Efficiency of Old vs. New Stoves: Why Not All Heaters Are the Same
When evaluating wood heating, it's important to distinguish between different types of heating appliances, their technical condition, and their method of operation. Older appliances, open fireplaces, and modern wood stoves cannot be judged by the same standard. They differ in construction, combustion efficiency, fuel consumption, and the amount of emissions. The difference between old and new heaters is therefore crucial to understanding how [...]
Myth: Wood smokes more than coal. How to reduce smoke from heating
The color of smoke from a chimney often determines how people perceive wood heating. When thick gray smoke billows from a house, the neighbors quickly make up their minds: „Someone's burning wood again.“ However, the problem is usually not the wood itself. The problem is wet fuel and log size, poor kindling, lack of air, improper refueling, or a neglected chimney. The claim that wood smokes [...]
Around Stones: Choosing stones is not worth postponing
In the summer issue of Kolem kamen magazine, you'll also find an article titled "AEVD Don't Delay Choosing Your Stove. This Year, There Are Even More Reasons!", in which we remind you why it's worth considering the purchase or replacement of wood-burning stoves in advance. Summer is the ideal time to think about your heating choice, verify support options, prepare for installation, and avoid the autumn rush, [...]
Myth: Burning wood destroys forests
When talking about wood heating, there's often concern that forests are disappearing because of stoves. It sounds simple: we burn wood, so we cut down trees. But the reality is more complex. Forests are not destroyed by the burning of wood itself, but rather by poor management, resource waste, and inefficient fuel utilization. Wood is a renewable resource, but not an unlimited one. For its use to make sense, the fundamental [principle] must apply [...]
Myth: Wood is worse than gas. Is it really that simple?
Heating with wood is often discussed in a very simplified way. One common claim is that wood is worse for the environment than gas. But it's not that simple. It depends on what kind of wood we are burning, in what heating appliance, in what way, and in what condition the flue is. Gas is a fossil fuel. When it is burned, into the air […]
Air conditioning does not belong in a chimney. A viral „hack“ could end in big trouble this winter.
On social media, videos and photos are spreading during hot days, showing people venting warm air from portable air conditioners into chimneys or flues. At first glance, this might seem like a simple and clever solution. In reality, however, it's a very risky intervention into the flue system. A chimney is not a universal ventilation shaft. It's designed for the safe [...]
Chimney and heating appliance fires have increased. Safe heating starts with inspection, proper installation, and dry wood.
The heating season has ended, but now is a suitable time to prepare stoves, heaters, and chimneys for the next winter. In 2025, firefighters recorded more chimney and heater fires than in previous years. The most common causes were the ignition of soot, technical defects, or errors during the installation and operation of heaters. Chimney fires were the highest in the last four years, according to [...]
Air quality is improving long-term. Modernizing sources and proper heating are important.
The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute published its second preliminary report on air quality for 2025. According to it, 2025 ranks among years with satisfactory air quality. Nevertheless, emission limits are still being exceeded for some substances. This mainly concerns ground-level ozone and benzo[a]pyrene. Experts have long linked benzo[a]pyrene, in particular, to domestic heating. CHMI data [...]
Around the Stones: When the World Goes Mad
The new issue of Kolem Kamen magazine has been released. In the April edition, No. 53, you will also find the article AEVD "When the World Goes Crazy," in which we remind you why stoves and fireplaces still have their firm place today: as a reliable source of heat, a symbol of energy independence, and a connection between tradition and modern, responsible wood heating. Current and past issues of Kolem Kamen magazine can be found [...]
How to minimize emissions when heating with wood
When heating with wood, it's not just the choice of fuel that matters, but the entire way it's burned. Emissions are affected by the technical condition of the stove, the moisture content of the wood, and whether you're heating correctly. While modern appliances burn wood significantly cleaner when operated properly, improper handling and poor-quality fuel unnecessarily pollute the air. The basis is dry and clean wood The first rule is simple, but essential: […]
