Wolverton & Greenleys Energy Group Case Study 5
A renewable heating fuel to reduce use of fossil fuels and my carbon footprint.
Low carbon: the amount of carbon emitted when wood is burned is that was absorbed when the plant was growing. If new plants to grow in place of those used and the fuel is sourced locally, the process is sustainable.
Use for waste wood: a good way of using clean waste wood that might otherwise be sent to a landfill site.
Efficient: more heat compared with an open fire.
What I did:
- Wanted a contemporary looking, efficient stove, that would fit our quite small fireplace, in a 1930s semi.
- Chose a Scan Andersen 4-5, 4kw, good size self cleaning window, high burning efficiency, suitable for smoke control areas.
- Cost approx £2,500 including install.
How:
- Took out old inefficient open fireplace and recycled it as a patio foundation.
- Need to make sure fire safety /building regulations are met if doing it yourself or use a HETAS accredited installer; I used Burning Inspirations (http://www.burninginspirations.co.uk/).
- Discovered that the back external wall of the fireplace was only 1 brick thick so put in 25mm insulation board at the back as well as 25mm compressed vermiculite fire board lining 3 sides of the fireplace.
- Put in steel flue in the chimney as well as insulation in the chimney space – to improve burning efficiency as well as insulate the house.
- Fuel used is a mix of local, seasoned logs and local joinery waste.
Results:
- I’m very pleased; its great in the cold weather, easy to light and control
- It is more work than central heating but not a problem
- Only needs cleaning out every week or two
For further info about wood stoves: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generate-your-own-energy/Wood-fuelled-heating