Efficient wood fired heaters in Australia are Australia Home Heating Association (AHHA) certified. The endorsement confirms that the wood fired heaters meet the required standards for flue gas emission, power output, and efficiency. It is illegal to buy or use a wood heater that does not have an AHHA endorsement. Still, other factors must be considered when selecting the most efficient wood heater.
Choosing an Efficient Wood Heater
The relationship between fuel consumption and energy output defines the efficiency of a wood heater. These are factors to consider when choosing an efficient wood heater:
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Freestanding Wood Heaters
Freestanding wood heaters use radiant heat and create warmth quickly. That makes them ideal for heating large spaces. They are versatile in mobility and can be moved to any location that requires heating in a house or room.
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Inbuilt Wood Heaters
Inbuilt wood heaters or inserts are integrated into a home’s architectural design. They spread heat through convection, which requires the circulation of warm air around a room. Convection does not require excess fuel, and these heaters are suitable in rooms with limited floor footage.
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Size of Wood Heater
Small wood heaters are suitable for heating small spaces, such as single rooms, that require consistent and gentle warmth. They can also function as secondary heat sources. The stoves are economical as they use less wood, can fit in tight spaces, and give around 5kW of heat.
Medium-sized and large heaters warm large or multiple rooms. They use more fuel, but modern models have fuel features that enhance their efficiency. An excessively big heater leads to overheating, which requires opening the windows for relief. That leads to loss of heat and inefficiency.
If a heater lacks adequate power, it suffers wear and tear due to maxed-out operation, making heating a room a struggle. When calculating the right size of heater for efficiency, consider the room’s insulation, size, and availability of windows. It is prudent to consult an expert to find the right-sized heater for efficient performance.
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Clean-Burning Wood Heater
A clean-burn wood heater has a dual combustion system that converts particles and gases into heat. It has a secondary combustion ability, whereby wood first burns and produces smoke and other emissions. Then, the preheated air ignites the unburned gases and soot particles and converts them to heat.
That combustion technology converts nearly 90% of the particles and gases into heat. It leads to minimal smoke and emissions, which protects the environment. It also reduces the occurrence of chimney fires and minimizes the need for wood as the only fuel for heat production.
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Chimney
A chimney’s dimensions and characteristics determine how much draft it will generate. The chimney and the heater’s door regulate the air supply to the fire. Poor regulation of air supply requires burning more wood and raises the temperatures in the chimney, which can cause a chimney fire. High chimney temperatures indicate a loss of heat that would be warming the room, which suggests a heater is inefficient.
Conclusion
Modern wood heaters use fuel efficiently and keep a room warm and cosy. That happens without the heaters producing unhealthy emissions. Wood heaters also serve as statement décor upgrades with bespoke features. Selecting the best one gives value for money. Efficient wood heaters support the sustainable use of wood as a renewable resource.
