The Advantages of Wood Stove Burning
Wood stoves are an ideal source of heat for those who want to keep their homes warm and cozy. But, there are a few important things to keep in mind before you start an fire.
All wood stoves require a constant air flow to produce combustion and heat. This is controlled by adjustable dampers in the stove door and in the flue pipe leading to the chimney.
Warmth
Stoves are able to heat your home by convection, not central heating, which is pumped into ductwork to be distributed throughout the home. They also generate radiant heat. However it is usually warmer than convection heating since the warmth is absorbed into a solid surface instead of dissipating into the air. A wood stove produces radiant heat from burning wood. It can quickly warm up a room.
The type of wood and how it is seasoned may impact the performance of your stove. For example the harder woods like hazel, birch, and oak are slower to burn, but provide an extended and consistent heat. These kinds of woods are ideal for heating your home because they have a high energy density. Soft woods like spruce and fir have a lower energy density. This means they are more efficient in burning and produce more emissions.
A lot of modern wood burning stoves are fitted with turn dampers inside the indoor portion of the flue pipe that connects to the chimney. The dampers can be turned to control the amount of heat that is retained within your home by regulating the speed at which combustion gases leave your stove.
It is important to note that a wood stove requires more maintenance than other heating options. You will have to cut and split the firewood before you can burn it. You'll have to replenish the stove with fuel whenever it gets low and you will also have to remove the ash regularly. You will also have to ensure that the stove is able to draw enough air to ignite.
You might also need to take care of smoke pollution from your stove, depending on the zoning laws in your area and the way you maintain it. Many towns use zoning laws to regulate outdoor burning, and limit visible smoke from the stove as well as soot and odor. The Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is another organization that has regulations that control outdoor burning equipment and restrict opacity.
Aesthetics
A wood stove adds a distinct aesthetic to your home. The warm glow of the flames that lick dry logs brings a feeling of warmth and cosiness. They look stunning in any room and make a great addition to vintage or rustic decor. They are a great option for power outages since they provide radiant heating.
They can also be a great option to save money and reduce carbon emissions. Burning locally harvested and properly seasoned firewood in a contemporary wood stove can help you save money on heating oil. Burning wood helps to promote active management of forests which benefit wildlife and the local community.
When you are choosing a wood-burning stove, think about its energy efficiency. A modern wood stove is expected to achieve more than 80% efficiency, which means it burns more efficiently and produces less smoke. Choose a wood stove that has secondary, heat-retaining glass and advanced combustion systems, such as catalytic or non-catalytic. It is crucial to keep a safe distance between the stove and any combustible material, such as curtains or furniture.
Examine the combustion technology of the manufacturer to ensure it's safe and efficient. Some stoves are designed to be fitted into preexisting fireplaces while others are freestanding and may be moved when needed. No matter which kind of stove you choose it is crucial to ensure that it comes with the right safety features, such as the shut-off valve and venting system to prevent gas that can ignite from entering your home.
The Scan 83-2 wood stove from Danish brand Scan seamlessly blends into any décor. Its minimalist style, elegantly rounded silhouette, and a lack of unnecessary features create a minimalist yet sophisticated look. This modern wood burning stove has an aluminium handle, moldings, soft-close doors, and a curved wall to give you a clear view of the flames. It is available in black or gray, and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It comes in a variety sizes to suit various spaces and rooms, including large living areas and contemporary 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.
To ensure proper combustion, wood heat requires a deal of care. Many newer wood stoves have automatic control systems that monitor the flame and adjust the amount of air needed to ensure that the flame is not unable to burn completely and emits smoke. The operator (that is you) has a big impact on the performance of the stove. Particularly, you can reduce the combustion process by closing too much of the air vents. This will not only decrease the effectiveness of the stove, but also increase the emissions of volatile compounds.
When you start a fire, it's important to keep the air vents open as wide as possible to provide enough oxygen for the fire. This will help keep tar from accumulating and other residue that can build up on the heat exchange surfaces. To keep the grate spotless and the firebox free of ash it is recommended to use a stove ash broom or shovel to remove the ashes.
Add the wood slowly, and avoid closing the vents too rapidly. This could create an air-tight ring that pulls the unburned smoke and volatile compounds into the firebox. This will decrease the combustion efficiency and result in the fire burning less wood, which in turn will decrease the heat output of the stove.
A blow pipe is a device to help improve combustion by blowing air into the flame. It is important to remember that blow pipes are risky if not used correctly. When they are used too close to flames, they can cause fires that are difficult to control. It's best to leave this type of equipment to professionals or those who know what they're doing.
Savings
The burning and buying of wood is an alternative to fossil fuels. It is a renewable fuel and therefore is considered carbon neutral. Wood stoves are often built with a back boiler, which means that the gasses can be used to heat water in your home, thereby decreasing energy bills.
Modern stoves are more efficient when it comes to heating your home. They have a high combustion efficiency, and emit fewer emissions. They are also smaller, compact and more efficient than fireplaces. This means they are able to radiate more warmth into the room and less heat escapes through the chimney.
Many manufacturers combine advanced design and clever engineering to create eco-friendly stoves. This is achieved through the addition of features like the firebox insulation, a massive baffle to create a wider and hotter gas flow path, pre-heated combustion air, and secondary combustion. This allows the combustion to occur at higher temperatures, and helps reduce harmful pollutant emissions.
A high-quality wood stove is SIA ecodesign compliant and have passed strict tests to ensure they produce very low levels of pollution. This is crucial, as the EPA has set very strict limits on the amount of pollutants that a wood stove can produce. The SIA Ecodesign label is a symbol of a stove which meets these standards.
If you have a big enough garden and are able to collect sustainable, local and untreated logs, using a wood stove is an excellent method to reduce your carbon footprint as well as saving money on heating. Locally-sourced wood helps local woodlands, and encourages active land management.
