Are Wood Burners Worse Than Open Fires. If ease of use, low maintenance, and safety are your top priorities

If ease of use, low maintenance, and safety are your top priorities, a well-designed gas or propane fire pit is an efficient choice for your outdoor space. A woodburner is more efficient than an open fire The biggest advantage of a wood-burning stove over an open fire is that it will save you money. Dec 14, 2020 · Health effects from wood smoke. An open fireplace can draw as much as 300 cubic feet of heated room air up the chimney every minute. Your indoor air may also be impacted when your neighbors burn wood. What the log burning science shows: 1) Ecodesign stoves Not all wood-burning appliances are the same. Other ways of burning solid fuels at home include wood-based and coal-based briquettes, smokeless fuels, manufactured solid fuels and coal. Open fireplaces are actually one of the least efficient ways to heat your home, as around 80% of heat produced disappears up the chimney. The Problem & its Solution. Because wood is natural and trees can be replanted, some people believe that burning wood is better for the environment than using fossil fuels. Feb 2, 2023 · The eco-friendly credentials of our household essentials become more important all the time, so it's natural to ask yourself the question - are wood burning stoves bad for the environment? There are really few things which immediately evoke a feeling of cosiness as much as wood burning stoves, so it Mar 5, 2020 · Wood burners & open fires not being used properly can produce excessive smoke, which wastes energy, and creates air pollution. Explore emissions, efficiency and health benefits to make an informed heating choice. An open fire or old stove produces far more emissions indoors than a sealed, modern Ecodesign woodburner. From atmosphere and aesthetics to efficiency and eco-friendliness, find out which heating option is best for your home this winter. Open fires and wood-burning stoves A practical guide Open fires and wood-burning stoves have risen in popularity over recent years. Whether you seek rustic charm or modern efficiency, this guide compares heat output, safety, and cost to help you make the best choice. Nov 2, 2023 · Indoors Fireplace and woodstoves can create harmful wood-burning emissions indoors. Stopping the use of wood-burning stoves and open fires at home could help Sep 29, 2025 · Burning wood indoors could cause damage in a similar way to cigarette smoke, researchers have warned, after a new study linked the growing popularity of domestic wood burning to lung damage. With today’s technology, stoves are designed to burn cleaner, hotter, and more efficiently – which dramatically changes the picture. A small, electrical device controls the flow of pellets into the stove, where they are burned. Built to optimize heat distribution, they create a cozy atmosphere throughout your home while offering a cost-effective and eco-conscious alternative to traditional heating. Jun 18, 2020 · Wood heater smoke is generated from both open fireplaces and wood-fired heaters. Dec 13, 2019 · For example, Idaho offers a tax deduction to replace old, uncertified wood stoves. You start a fire in a wood burning stove in exactly the same way you would in an open fireplace. The researchers concluded that the lifetime increased lung cancer risk from being exposed to a wood-burning fireplace in the home is “significantly larger than the EPA acceptable Jan 6, 2020 · Burning wood in your fireplace all winter may feel nostalgic and keep you warm, but smoke from those fires can also cause health problems. Jul 22, 2010 · Home » Blog » Advice & Information » Wood Burning Stoves Use 80 percent Fewer Logs than an Open Fire! Wood burning has enjoyed something of a renaissance in recent years, with many homeowners opening up old fireplaces in the face of rising fuel costs and a drive to reduce Co2 emissions. Oct 23, 2025 · Burning wood and coal in homes contributes to about 2,500 deaths a year, a report has found. That means up to 70% of the heat produced is wasted. Jan 20, 2023 · Latest Videos From Homebuilding Are wood burners bad for the environment? Wood-burning stoves, perhaps surprisingly, offer up a low-carbon alternative to heating your home using fossil fuels like oil and gas. Here are some tips for reducing wood-burning emissions and improving your indoor air quality: Avoid using wood-burning stove or fireplaces unless it is a primary heat source. 30, 2021, a wildfire between Denver and Boulder, Colorado, burned more than 1,000 houses and other structures, making it the most destructive fire for property damage in the history of the state. Trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, which is returned to the atmosphere when the wood is burned. In fact, open fires can have efficiency ratings as low as 30%. Mar 1, 2022 · On Dec. But there are things you can do to make your fireplace better. It’s also recommended to clean your log burner after each use when it comes to maintenance. Feb 4, 2025 · 🔥 Open Fire vs. Jul 27, 2025 · Wood heaters are estimated to be responsible for more particulate pollution-related deaths than all the cars on our roads. Wood-burning stoves offer a low-carbon alternative to heating your home using fossil fuels. Oct 11, 2024 · Open fireplaces offer a traditional aesthetic but are significantly less efficient than wood stoves. Apr 10, 2024 · Open Fire Efficiency Open fires, while cosy and traditional, fall short on efficiency. 5 million households use wood for fuel but these fires and stoves will now face restrictions because of their leading role Sep 3, 2020 · But like all open wood-burning fireplaces, it is very inefficient. Oct 23, 2025 · Burning wood and coal at home contributes to the death of nearly 2,500 people each year in the UK, according to research. In Oregon, when a house is sold, uncertified solid fuel-burning devices must be destroyed. I know we had a top loader that would belch smoke if you opened it at the wrong time and grandmas glennwood cookstove was leaky as hell Imagine a new, airtight stove with outside air would be much less a problem Reply reply ommnian • Reply reply More replies The modern wood burning stoves of today ensure low emission and low carbon heating for our homes. The biggest health threat from smoke is from fine particles, also called fine particulate matter or PM2. The SIA highlighted that these figures include all domestic wood burning (e. While both offer warmth and ambiance, they perform very differently in terms of heat efficiency, cost, and overall practicality. Explore our wood burning stoves, multi-fuel stoves, and cast iron fireplaces – or contact our team to book a free consultation on your installation options. Typically (but not always) stoves are made of heavy-duty steel, so offer radiant heat, acting as a radiator, as well. It’s economical, renewable and can heat your home well, if used properly. This may, in part, explain why from 2021 to 2022, sales of wood-burning stoves increased by 40% in the UK. Dec 18, 2020 · We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Feb 5, 2020 · A fireplace is the heart of your home, so choosing the most thermally efficient fireplace possible is essential. We can work together to improve the quality of the air we breathe. It’s crucial to dispel myths and promote accurate information to enable informed decisions about the use of wood burners in our homes. Homes with closed windows during burning had up to three times higher pollution levels than those with periodic window opening. However, whilst a comforting and aesthetically pleasing feature of a home, they come with heightened risk and responsibility. The smoke from wood fires can affect air quality and may affect people's health. Jan 3, 2022 · New research found that the wood burning stove is responsible for about half of people’s exposure to cancer-causing chemicals, like PAHs. The government released its latest May 15, 2024 · Our guide to wood burning stove facts vs fiction dispels the myths around wood heating to help you spot real vs fake news. Dec 9, 2021 · Safety: Woodburning stoves are generally considered safer than open wood fires. Dec 19, 2024 · Stoves that meet the Ecodesign standard, which became mandatory in 2022, emit up to 90% fewer particulates than open fires and up to 80% fewer than older stoves. Smaller room size and longer burning durations also worsened indoor air quality, highlighting how everyday factors influence Feb 21, 2020 · Owners of wood burners, stoves and open fires will no longer be able to buy house coal or wet wood, under a ban to be rolled out from next year. Wood burning stoves are less smoky than an ordinary open fire and produce less ash and mess. Oct 21, 2021 · A wood burning stove is likely to be better than 65% efficient, while an open fire is 30% efficient at best. Nov 30, 2023 · Invisible pollutants from open fires, log burners and wood stoves have a negative impact on your health Mar 22, 2024 · Wood burners are more energy efficient than open fires; they require much less fuel and are better able to keep a house warm. Why not take a look at our range here, or leave a comment below and let us know which you prefer – wood burning stoves or open fires? ← Previous Post Next Post → May 11, 2018 Matthew Wigglesworth Feb 9, 2024 · Why is a wood burner better than an open fire? Have you been thinking of replacing your open fire with a wood burner? Read on to find out the benefits of adding a stove to your home. An Italian study of emissions from different types of wood-burning in homes found “ extremely high” indoor particle pollution levels from open fireplaces. Wood burners and open fires have become very popular, especially in period, listed and thatched properties. Dec 17, 2021 · We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Sep 30, 2025 · Burning wood indoors could cause damage akin to cigarette smoke, researchers have warned, after a new study linked the growing popularity of domestic wood burning to lung damage. Aug 31, 2022 · It is also necessary to clean the grate of an open fire after use, removing all ash and debris. These can be burnt in open fireplaces, closed stoves, boilers, or in outdoor chimeneas, firepits, barbecues, pizza ovens, bonfires, and incinerators. Smoke may smell good, but it's not good for you. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Graphic: A comparative visual on heat loss in open fires versus stoves would illustrate the stark differences in efficiency. Oct 8, 2025 · Discover the pros and cons of open fires and log-burning stoves. Nov 17, 2022 · Wood-burning stove or open fire? Arabella Youens examines the pros and cons of both options. Jun 29, 2021 · The latest research into the health impact of open fires and wood burners is not good news for those of us who love to warm by a real log fire. Nov 14, 2025 · Fireplaces vs. Jan 4, 2025 · Log burners and open fires each bring unique benefits and character to your home. These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system, where they may cause burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses, such as bronchitis. Discover if wood burners are healthier than open fires for UK homes. Dec 10, 2024 · Discover the key differences between open fires and wood burners in this in-depth comparison. 5 million households use wood for fuel but these fires and stoves will now face restrictions because of their leading role Jul 15, 2025 · The research team also found that ventilation played a critical role in indoor pollution. The design of an open fire allows a significant amount of heat to escape up the chimney rather than warming your living space. Furthermore, the fire does not sit behind a sealed glass window, unlike with a wood-burning stove, which has two inherent problems: 1. 5. We’ve compared the thermal efficiencies of Open Fireplaces and Wood Burning Stoves to help you decide which fireplace is right for you. Open fires, while visually appealing, are notoriously inefficient. If you’re looking to add a solid fuel fire to your home, you might be wondering, log burner vs open fire: which is better? In almost all criteria in which you could compare a log burner and open fire, a log burner is the better option. Sep 29, 2025 · The study showed those who used wood stoves lost lung capacity more quickly than non-users - even though they tended to be wealthier, healthier and less likely to smoke. The findings Jan 3, 2023 · Thinking of curling up with a mug of hot cocoa and a good book in front of a roaring fire? Indoor wood-burning stoves and heaters may have a quaint and traditional feel, but they produce harmful toxins that can damage your lungs and air quality indoors and outdoors. Our wood-burning fireplaces deliver exceptional warmth with remarkable efficiency. Jan 14, 2019 · What will it mean for wood burners and open fires? Across the UK, about 1. Nov 3, 2025 · Health effects from wood smoke. Log burners provide a different aesthetic but are still easy on the eye. If you do use a wood-burning heater, follow the recommendations below to minimise air pollution. Oct 17, 2025 · Wood-burning stoves may be cozy but pose numerous health concerns, including the worsening of lung and heart disease and an increased risk of cancer. Oct 23, 2025 · Wood-burning stoves and open fires are one the biggest sources of small pollution particles, which cause heart and lung disease, and their use has risen in recent years. A significant amount of the heat produced is lost, making them a less practical choice for those looking to heat their home effectively. Introduction: The Great Debate When it comes to heating your home with real flames, you have two main options: wood-burning stoves and open fireplaces. Fine particles can make asthma symptoms worse and Jan 31, 2025 · Though wood burning stoves are preferable to open fires (which burn over eight times more emissions annually than modern eco-design stoves), the expert advice is to avoid using wood burning stoves Good practice guide for operating wood burners and open fires Many homes now burn wood as a source of heat and enjoyment. We suggest placing a couple of pieces of kindling on the bottom of the wood burner. This results in needing less fuel therefore spending less money. Wood-fired heaters are controlled-combustion, domestic heating appliances. Older stoves and open fires release far more smoke and particulates than modern models. A wood-burning fireplace isn’t great for the planet or your health. Apr 18, 2018 · With an open fire, you will lose approximately 80% of the heat straight up the chimney leaving you with only 20% to warm your home. Explore efficiency, sustainability, aesthetics, and cost to choose the best heating option for your home. By burning the right kind of wood, you can keep the burner clean and prevent soot and creosote buildup while also reducing smoke and pollutants. Sales of the two most polluting fuels will be Apr 26, 2020 · Edward Bulmer, a Herefordshire-based interior designer with his own range of paints, is currently replacing an old boiler in the office and replacing it with a wood-burning stove. If you have asthma, ensure you follow They produce lower emissions and are more efficient than non-Ecodesign stoves and open fires. To wood-burn or not to wood-burn? Stoves can be a very sustainable form of energy, but wood fires produce some less-than-green side effects. Both heating methods require maintenance, but wood stoves are generally cleaner to Dec 24, 2024 · Research by Global Action Plan in September found more than one-fifth of the UK public used an open fire or wood stove, with people aged between 18-34 most likely to do so at 45 per cent. Older wood burner models were almost as bad as open fires, but modern wood burners must meet the European Union’s Ecodesign standards. Wood burning is one type of domestic burning. Wood Burning Stoves: Which Is Healthier? Open fireplaces are beautiful and nostalgic, but when it comes to health and efficiency, wood burning stoves are generally the safer choice. In addition to the losses, the area was filled with smoke from burning wood, plastics, and many types of human-made materials. ‘Stoves burn more efficiently than open fires, but neither is, frankly, eco-friendly as they emit more CO2 than gas,’ he says. Jun 18, 2024 · One key reason open fires are so bad is that they require more wood fuel for the same heat output compared to a high-efficiency wood-burning stove. However there have been a number of misleading reports circulating in the news recently suggesting stoves are responsible for contributing far more particulate emissions than they actually do. We stock an extensive range of wood burning stoves, and also a number of accessories and parts for open fires. Jan 30, 2025 · But there’s an important distinction to make: not all fires are equal. Jan 14, 2019 · Stoves and open fires are now the single biggest source of particulate matter emissions, the government says, and sales of wet wood for domestic burning will also restricted. Feb 16, 2021 · We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Mar 6, 2025 · Thinking about a wood-burning stove or an open fire? We compare both for efficiency, cost, safety & more to help you choose the best option. Wood Burner: Which Is Best for Your Home? 🔥 There’s nothing like a cozy fire to warm up a chilly evening, but should you go for a traditional open fire or a modern wood burner? Let’s break down the pros and cons of each!. Smoke from burning causes air pollution which harms the health of millions. Open fires produce 80% more particulate matter than the new Ecodesign Ready stoves. Mar 26, 2025 · Unlike wood stoves and fireplaces, most pellet stoves need electricity to operate. The recent findings leave no doubt that indoor wood burning is bad for our health and the environment. Learn about safe wood-burning practices, the hottest burning woods, and which woods are toxic to burn, including rotten, treated, and wet pine wood. 1 Burning materials such as wood emit a toxic cocktail of particles that can trigger lung conditions and Jan 3, 2021 · There are a number of benefits and downsides when it comes to both buying and using a wood stove, and so what are the main pros and cons of wood burning stoves? The main benefits of wood stoves include their typically high efficiency ratings and ability to produce much more heat and fewer emissions compared to traditional open fireplaces. Jun 2, 2025 · Wood burners aren’t worse than open fires when it comes to air pollution. Feb 25, 2022 · We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Alternatively, contact your stove manufacturer for their recommendation. A traditional open fireplace loses most of its heat through the chimney—only about 10–20% actually warms your room. Dec 19, 2022 · If you’re weighing up between an open fire and a stove, we can help. Where does this leave homeowners who are not prepared Having a fire in your home is a great way to add atmosphere and reduce your reliance on a gas boiler. Dec 21, 2023 · A leading lung charity is issuing a health warning and urging families to be aware of the risks wood burners pose, as data shows that over the past three years, on average, December has been the worst for air pollution in Northern Ireland. Modern, enclosed wood-burning stoves, when used correctly, do not pose significant risks to indoor air quality. Wood stoves are over 50% more efficient and safer due to their enclosed design. Dec 16, 2016 · Compared to controlled burning, such as in boilers, large outdoor fires tend to produce "highly mutagenic and carcinogenic emissions" that can affect any humans hanging out in the vicinity. Jan 14, 2025 · Discover the 7 best woods to burn in your log burner and the 7 worst ones to avoid. Oct 1, 2020 · Fires are cozy, but they can cause lung problems if you have a history of lung disease. Trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, which is returned to the May 26, 2021 · Can breathing in wood smoke from your fire pit or bonfire harm your lungs? Learn about the dangers of wood smoke and get some tips for outdoor fire safety. Aug 19, 2024 · An open fireplace has a wonderful aesthetic and produces a great ambience. This national map shows which areas are affected the most. Jan 24, 2025 · Wood-burning stoves are often considered safer, cleaner and more attractive than open fires. Oct 4, 2019 · If your stove is more than 10 years old, you should upgrade, because the best now release 90 per cent fewer emissions than open fires and 80 per cent fewer than stoves of a decade ago. Open fires and wood burning stoves are one of the biggest sources of small pollution particles. This is probably based on leaky stoves, poor burning and/or open fireplaces. Wood burners are safer because the fire is enclosed so you don't get the danger of stray sparks or hot coals on the carpet. Jul 25, 2023 · Considering switching away from wood? See how wood-fired heating stacks up against other forms of heating on efficiency and cost. Log burners are considerably more efficient than open fireplaces (at least 50% more efficient) There are fewer safety risks involved with an enclosed log burner than there are with an open fireplace. The closed design of a stove helps contain sparks and embers, reducing the risk of accidental fires. The open front and chimney of a regular fireplace make it hugely inefficient. From using the right wood to newer inserts, get tips for minimizing your risk. What can you do to reduce the chance of wood smoke affecting your health? Instead of using a wood-burning heater in your home, consider using heating alternatives that cause less pollution such as reverse cycle air-conditioning, flued gas or electric heaters. Dec 10, 2024 · A quarter of harmful particles in the air came from domestic fires, researchers claimed Burning wood at home produces more pollution than road traffic, according to new research. Whereas, a wood burner only loses approximately 20% of the heat produced dependent on what is being burnt and how the stove is being operating. Michigan's Model Ordinance for Outdoor and Open Burning restricts outdoor wood-fired boilers and patio wood-burning units. Fine particles can make asthma symptoms worse and Jan 1, 2021 · We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. However, wood burning has a large negative impact on the environment and on our climate. There are few who don’t enjoy warming up by a fire in winter or sitting around a fire pit outside in the summer. Stay updated with the latest news and stories from around the world on Google News. A wood burner or open fire that isn’t being used properly can produce excessive smoke, which wastes energy, and creates air pollution. Ultimately, the choice between a wood burning fire pit and gas or propane firepit comes down to personal preference, local regulations, and the availability of sustainable fuel sources. Yet few people know that open fires and wood burners release pollutants into the air. Wood stoves have higher upfront installation costs but save fuel in the long run. Dec 2, 2025 · Father Christmas might have to find another way of dropping off our presents soon, as open fires and wood-burning stoves are set to face pollution restrictions. , including open fires) and therefore do not reflect pollution from wood burning stoves alone. g.

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