What's The Most Common Wood Burning Stoves Debate Actually Isn't As Black Or White As You Might Think
Wood Burning Stoves Near Me
Wood stoves are a beautiful, efficient way to heat your home. When buying a new stove, there are a few aspects to think about. They include EPA-certified energy efficiency, price and maintenance requirements.
Avoid becoming "number-bound" and based your decision on a specific rating or BTU output. You should also take into consideration aesthetics, suggestions from a trusted dealer and customer feedback.
Cost
Wood stoves can bring an elegant, stylish flair to any house. They are available in a broad variety of styles and colors to complement any decor. These stoves offer an alternative to expensive heating systems. They are also energy-efficient and cost-effective. There are several factors to consider prior to purchasing a new wood burning stove. These include the initial cost, installation costs, and additional items such as chimney liner.
The cost of a stove is determined by the model and size you pick. You might be able to locate an open-air wood burner priced under PS700. This stove has large viewing windows, which is kept clean by an airwash system that is powerful. It is also multi-fuel which means you can burn various fuels.
Noncatalytic woodstoves are less expensive than catalytic ones, but they are more difficult to ignite. They also require more fuel to generate the same heat. They also release more of particulate matter than catalytic models. Despite these disadvantages the noncatalytic stove is a good option for many users.
Pellet stoves are another well-known alternative to traditional wood burning stoves. They are like wood stoves, but they use smaller pellets made of recycled materials or wood. They are more manageable to maintain, but don't produce as much heat.
Whether you're choosing pellet or wood stoves you'll need to consider the cost of installing an air venting system. Some wood stoves require an outside combustion air intake as well as an exhaust system that connects with chimney. Based on the location you live in and the building codes in your area, you may have to get your stove inspected by the local building inspector.
Installing a wood stove into an existing fireplace will cost less. You'll need to install a chimney liner and you might need to employ someone to clean the chimney regularly. A freestanding wood stove isn't able to provide all the heat needed in a multi-story home and you'll have to install radiators to complement.
Energy Efficiency
Many homeowners are seeking alternatives to traditional heating systems, as the cost of electricity and natural gas continues to increase. Wood stoves are among the most popular alternatives to traditional heating systems due to the fact that they provide a low-cost and sustainable source of heat. They also burn cleaner, which reduces the amount of air pollution.
Modern wood burning stoves feature a high level of energy efficiency, which means they generate more heat for your home by using less fuel. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that they feature smaller combustion chambers than previous models. They also utilize a catalytic combustor that helps to burn fuel more efficiently. They also produce less harmful emissions, which is essential when you live in an area that has to comply with the stricter standards for air quality.
Another reason log burners are more environmentally friendly than traditional open fires is that they allow you to regulate the amount of air fed to the fire so that it burns at a lower temperature for longer. This can reduce the amount of smoke produced by the fire and stop the formation of flammable creosote within your chimney.
Burning a variety different types of wood, including scrap and reclaimed wood will produce a more effective fuel mixture, which will reduce the amount of waste gases produced by the fire. You can also burn unwanted wood that was used up during building projects. This way you will save on the cost of buying firewood and help save our forests.
As a renewable resource wood is a carbon neutral fuel source. Trees absorb carbon dioxide throughout their growth and release it when they burn to create an environmentally sustainable cycle of life. By using local wood sources, you will also help the local economy while reducing your carbon footprint.
Another benefit of a wood-burning stove is that it can provide a back-up source of heat in the event of power failure. If you are able to store enough logs, you will be able to keep your home warm for a number of days. You can also use your stove to heat water and cook food.
Environmental Impact
Burning a wood stove may result in negative effects on the environment and your health, based on how well it's done and what kind of wood you use. The burning of wood releases harmful gases, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, as well as fine particulates, referred to as PM (particulate matter). The PM in smoke is composed of a variety of harmful substances that include black carbon, tar, and soot. These pollutants have been linked to a range of health issues, including heart disease and respiratory problems.
The emissions of wood burning stoves are detrimental to the environment and health. Burning wood can also release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are one of the major sources of VOCs in indoor environments. VOCs, a kind of pollutant have been linked to a variety of health problems including headaches and irritation to the eyes.
VOCs are formed by incomplete combustion of wood and can cause damage to the lungs, respiratory tract, and circulatory system. They can also trigger numerous environmental problems such as erosion of soil and biodiversity loss, as well as water quality. In some areas the concentrations of VOCs found in wood smoke may exceed the federally-imposed standards.
According to a report from Undark, five state have provided incentives to replace older wood-burning appliances with EPA certified models. Nevertheless, many of these appliances offer only slight improvements over the previous models. Moreover, they are expensive and require electricity to operate controls, fans, and pellet feeders.
Therefore, some environmental agencies have begun to abandon incentives to promote new wood stoves, in favor of encouraging people to switch to alternative sources of heating. The State of Oregon, for example requires homeowners to take down uncertified wood-burning stoves and encourages them to heat pumps.
Wood stoves are more efficient in energy use than other heating methods, such as electric or gas furnaces. They produce a higher amount of heat using less wood than their gas or electric counterparts. They are therefore a more sustainable and affordable option for heating homes. However, they should be regularly inspected and maintained to cut down on the amount of fuel required and increase the efficiency. For instance, removing unused hoppers and feed systems at the end of the season can 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 an excellent alternative to heat, however they can be risky for the safety of your family. Fires can cause smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning and other serious problems. You can protect your home and family by taking the proper safety precautions.
Make sure your stove is correctly installed and vented. A certified professional should put in the chimney as well as flue pipe and connectors. Make sure that the chimney is a minimum of three feet above everything that could spark, including overhanging trees and adjacent structures. Install carbon monoxide and smoke (CO) detectors in every bedroom and on each level of the house, and interconnect them so they all sound when one alarm goes off. Replace batteries and check your alarms on a regular basis. Keep combustibles, like paper, garbage plastics, plastics and so on away from your stove, and don't ignite them in the vicinity of it.
Do not leave a wood-burning stove unattended, especially overnight. If your stove is located in a room with sleeping areas, close off the heat from the wood-burning stove and open the windows before you go to sleep. This will stop the smoke from entering your bedroom and cause CO poisoning.
If you're going to make use of a wood-burning fireplace you should consider installing an air-cleaning system. These systems work to capture and neutralize volatile organic compounds in the exhaust stream before it exits the fireplace. Keep your stove clean and keep the grate, draft louvers and draft hoods free of ash.
Wood smoke is harmful for everyone but is especially harmful to older adults and children who suffer from weak lung capacity. It can also trigger respiratory illnesses and asthma. If you can, stay away from a wood-burning stove on days with high pollution levels. The EPA and states offer daily reports on air quality.
Some new wood stoves are more efficient than old ones, but they still emit large amounts of pollutants into the air. To reduce your exposure to harmful substances, choose a model that is EPA-certified to be more than 72 percent efficient. Also, only burn contemporary wood stove or seasoned wood. This kind of wood has less toxins and produces more heat than green, fresh wood.