Come on Baby, Light My Fire...
Welcome to TreeDwellers; you've landed on a blog from our Tree Top Tips series. Dedicated to sharing eco-friendly advice, tips, and resources - this series forms a guide for greener living, while you're here at TreeDwellers and to carry with you in day-to-day life. You can find more from the series, and other high life delights in our Observatree.
Introducing TreeDwellers' Wood Burners
Imagine a crisp autumn evening, nestled in one of our extraordinary treehouses in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. The gentle crackle of a wood burner fills the air, casting a warm, golden glow that dances across the room. You are warm, safe and dry.
At TreeDwellers, we have a burning passion for sustainability and living harmoniously with nature. We understand there’s a growing stigma around the use of wood burners due to concerns about air pollution and environmental impact. However, not all wood burners are created equal.
While traditional wood burners can contribute to air pollution, modern advancements have led to the development of highly efficient and eco-friendly alternatives. Our Mi-Fires Firepods are a perfect example. These stoves are designed to be environmentally friendly and highly efficient, meaning they use less wood and produce more heat with fewer emissions.
Meeting the latest environmental standards (ECODesign 2022 Ready), we needed to make sure were safe for use even in areas with strict air quality standards - like where you sleep. With impressive efficiency ratings, (78.8% efficiency; A Energy Rating), they provide warmth and comfort whilst causing minimal impact on the environment.
"A wood burning cast iron stove with the wonderful ambience of a traditional wood stove but a new, contemporary look. It features a rounded square shape, accented by cool angles and harks back to a nostalgic retro vibe.
Standing on two contoured legs with its smooth curved design, this log burner makes an eye-catching focal point. Stylish, environmentally friendly, and suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas."
Whether you’re enjoying a stay in our extraordinary treehouses in The Cotswolds or using a wood burner at home, we’re here to provide you with our insight into sustainable wood burning practices. Our treehouses feature exquisite wood burners that provide both warmth and a serene ambience, meticulously chosen to blend with our colours and biophilic and minimalist design aesthetic.
Our wood burners boast unique features:
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Modern Design Features: Elegant and natural, seamlessly blending with the treehouses’ interior design and TreeDwellers' brand aesthetic.
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Sustainable Materials: Crafted from high-quality, sustainable materials that ensure longevity and minimal environmental impact.
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Energy Efficiency: Engineered for optimal heating with minimal fuel consumption, our wood burners are designed to reduce emissions, whilst keeping you comfy and cosy.
Simple, Sustainable Use of Wood Burners
Why is it SO Important to Learn Eco-Friendly Practices for Burning Wood?
Burning wood can have an impact on the environment if not done correctly. By following eco-friendly practices, you can enjoy the toasty-toe warmth of a wood burner while minimising your ecological footprint. Here are some super-simple tips and best practices for using wood burners sustainably:
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Use Seasoned Wood: For an efficient and clean burn, always use seasoned or kiln-dried wood with a moisture content below 20%. Seasoned wood burns hotter and cleaner, reducing smoke and emissions.
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Choose Hardwood: Opt for hardwood logs like oak, beech, or ash. These burn more efficiently and produce less smoke compared to softwoods.
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Install an Eco-design Stove: Switch to an Eco-design stove, like our Firepods from Mi-Fires, which will meet stricter efficiency and emissions standards. These modern stoves are designed to produce fewer pollutants and operate more efficiently.
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Regular Maintenance: Ensure your stove and chimney are regularly cleaned and maintained. A clean stove and chimney improve airflow and combustion efficiency, reducing emissions.
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Store your Logs Properly: A dry place with good airflow is essential for keeping your logs clean and dry. We keep ours in cast-iron firesides - the 'Wavey Logstore' by Willswood.
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Use a Moisture Meter: Keep a moisture meter handy to check the moisture content of your wood before burning. Don't forget, we want the moisture content to remain below 20%.
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Avoid Burning Waste: Do not burn household waste, treated wood, or any materials that are not specifically meant for burning in a wood burner. These materials can release harmful toxins and thick black smoke.
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Optimise Airflow: Use the vents to control the airflow and maintain a hot, efficient burn. Open the vents fully when lighting the fire and adjust them as needed once the fire is established.
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Avoid Overloading the Stove: Avoid overloading the stove with too many logs. This can smother the fire and reduce efficiency, leading to more smoke and pollutants.
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Avoid Smouldering Fires: Ensure your fire burns brightly and doesn’t smoulder. A smouldering fire produces more harmful emissions.
Addressing Eco-Impact Criticisms
Common Criticisms of Wood Burners
While wood burners often face criticism for their environmental impact, our state-of-the-art Mi-Fires stoves are engineered for optimal efficiency and minimal emissions.
Criticism | How Our Wood Burners Address This Concern | What This Means for You |
Efficiency Concerns | Our Mi-Fires stoves are engineered for optimal efficiency, using advanced technology to produce more heat with less wood. | Experience a warm and cosy environment while conserving resources, enhancing your eco-friendly stay. |
High Emissions | Our wood burners meet the latest eco-design standards, significantly reducing emissions through superior combustion techniques. | Rest assured that your stay minimises environmental impact, aligning with your eco-conscious values. |
Sustainability Issues | We responsibly source and properly season our wood, ensuring a sustainable cycle and minimising environmental harm. | Enjoy peace of mind knowing your experiences support sustainability, contributing positively to the planet. |
The Environmental Benefits
By following these easy eco-friendly practices, we not only reduce our environmental footprint but also set an example for the people we meet to follow.
We want to ignite thinking, spark imagination and inspire new daily motions; warmly encouraging you to adopt and advocate these practices at home and beyond. Each choice we make can lean toward preserving our beautiful planet for future generations.
During a stay at TreeDwellers, you'll find loads of guides and insight into our nature and high-lifestyle ready-to-read on your in-treehouse tablet.
Join our community of nature lovers!
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If you're longing for an escape to nature and the crackle of a warming fire, you're welcome here at TreeDwellers. Book your extraordinary treehouse escape in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds this autumn - immerse yourself in nature's luxury. Click here to explore our 7 eco-centric treehouses - which one lights your fire?
