Wood stoves can be elegant and efficient way to heat your home. However, there are several aspects to take into consideration when buying an appliance. These include the energy efficiency of the stove that is EPA-certified, cost and maintenance requirements.
Avoid becoming "number-bound" and basing your decision on a particular rating or BTU output. You should also take into consideration aesthetics, recommendations from a reliable dealer, and customer feedback.
Cost
Portable Wood Burning Stove Indoor stoves are a chic and elegant accent to any house. They are available in a range of styles and colors that will complement any style. These stoves are also energy efficient and economical they can be a great alternative to expensive heating systems. However, there are a few aspects to consider when buying a new wood stove. These include the initial cost as well as the installation cost, and extras like chimney liners.
The cost of the stove is determined by the type and size you choose. There are freestanding stove for less than PS700. This stove comes with a large viewing window, that is kept clean by an airwash system that is extremely effective. It is multi-fuel, which means you can burn different fuels.
Noncatalytic wood stoves are more expensive than catalytic ones, however they aren't easy to ignite and require more fuel to produce the same amount of heat. They can also release more particulate matter into air than catalytic stoves. Despite these drawbacks however, the noncatalytic model is an affordable option for many consumers.
Pellet stoves are another popular alternative to wood burning stoves. They are like wood stoves, however they use smaller pellets made of recycled materials or wood. They are easier to maintain, but don't produce as much heat.
You'll need to consider the expense of installing an exhaust system when you choose a pellet or wood stove. The majority of wood stoves require venting systems that connect to a chimney, whereas some require an intake for combustion air outside. You may need to have your wood stove inspected by your local building inspectors, based on the location you live in and the building codes that apply in your area.
If you're installing a wood stove inside an existing fireplace, you'll be able to spend less on installation. However, you'll still need to have a chimney liner installed and might need to employ a professional to clean the chimney periodically. A freestanding wood stove isn't able to warm all the rooms in a multi-story house which is why you'll need to install radiators to complement.
Energy Efficiency
As the cost of gas and electricity continues to rise many homeowners are searching for alternative methods of heating their homes. Wood stoves can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional heating systems. They also burn cleaner, which reduces the amount of air pollution.
Modern small wood burner stoves burning stoves have the highest energy efficiency, which means they generate more heating for your home with less fuel. This is due to a number of factors, such as the fact that they have smaller combustion chambers compared to older models. They also have an acatalytic combustor which allows them to burn fuel more efficiently. They also emit less harmful pollutants, which can be important if you are living in an zone where stricter air quality standards are required.
Log burners are also more eco-friendly since they let you limit the quantity of air delivered to your fire. This allows it to burn at a lower temperature for a longer time. This can help reduce the amount of smoke generated by the fire and also reduce the accumulation of flammable creosote in your chimney.
Burning a variety different types of wood, such as scrap and reclaimed wood will create a better fuel mix, which will lower the amount of waste gases produced by the burning. It is also possible to burn unwanted wood that was discarded during building projects. You can save money on wood by doing this.
As a renewable resource, wood is a carbon-neutral fuel source. The trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow and release it upon burning, thereby creating an endless cycle of life. In addition, by purchasing local wood, you help the local economy and decrease your carbon footprint.
A fireplace with wood burning can be utilized as a backup source of heat in the event that there is a power loss. If you are able to store enough logs, you will be able to keep your home warm for several days. You can also make use of your stove to heat water and cook food.
Environmental Impact
Based on the type of wood used and the efficiency with which it is burned, using a wood stove could result in negative health and environmental consequences. The burning of wood releases dangerous gases, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides along with fine particulates, referred to as PM (particulate matter). PM (particulate matter) is a mix of harmful substances, such as black carbon, soot, and tar. These pollutants have been linked to a variety of health issues, including heart disease and respiratory problems.
The emissions of wood burning stoves are harmful to the environment and health. Additionally burning wood can trigger the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are a major source of VOCs in the indoor air. VOCs are a type of pollutant that has been linked to several health issues, including eye irritation and headaches.
VOCs are produced by incomplete combustion of cheap wood burners. They can damage the respiratory tract, lungs and circulatory system. They can also cause a number of environmental problems such as soil erosion and loss of biodiversity as well as water quality. In some areas the concentrations of VOCs found in wood smoke may be higher than federally enforced standards.
According to a report published by Undark five states have provided incentives to replace old wood-burning stoves with EPA-certified models. However, many of these stoves are only marginally better than the older models. They're also costly and require electricity to power the controls, fans and pellet feeders.
As a result, certain environmental agencies are beginning to eliminate incentives that promote new wood stoves and instead concentrate on enticing people to switch to alternative heating sources. The State of Oregon for example requires homeowners to take down wood-burning appliances that are not certified and also encourages them to switch to heat pump.
Wood stoves are more energy efficient compared to other heating methods like electric or gas furnaces. They produce a higher quantity of heat, using less wood than their gas or electric counterparts. They are therefore more sustainable and a cheaper option for heating your home. They must be regularly inspected and maintained to cut down on fuel usage and improve efficiency. For instance, taking out unused feed systems and hoppers at the end of the season will reduce the risk of rust and ensure that your stove is ready to start again in the fall. Regular cleaning of the chimney vent of the stove can also stop the buildup of flammable materials.
Safety
Wood-burning stoves are a warm and cozy option for heating, but they also present fire hazards that can threaten your family's health. Smoke inhalation can be a cause of fire as well as carbon monoxide poisoning and other serious problems. You can safeguard your family and home by taking the appropriate safety precautions.
Make sure your stove is vented and installed correctly. A qualified professional should install the chimney, flue pipe and connectors. Make sure that the chimney is at least three feet higher than anything that could spark, including overhanging trees as well as adjacent structures. Install smoke and CO detectors outside every bedroom and on every level of the home. Connect them all so that they sound in the event that one is activated. Make sure to check your alarms frequently and replace batteries. Keep combustibles, like garbage, paper plastics, plastics, and other materials away from your stove and don't ignite them in the vicinity of it.
Never leave a stove that is burning wood unattended, especially overnight. If your stove is in a room that contains sleeping areas, turn off the heat from the wood-burning stove and open the windows before you go to bed. This will stop smoke from the wood stove from entering the room and cause CO poisoning.
Install an air-cleaning device if you are planning to use a wood stove. These systems neutralize and capture volatile organic compounds in the exhaust air stream before it leaves the fireplace. You should also keep your stove clean, and keep the grate and draft louvers clear of debris and ash.
Wood smoke can be dangerous to anyone, but it is particularly harmful to children and adults with weakened lungs. It can also trigger respiratory illnesses and asthma. Avoid using the wood stove on days when pollution levels are high. The EPA and the individual states provide daily reports of air quality.
Certain new wood stoves are more efficient than the old ones, but they still release large quantities of pollution into the air. To minimize your exposure to harmful substances make sure you choose a stove that is EPA-certified as over 72 percent efficient. Also, only burn dry or seasoned wood. This kind of wood produces more heat and fewer toxic substances than fresh green wood.