The attractions of a wood-burning stove

Four reasons to install a wood-burning stove

The idea that a wood-burning stove is something of an expensive piece of furniture is a myth which was busted many years ago. The modern day wood-burning stove, while similar in look to counterparts of years gone by, is much more efficient, much more technologically advanced and altogether more productive. So, what are the attractions of a wood-burning stove?

Highly efficient

Those who hanker for their own wood-burning stove probably enjoy the deep seated heat which is created by a traditional coal fire. This is very relaxing and creates a heat which is very different to that of a central heating system. The problem is that a coal fire is anywhere between 20% and 30% efficient which means up to 80% of fuel burned is not enjoyed by the household. The vast majority of heat created by a coal fire simply escapes up the chimney.

Franco Belge Seba wood burning stove

Compare and contrast this to a modern day wood-burning stove where efficiency ratings can top 80%. This means that in theory just 20% of the fuel that you burn does not find its way into your home in the form of heat. This is a significant improvement on wood-burning stoves of a decade ago but even then efficiency ratings of in excess of 60% were commonplace. So, the efficiency of a modern day wood-burning stove should never be underestimated especially when comparing to more traditional heat sources.

Eco-friendly

It is all good and well suggesting a system is eco-friendly but it also needs to be cost-effective for the end user. While some people may decide to invest their own money in saving the environment and using eco-friendly systems which perhaps do not pay for themselves, this is not a problem with wood-burning stoves. The UK tax system is structured in such a way as to encourage the use of eco-friendly fuels such as wood. There is also the fact that research has proven that even in a worst-case scenario a tree will digest as much CO2 during its lifetime as it will release when burned. The reality is that significantly less CO2 is released when burned compared to the amount ingested.

Only use dry wood
Only use dry wood

So, we have at worst a CO2 neutral fuel and then we have the ability to literally replace old trees with new saplings. This ensures there is an endless supply of trees and wood fuel for the future with a tree ingesting CO2 during its lifetime and therefore helping the environment. The modern day wood-burning stove also has what are known as secondary and tertiary burn systems which actually re-burn the gas created in the initial burning process. This ensures that the final emissions which escape up the flue pipe contain minimal CO2.

Creating an ambience

Whether you are looking for a modern day wood-burning stove or perhaps a contemporary design there is no doubt these products are conversation starters. The breadth of size, shape, colour and overall design ensures that there will be a model for whatever type of decor and whatever colour scheme you have in your property. This is before we even switch on the wood-burning stove!

Four reasons to install a wood-burning stove
Four reasons to install a wood-burning stove

Those who have enjoyed the delights of a wood-burning stove will be well aware that they create a deep seated heat which is difficult to replicate with modern day heating systems. The fact that the machine will radiate heat many hours after it has burnt out ensures it is also highly efficient and able to maintain a steady temperature in your home. There is nothing better than kicking off your shoes, laying back and enjoying the ambience created by a wood-burning stove. As many modern stoves come with their own remote control, you might not even need to get up off your seat!

Conclusion

The reality is that the modern day wood-burning stove is very different to that of a decade ago and much more highly efficient. Many people will be unaware of the fact that coal fires are between 20% and 30% efficient against in excess of 80% for some modern day wood-burning stoves. This ensures that less fuel is wasted which in itself has a benefit for the environment not to mention the CO2 neutral fuel which is wood. There are machines to take in budgets of just a few hundred pounds to those willing to move towards the top end and spend thousands of pounds. There are designs for every occasion, shapes for every type of room and thankfully the myth that stoves are simply expensive pieces of furniture was busted many years ago.