last updated 8th December 05
by 4ecotips.com

A carbon neutral way to warm up your life

Wood is carbon neutral. It absorbs as much carbon dioxide in its growth as it releases when it's burnt. So it's a perfect way to keep warm, provide your creature comforts and help save the environment.

So, if you've got a chimney then there's nothing stopping you reaping all the benefits of a wood-burning or multi fuel stove. On a typical single-room installation it could be 10% - 30% cheaper to run than gas or oil, and considerably less costly than electricity. And it could save up to 100% if you go the whole hog and use it for full central heating.

And combine wood-burning technology with solar heating for hot water in summer and, possibly, a wind-powered generator for electricity and your dependence on conventional energy could fall dramatically. As a result you would be so incredibly eco-friendly that your friends might not want to speak to you!

You can also save money by installing a wood-burning stove yourself although it's as well to consult a HETAS registered engineer for advice and guidance on the suitability of your chimney and whether or not it will need a special lining.

A wood-burner can be the focal point of single room with appliances made for even the smallest fireplace. Alternatively there are models that will heat your whole house and provide domestic hot water from a massive 75,000 Btu output boiler. But these are not for the faint hearted because the quantity of fuel is not in the order of a modest wheelbarrow full but more like a few farm trailers full.

A WORD OF CAUTION
When you are looking at stoves to buy beware that some of the manufactures terms used in their literature can be a little suspect to say the least. A good retailer should be able to show you the product working and have practical experience of alternative products, their advantages and their pitfalls.

There is still no industry standard so there are a few cowboys around in the manufacture, supply and fitting. One good tip is to go on recommendation satisfied friends and neighbours.

There is a huge debate within the wood-burner industry about the most effective and efficient material for the body of the burner - cast iron or steel? But obviously the heavier the gauge the longer the life of the product and the greater the efficiency.

What you gain on the roundabout, you lose on the swing. For instance steel is more flexible and can withstand over firing and, incorporating the latest technology, can be super efficient and will last longer. But steel designs are plainer and less ornate.

Cast iron is not so happy with over firing and the huge temperature changes found in a wood-burning stove. However, because they are "cast" they can incorporate greater detail and decorative relief and can except some stunning and colourful vitreous enamel effects.

There are many wood burning stoves around, both cast iron and steel, from almost every country in the world. The examples illustrated here are al UK manufactured.

LOGS OR PELLETS?
So what can you burn on a wood-burner. Well, logs are the most common form of fuel at the moment and these can usually be supplied from local sources. It is most important that they are dry and well seasoned - if they're not you should store them for at least a year. And if you are burning "pure" wood the chimney needs sweeping twice a year.

Wood pellets are becoming more and more popular and can be used on purpose-designed stoves. Pellets are typically made from the timber waste created by sawmills. The wood goes through a lengthy process before it's finally extruded as pellets. However, it's nonetheless carbon neutral.

Heat log are another alternative. They are also made from waste sawdust and bound together into log shapes with an inflammable substance that makes them easy to light. But they are relatively expensive.

There are other options, too, such as wood chips and mixed briquettes. The route you choose should obviously suit you pocket and the world around you.

A good starting point for your wood-burning enquiries is www.woodwarm.co.uk

Villager, Chelsea Solo - steel plate

Coalbrookedale Darby - cast iron

Arrow Arley 5 - steel

Yeoman Exe - steel with cast iron doors

Hunter Herald 8 - cast iron

Esse 200 - cast iron

Clearview Vision 500 - steel

Woodwarm Fireview - steel