and managed, it's carbon neutral. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, and when they're burnt, the carbon is released back into the atmosphere, completing the cycle.
Modern wood stoves are designed to last. They're constructed of high-end materials that resist warping and damage from high temperatures. They feature easy-to-clean burners which reduce the amount of smoke and soot produced by the stove. You can even opt for wood burners that have an auto-ignition feature that means you don't need to manually light the fire each time you use it.
As opposed to other forms of heating wood is comparatively affordable on a per-bTU basis. It is also less volatile than fossil-fuels, so heating costs will remain consistent year after year.
This Mendip model is the perfect option if you're looking for an appliance that has the perfect blend of durability and efficiency, and also visual appeal. The large-screen window gives you stunning views of the flame and plenty of space for logs beneath the firebox. It's also DEFRA approved, has been tested to meet Ecodesign standards and has clearSkies level five qualifications.
The Holborn 7 from British manufacturer Esse is a different, impressive choice for wood burning. This multi-fuel stove has an efficiency of 80 percent and is DEFRA approved. The large window provides stunning fire visuals and comes with an air wash system that keeps the glass in good condition. Suitable for smoke control areas and is available in traditional and contemporary colors. The model has an innovative catalytic combustor which can be used with briquettes, coal, or logs.
Style
Modern wood burners are available in a range of styles that can be suited to any home. They can be built in any style, and come in a variety of colors to complement the interior design of your home. Many of them have decorative trims and details that enhance their appeal. You can also pick a stove that has an integrated log store which will help keep your fireplace clean and tidy.
Modern log burners are built to a high standard and have a good reputation for reliability. Modern technology for combustion allows them to burn wood efficiently and reduce emissions and make them an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional open fires. Modern stoves are able to reduce particulate matter (PM) as well as dioxins, up to 50 percent.
The most recent generation of wood burners burn creosote that is produced by burning wood fuel through the secondary combustion method. This can be done directly or by the passage of wood through a catalyst converter. This helps to clean your home's air. It is important to remember that certain stoves emit a tiny amount of PM from the chimney.
The Go Eco by Stovax is an example of a very efficient modern wood stove that produces very low PM. This 5kW multifuel stove has a large porthole window that is kept clean with an airwashing system. It generates a substantial amount of heat for rooms with medium size. It is also DEFRA approved and Ecodesign compatible. This means it is an excellent choice for those who wants to upgrade their current fireplace or to add an additional heating source.
Safety
A wood stove is a great source of heat, but it can also trigger harmful particles to release into the air. These are known as particulate matter and can have a negative impact on our health and increase the risk of developing respiratory illnesses. Modern wood stoves are specifically designed to reduce these emissions. Ecodesign stoves, for example, are engineered to meet strict European directives on particulate matter. They utilize a more hot firebox to ignite the combustion particles and reduce emissions before they leave the chimney. This means that they require less logs to generate the same amount of heat as other stoves.
The most effective way to reduce emissions is to burn wood fuel that has been certified by the Woodsure Ready to Burn Scheme and only dry wood that has been been seasoned for at least two weeks. Avoid using briquettes or wood that has not been seasoned because they can create excessive levels of toxic gasses and smoke.
To avoid the build-up of ash, it's important to keep the fire burning low until the ashes are removed. Other precautions include closing the door when you are not tending to the fire, never touching the flue pipe or stove unless it is completely cool, and always putting out the fire before leaving home or going to sleep.
It is also recommended to have your stove checked by an engineer annually to ensure it's functioning properly. This will help to minimise particulate matter organic gaseous compound and carbon monoxide emissions. It will also ensure that the flue gas temperature remains above 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degC) which is essential to ensure the safety of wood stoves.