Wood stoves are beautiful and efficient method of heating your home. When buying a new stove there are a few aspects to take into consideration. Included are EPA-certified energy efficiency and cost, as well the maintenance requirements.
Be cautious not to get "number bound" and make your decision based solely on a certain rating or BTU output. You should also consider aesthetics, suggestions from a trusted dealer and customer feedback.
Cost
Wood stoves are a chic and elegant look to any house. They are available in a range of styles and colors that will match any decor. These stoves are also energy efficient and economical, providing an alternative to expensive heating systems. However there are a few things to take into consideration when purchasing a new wood stove. These include the initial cost of installation, as well as additional items such as chimney liner.
The price of a wood stove depends on the type and size you pick. You may be able to locate an open-air wood burner for less than PS700. The stove features a huge viewing window which is kept clean by the power of airwashing. It also has multi-fuel capabilities, meaning you can burn a variety of fuels.
Noncatalytic woodstoves are less expensive than catalytic models but are more difficult to ignite. They also require more fuel to generate the same heat. They release a higher amount of particulate matter than catalytic models. Despite these disadvantages, the noncatalytic model is an affordable option for a lot of people.
Pellet stoves are a popular alternative to traditional wood burning stoves. They're similar to wood stoves however, they are made of smaller pellets made of recycled materials or wood. They are easier to maintain, but don't generate as much heat.
If you're considering pellet or wood stoves you'll have to consider the cost of installing an air venting system. small wood burning stoves for wood require an outside combustion-air intake and others require a venting system that connects with chimney. You may need to have your wood stove approved by local building inspectors depending on the location you live in and the building codes that apply in your region.
Installing a wood stove inside an existing fireplace will cost less. You'll need to install a chimney liner and you may need to hire someone to maintain the chimney on a regular basis. A freestanding wood stove will not provide all the heat needed in a multi-story home, so you'll need to install radiators to supplement.
Energy Efficiency
As the price of gas and electricity continues to rise many homeowners are searching for alternatives to heating their homes. Wood stoves can be an affordable sustainable alternative to traditional heating systems. They also burn cleaner, reducing the amount of air pollution.
Modern wood-burning stoves are extremely efficient in energy use, which means they generate more heat in your home with less fuel. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that they feature smaller combustion chambers compared to older models. They also utilize a catalytic combustor that helps to burn fuel more efficiently. They also produce less harmful emissions, which can be important when you live in an area where stricter air quality standards are required.
Another way that log burners are more environmentally friendly than traditional open flames is that they let you limit the amount of air supplied to the fire, so that it burns at lower temperatures for a longer period of time. This can help reduce the amount of smoke generated by the fire, and will also reduce the accumulation of flammable creosote inside your chimney.
By burning a variety of kinds of wood, such as reclaimed or scrap wood, you can create a more balanced and balanced fuel mixture that decreases the amount of waste gas generated by the burning. You can also burn unwanted wood that was discarded in construction projects. By doing this you will save on the cost of purchasing firewood, and also help save our forests.
As a renewable resource, wood is a carbon-neutral fuel source. The trees absorb carbon dioxide throughout their growth and release it when they burn, creating a sustainable cycle of life. In addition, by sourcing local wood, you will help the local economy while reducing your carbon footprint.
Another benefit of using a wood-burning stove is that it can provide a back-up source of warmth in the event of power failure. If you can store enough logs that you can to keep your home warm for a number of days. You can also make use of your stove to heat water or cook food.
Environmental Impact
Burning a wood stove may result in negative effects on the environment and your health, depending on how it's executed and the type of wood you use. The combustion of wood releases harmful gases such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide, as well as fine particles known as PM (particulate material). PM (particulate matter) is a mix of harmful substances like black carbon, soot, and tar. These pollutants have been linked to a range of health issues such as respiratory and heart diseases.
The emissions released by wood-burning stoves contribute to global warming, which adversely affects the environment and the health of people. Additionally burning wood can trigger the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are a significant source of VOCs in the indoor air. VOCs are a type of pollutant that has been linked to several health issues, such as eye irritation and headaches.
VOCs can damage the lungs, respiratory system and circulatory systems. They can also cause various environmental issues such as soil erosion, loss of biodiversity and water quality. In some areas where the concentrations of VOCs in wood smoke may surpass federally-enforceable standards.
According to a report by Undark five states have offered incentives to replace older wood-burning models EPA certified models. However, many of these stoves are only marginally better than older models. They are also expensive and require electricity to run fans, controls, and pellet feeders.
Consequently, some environmental agencies have begun to eliminate incentives to encourage new wood stoves in favor of encouraging people to switch over to other sources of heat. 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 efficient in energy use than other heating methods such as gas or electric furnaces. They generate a higher amount of heat using less wood than their gas or electric counterparts. They are therefore an environmentally friendly and economical choice for home heating. However, they should be maintained and inspected regularly to cut down on the amount of fuel required and increase efficiency. By removing the hoppers and feed system at the end of the season you can prevent rust from forming and ensure that the stove is ready to start in the autumn. Regular cleaning of the stove's chimney vent will also prevent flammable buildup.
Safety
Wood-burning stoves are a great alternative to heat, however they can also be dangerous for your family's safety. 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 that your stove is properly installed and vented. A certified professional should put in the chimney, flue pipe and connectors. Make sure the chimney is a minimum of three feet above everything that could ignite, such as overhanging trees and adjacent structures. Install CO and smoke detectors in every bedroom and on every level of the house. Connect them all together so that they sound in the event that one is activated. Replace the batteries and test your alarms on a regular basis. Keep combustible materials, such as plastics, paper and garbage, from the stove, and do not burn them in it or near it.
Never leave a wood burning stove unattended. This is especially true during the night. If you are using a wood-burning appliance in an area where you sleep, turn off the heating and open the windows prior to going to bed. This will stop the smoke from entering your home and cause CO poisoning.
If you're going to use a wood-burning stove you should consider installing an air-cleaning system. These systems are designed to remove and neutralize volatile organic compounds in the exhaust stream before it leaves the fireplace. It is also important to keep your stove clean, and keep the grate and draft louvers free of ash and other debris.
Wood smoke is harmful for everyone, but especially dangerous to older adults and children with weak lung function. It can also trigger respiratory infections and asthma. If you can, avoid using wood-burning stoves on days with high pollution levels. The EPA and states offer daily reports of air quality.
Certain new wood stoves are more efficient than old models, but they release large amounts of pollution into the atmosphere. To minimize your exposure to harmful substances select a stove that has been certified by the EPA as being over 72 percent efficient. Burn only dry, seasoned wood. This kind of wood generates more heat and less toxins than fresh, green wood.
