Log Burning Stoves

[securespark]

I fancy replacing our gas fire (twice used since 1999) with a log burner so we can have some free heat.

But they are not good for asthmatics. Are there any that are better (for such people) than others?

I know the smoke output limits have recently dropped from 5g/h to 3g/h. But the finest particulates find their way into the lungs and bloodstream.
Is filtering possible?

I can see that with energy prices continuing to sky rocket, those with log burners already installed will be tempted to burn whatever they can get their hands on to keep warm and hang the consequences.

 

[Dork Lard]

I wouldn't bother. Brigade77 are already laying down the propaganda against them, which will get people 'begging' for them to be banned.

 

[IT Minion]

There are some basic steps to reduce the amount of particulates, make sure you use dry wood, don't open the door often etc.

You can get air purifiers, but if the goal is to save money then an extra £100-£300 plus running electricity costs might not be a good financial choice.

 

[Brigadier]

I fancy replacing our gas fire (twice used since 1999) with a log burner so we can have some free heat.

But they are not good for asthmatics. Are there any that are better (for such people) than others?

I know the smoke output limits have recently dropped from 5g/h to 3g/h. But the finest particulates find their way into the lungs and bloodstream.
Is filtering possible?

I can see that with energy prices continuing to sky rocket, those with log burners already installed will be tempted to burn whatever they can get their hands on to keep warm and hang the consequences.

To filter the finest particulates (those that can get through the alveolae and into the bloodstream) and prevent them entering the living space: I doubt that would be economically feasible (filtration would have to be HEPA grade, and the burner effectively sealed).

Up the flue: similarly so.

Control would have to be in the burn itself, which is going to be the unpoliceable variable, IMHO.

 

[conny]

Most log burners now incorporate glass doors that seal the room from fumes entering. They pull fresh air in from sliding vents at the bottom, (which helps stop any particles getting out, obviously). You can buy paper wrapped logs these days which are far easier to light than the traditional log, with all it's firelighters/kindling etc.
There are also multi-fuel burners that you can can use coal/coke/wood on. Again, the door can be closed on these so no particles blow back into the room.
The biggest cause of smoke/particles blowing into a room is, (bedsides damp wood/fuel), chimneys that are cold and/or haven't been swept properly. Opening a window in the room for a few minutes will quickly disperse and smoke that does enter. You need to have it swept before using it and have it done annually before winter. We tend to get ours done around the end of spring so it's ready for winter then get him back before we start lighting it to give it a check for any dead birds/bees/wasps nests that may have happened during the summer. Use a sweep who is a member of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps to ensure it is done properly. They advise on what needs doing if they find something amiss and you can get it sorted before it becomes a major issue.

 

[motorbiking]

If you use properly seasoned wood and a modern burner which will recirculate the exhaust to burn again, they are pretty clean.

But it’s not a cheap way to heat your home.

Typically looking a £1k all in and getting quality seasoned wood is not free unless you own a saw mill.

For the same money you could install aircon which will do a better job of cleaning everything and can heat as well as cool.

 

[Exedon]

Anyone interested should search for Sheffield University woodburning stove study.
New study currently underway by Sheffield/Nottingham University's.

 

[Brigadier]

If you use properly seasoned wood and a modern burner which will recirculate the exhaust to burn again, they are pretty clean.

But it’s not a cheap way to heat your home.

Typically looking a £1k all in and getting quality seasoned wood is not free unless you own a saw mill.

For the same money you could install aircon which will do a better job of cleaning everything and can heat as well as cool.

Not so easy to lose oneself though, idly gazing at an aircon unit......

 

[IT Minion]

Anyone interested should search for Sheffield University woodburning stove study.
New study currently underway by Sheffield/Nottingham University's.

Indoor wood stoves release harmful emissions into our homes, study finds

Log burning stoves are emitting harmful emissions inside the home, according to new research by scientists from the University of Sheffield.

www.sheffield.ac.uk

This one. Even with seasoned dried wood and approved stoves the particulate count was above the recommended limit.