Many of us enjoy the comfort and appeal of a wood burning stove or open fire, and the use of stoves in particular has become very popular. People have discovered that it’s an effective and enjoyable way to heat a room, or even a whole house, and it’s much nicer to look at than the radiator.
But there is a health problem in the UK which affects us all. Most people are aware that air pollution comes from vehicle engines, construction, agriculture and roads (dust from passing traffic). But less well known is the pollution that comes from all heating appliances, including wood burning stoves and open fires.
It is a national problem and affects rural communities as well as towns and cities.
Local chimney sweep Joanna Thurgur explains: “The root of the problem is that the wood is often not burned at a high enough temperature. If it’s not hot enough, unburned fuel vapours travel up and out of the chimney, contributing to poor air quality.
“There is a real lack of awareness of these issues, particularly when burning wood in stoves. Most people who use a stove aren’t even aware there is a problem, let alone think that they might be a part of it.”
Despite the problem, a great deal can be done and the good news is that getting it right is easy and will:
- save you money
- reduce the risk of chimney fire
- help to reduce air pollution.
Joanna added: “The design of the stove and the moisture content of the wood are two factors that affect the burning temperature, but the most important factor is the way the user controls the air supply to the stove. If the air supply is closed off too much, the wood does not burn hot enough, creating problems.
“It’s not a complicated problem but because there are a number of factors involved, people are often unaware of what is happening when they burn wood in the stove. A few simple changes can make a big difference.”
Joanna is urging people to find out more about a national campaign called ‘We all breathe the same air.’ It helps people who use stoves to get it right and make a difference to the air quality where they live. Getting it right saves money (less unburned fuel escapes up the chimney) and the chimney will be cleaner and safer.
The campaign is being spearheaded by professional chimney sweeps across the country. If you’d like to know how get the best from your stove, save money, keep the chimney cleaner and improve your local air quality then you can get in touch with Joanna by visiting www.joannathesweep.co.uk
There is also an excellent online guide, complete with video demonstrations, which explains everything. Find out how to ‘Get it Right’ at:
http://www.findachimneysweep.co.uk/we-all-breathe-the-same-air/