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Efficient use of energy is a factor that must be considered in home heating systems. By improving on the methods that most people rely on, you can save on energy costs and improve the quality of heating experienced. The use of the wood burning stove for provision of heat is an old practice and it was phased out in favor of electric systems. The stoves produced in the past, before 1990s, were wasteful in the production of energy and caused pollution within the house. Some major advances have been made in this sector improving the efficiency of stoves. The certified designs for high tech stoves are capable of helping homeowners reduce their electricity bills significantly especially during the cold seasons.

High Efficiency Stoves

There are different types of wood burning stoves and the standards vary. Unfortunately, most have been found to be ineffective in accomplishing their role in heating. The wasteful burning of wood with dangerous emissions which is dangerous both to the environment and to the people in the home has been greatly reduced through the new certified models. Different companies have come up with technology that has improved efficiency and limited emissions through use of catalytic converters, computer systems and the analysis of gas flow. The next-generation appliances show that burning wood is in fact a sustainable source of heat and can be done without causing harm to the environment.

There are two types of wood burning stove models in the current market; catalytic and non-catalytic. Both have been found to have advantages and disadvantages but with great standard for home heating. The catalytic has very few pollutants, which is attributed to the ceramic catalyst through which the exhaust smoke is sent. This feature is in a honeycomb design that burns the gases as well as the particulate emissions from the burning. Non-catalytic stoves are highly efficient because the air that is used in the system is usually preheated. It also has reduced emissions because of interior baffle features. They provide longer flow of air which means that most of the emissions are consumed before release. Catalytic models are more efficient but will require more frequent maintenance and replacement of the catalysts.

Benefits of a Wood Burning Stove

There are standards that have been set to ensure that homeowners get the best out of the wood burning stove. It is recommended that installation is done by only certified technicians. Proper use and maintenance measures should be taken to avoid potential risks and poor performance. There are advantages of choosing this as your home heating choice. The reduction of heating costs is one of the significant benefits especially when compared to gas, electricity or oil since the raw material is cheap. It is also a renewable source of energy that provides independence to the users. It is more reliable than electricity which is unstable especially with bad climatic conditions. Wood burning especially in a good stove is eco-friendly because it is carbon neutral. If you are looking to lower costs resulting from heating without having an adverse effect on the environment, the wood burning stove presents a safe and effective solution.

My chosen supplier

Woodcall supply me with quality fire wood belfast based and great service.  They deliver across northern ireland, belfast, bangor, netownards and beyond.

I do this using kiln dried logs from a local supplier, making it more environmentally friendly and very efficient.

But why buy logs belfast when you can just pickup any old log or firewood?

 

here’s why.

 

After wood has been heated through a kiln and its moisture content significantly reduced, it is referred to as a kiln dried log. Kiln dried logs are considered much drier than even air dried lumber. Kiln drying basically involves the introduction of heat through various means. These kiln drying methods include use of natural gas, electricity, steam or even solar heat.

Reasons for kiln drying wood

Logs meant for construction or making of other wood working objects needs to be kiln dried so as to prevent any future damage.

Wood burning

It is always advisable to dry wood before burning it. This way less energy will be used in the drying process.

The basic and common process of kiln drying a log

The process of kiln drying differs greatly depending on the type of wood and the available moisture content at the beginning. Below is a summary of what takes place during kiln drying

Wood is carefully and neatly stacked in the kiln. Spacers or stickers are used to leave gaps so that air can freely flow.

Depending on the type of wood the kiln is heated to high temperatures of between 110 to 180 degrees (F). On the other hand for very high temperature kilns the heat ranges from 230 to 280 degrees (F).

Kiln operators constantly monitor the moisture content, relative humidity and temperature of the logs. The key thing is to ensure that the logs reach their equilibrium moisture.

Benefits of kiln drying wood

It is faster

This is a major advantage for large saw mill companies. If they were to air dry logs it would take months or years to have them dry completely. However using custom made kilns they are able to quickly move their sales and consequently stock. This helps them economize on costs of inventory and storage space.

Kills bugs and insects

Since heat is involved during kiln drying, insects and bugs are completely eliminated. This is why it is impossible for kiln dried wood to be damaged. As opposed to dry wood which pests continue to thrive even after drying no such thing is witnessed with kiln dried logs.

There is a greater heat output

Kiln drying is done in a controlled environment resulting in good heat output and high quality logs. There is controlled air flow and temperature. This ensures all the wood dries to the required moisture content. Besides they are thoroughly monitored during the entire process. The high heat output is also due to the fact that kiln dried logs have considerably low moisture content of below 20 %. This low moisture content makes the wood reach higher temperatures faster

Wood can be used immediately after kiln drying

Other people prefer to give kiln dried wood an acclimatization period of around one to two weeks. However this is not necessary as kiln dried logs can be used immediately. For instance if you want to immediately make cabinets and tables, it can be used immediately. You can also apply paint on it soon after kiln drying which is even a better way to protect wood.

They are clean to carry and handle

They are always well packaged and you need not worry about dirt when carrying them. Also the fine texture ensures there are no issues of raised grain.

Conclusion 

It is true that kiln drying logs has numerous benefits. However it also depends largely on the quality of kiln and the skills of the operator. If you want logs that are durable, have a fine texture, burn easily and for longer, resort to kiln dried logs. The good part is that you can even do it at home