How The Energy-Efficient Wood Burning Stove Works
The low carbon revolution is possible because of the unique design and construction of the energy-efficient wood burning stove. In contrast to older stove types, the energy-efficient models do not allow a major portion of their produced heat to escape through the chimney; instead, they have been engineered for optimal performance. Many of these stove designs include a secondary combustion process that utilizes the gas and particulates created during the first fire to help burn the gas and particulates created during the second fire.A stove that utilizes more of the heat produced by the same amount of fuel than traditional sauna stoves along with the substantial decrease in smoke emissions, creates not only an improved sauna experience but also a more ecological and environmentally friendly sauna experience.
Sauna stoves made of high-quality construction materials such as refractory steel or soapstone have superior thermal mass characteristics, allowing them to store heat effectively and slowly emit stored heat through radiation, allowing the sauna room to maintain a stable temperature while using less fuel and having to stoke the fire less often. Additionally, sauna stoves are typically designed with an airwash system that cleans the glass door in order to enjoy the flames, as well as accurate air control systems that allow users to monitor and adjust the burn rate of their stoves with precision. This allows users to utilize the full potential of each log of wood, while minimizing the waste of wood and maximizing heat output.
The Role of Circulating Ventilation
The circulating air ventilation system of a sauna defines the overall comfort and efficiency of the sauna. A properly operating air circulation system does more than provide fresh air; it provides a uniform heat and humidity distribution for an enjoyable sauna experience. A sauna with stagnant, stratified air, with hot air at the ceiling level and cooler air sitting on the seating benches, will create uncomfortable and inefficient sauna experience and inefficient use of energy.The air circulating system enables fresh air to be brought into the sauna in a manner that is controlled; at first, the air is drawn into the sauna at the stove, heated there and then, uniformly distributed throughout the sauna by means of the air circulating system (the Fresh Air Circulating System). In addition to providing a constant supply of heated air, the air circulation system prevents hot spots and cold spots by providing the sauna with an uninterrupted, gentle breezy flow of air. This results in a uniformly warm sauna for the enjoyment of everyone. Continuous air movement conserves energy through a reduced number of times the stove must work harder than normal to maintain a constant temperature. Moreover, the air circulation system (the Fresh Air Circulation System) provides a flow of fresh oxygen into the sauna room, while at the same time removing excess humidity and any trace of carbon monoxide, thus providing a safer, healthier and more breathable environment, thereby enhancing the therapeutic benefits of the heat of the sauna.
Connection to Nature and Integration with Outdoor Elements
By placing this efficient air circulatory system in an outdoor sauna room, its potential low carbon and wellness benefits can be greatly enhanced. Because an outdoor sauna is naturally positioned to take advantage of its environment, it does not require the same amount of energy as a sauna located within the structure of a home to cool down the surrounding home structure and will often benefit from natural windbreaks and/or solar orientation. Stepping outside to enter the sauna, places one in contact with Nature; it is an integral part of holistic health care. The contrast of the fresh, cool, outdoor air and the warm, enveloping air in the sauna is revitalizing and therapeutic.
The integration of the air circulation system into the outdoor environment embodies a circular, sustainable practice of using renewable resources. When properly sourced, appropriately managed local forests provide wood fuel that is a renewable resource with a low or close to zero carbon footprint. The carbon released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide when the wood is burned is virtually equal to the amount of carbon dioxide sequestered by the trees throughout their lifetime. Furthermore, building an outdoor sauna with the air circulation system requires fewer materials than the indoor sauna and typically requires less complicated moisture management systems, making the process easier to accomplish and simpler to complete. Ultimately, the outdoor sauna creates a ritual out of using the sauna to promote environmental stewardship.
The Dawn of Low Carbon Health Care
Together, the high-efficiency wood burning stove, the air circulation system, and the outdoor sauna room signify the dawn of low carbon health care or the new paradigm of self-care as a means to assert that it is possible to create health and wellness in a manner that is compatible with Mother Earth. Though the sauna is often used for detoxification, improvement of circulation, stress relief, and relaxation of tight muscles, using the sauna adds to the feeling of guilt related to excessive energy consumption. This is a clear indication of the new model for home wellness/leisure. This model clearly demonstrates that luxury and sustainability are not mutually exclusive but rather, that these two elements can be coupled through intelligent design and technological advances. By selecting an air circulation system or a sauna with the air circulation system, consumers of saunas are making a conscious statement regarding their values by investing in their long-term health and conversely taking a pro-active stance toward the future of sustainable development through their participation in the global movement toward sustainability. The sauna becomes an active tool for individual and planetary resilience rather than being perceived as a passive consumer product. The pathway of sustainable wellness lies in each and every footprint we leave on Mother Earth.