Choosing a Modern Wood Burner
Choosing the right wood stove is a matter of weighing factors like heating capacity, size of the stove, combustion technology and materials, as well as aesthetics, maintenance and safety features. A properly-chosen and installed modern wood burner will meet your heating needs, enhance the ambience of your home, and align with your environmental values.
Look for features that will help you maintain your stove, and also keep the glass crystal clear. Select a wood stove with a self-cleaning glass.
fireplacesandstoves and cleaning
It is essential to select the right wood burner that provides easy maintenance and cleaning. Look for stoves that have pans or trays that can be removed for ash that 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. Some modern wood burning stoves even come with self-cleaning glass doors making them an ideal option for those looking to cut down on the amount of maintenance and cleaning required.
The amount of time you'll need to clean your stove depends on the type of fuel you are using and the way it is burnt. For instance, if you burn hardwood the stove will require more frequent cleaning as the tar that is formed on the glass requires more frequent removal than those who burn lighter coals. To reduce the amount of tar that builds up on the glass of your stove you can try using a special glass cleaner. However, be sure to read the instructions carefully as too much cleaner could harm the glass.
Airwash systems are also available on many modern wood and multifuel stoves. They help to keep the glass windows clean. This system operates by blowing air from the top over the glass, which helps keep it clean and also prevents tar buildup.
For more frequent cleaning you should be checking the ashpan every time you cook and empty it if needed. Clean the ashpan every 4-6 week. If you are not sure when to empty your ashpan then ask your installer or manufacturer.
Energy efficiency
Modern wood burners are more efficient than gas or electric fires. They convert 70% of the organic material burned directly into heat. This is a huge advantage for those looking to reduce their heating expenses while being more self-sufficient and adopting renewable sources of fuel.
Manufacturers of stoves have responded to the demands of the market by introducing advanced technology that reduces particulate emission significantly. A majority of new fireplaces that burn wood have been certified to emit less than 2.0 grams of fine particles in full operation. This is a remarkable achievement, which would have been impossible just a few short years back.
Wood burning stoves can also be an alternative to heating that is carbon neutral when they are used in conjunction with wood logs that have been sourced responsibly. In their growth phase, trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When they burn for heating, they release an equal amount of CO2 back into the air. This is a virtuous circle that is more sustainable for the environment than fossil fuels such as gas which create 0.198kg of carbon for each Kilowatt of electricity or heat which produces a costly 0.517kg per kilowatt.
A wood-burning stove as a second source of heating can help to ease pressure on the national grid during peak consumption times. The use of a wood stove when combined with a condensing boiler, pellet boiler or air-source heat pumps is the ideal mix for a sustainable and cost-effective heating system for your home.
Durability
Wood burning stoves are a sustainable alternative for heating. As long as the wood used is obtained in a responsible manner and properly managed in a way that is carbon neutral. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and when they're burned the carbon is released back into the air, completing the cycle.
Modern wood stoves are made to last. The materials are of high quality and are resistant to the effects of warping and damage caused by excessive heat. They feature easy-to-clean burners that minimize the amount of smoke and soot produced by the stove. You can pick a wood stove with an ignition system that is automatic so that you don't need to manually light it each time.
In contrast to other forms of heat wood is comparatively cheap on a basis of bTU per. It's also less volatile than fossil fuels which means that heating costs will remain constant year after year.
If you're looking for a stove which has the best mix of performance, durability and visual appeal, look no further than this model from Mendip. The widescreen window allows for a great view of the flames and there is plenty of room below the firebox to store logs. 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 offers another attractive option for wood burning. This multi-fuel stove has a seasonal efficiency of 80% and is DEFRA approved. Its generous window gives stunning fire visuals and comes with an air wash system to keep the glass clear. It is available in traditional colors and modern colours. The model has an innovative catalytic combustor that can be used with coal, briquettes or logs.
Style
Modern wood burners can be found in various styles that can be suited to any space. They can be designed to fit into any room style and come in a wide selection of colors to complement your interior design. Many have decorative details and trims that add a touch of class. You can also pick one with an integrated log store, which can help keep your fireplace neat and tidy.
Modern log burners are built to a high standard and have a great reputation for reliability. The latest combustion technology enables them to burn wood efficiently and reduce emissions and make them an environmentally green alternative to traditional open fires. Modern stoves can reduce particulate matter (PM) and dioxins, up to 50%.
The most modern generation of wood burners burn creosote that is produced from burning wood fuel by using secondary combustion methods. This can be done either directly or by passing the wood through a catalytic converter which helps to clean the atmosphere in your home. It is important to note that certain stoves emit a small amount PM from the chimney.
The Go Eco by Stovax is an example of a very efficient modern wood burner that emits very little PM. The stove is 5kW and has a large window for portholes that is kept clean with an airwashing system. It produces a good amount of heat for medium-sized rooms. It is also DEFRA approved and Ecodesign certified. It is a great option for anyone who is looking to upgrade 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 be released into the air. These are referred to as particulate matter and they can impact our health and increase the risk of respiratory illnesses. Thankfully, modern wood stoves are engineered to reduce the emissions. Ecodesign stoves, for example designed to meet the strict European guidelines on particulate matter. They utilize a warmer fireplace to reignite combustion particles and reduce emissions. They also make use of fewer logs to generate the same heat as other stoves.
The best method to reduce the emissions from your home is to use wood fuels that are 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 is not seasoned because they can produce large amounts of toxic gasses and smoke.
It is also important to keep a fire burning at a moderate level until the ashes have been cooled and to regularly clear the ash from the stove in order to prevent the accumulation of. Other measures to ensure safety include closing the door when not working on the flame, avoiding touching the flue pipe or stove until it has completely cooled and always turning off the stove prior to leaving the house or going to bed.
It is also recommended to check your stove with an engineer each year to make sure it's working properly. This will reduce emissions of carbon monoxide, organic gaseous compound and particulate matter. It will also ensure the flue gas temperature stays at or above 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degC), which is critical for the safe operation of a wood stove.