In an effort to reduce energy consumption new homes are now being built to incredibly high insulation and airtight standards with the German Passiv Haus and the UK equivalent, AECB Carbonlite, being the very highest. Not too many homes are quite built to this standard yet, although many aspire to be and in fact the term 'passiv haus' has become a much misused description for any low energy home that goes some way beyond basic building standards. When it comes to installing a wood burning stove in these airtight homes special consideration must be given regarding how the combustion air will be supplied and the combustion gases removed without compromising the building envelope. Click here to read more...