How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace

Wood stoves, in contrast to traditional open fireplaces, are designed to burn wood. This allows them to meet tighter emissions regulations.

Wood burning stoves are renowned for their warm, yellow flames that dance, crackling sounds, and that primordial sensation of warmth. However the smoke they release contains carbon monoxide and toxic air pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Efficient

Fireplaces and stoves that burn wood offer a stunning and natural heat to your home, and they are incredibly efficient. A top-quality wood stove can have an Ecodesign rating of up to 77 percent. It is vital to get the most out of your wood burner in light of rising energy costs. The good news is it's now easier than ever before to do!

The moisture content of firewood is a key factor that determines how efficient a stove that burns wood is. We recommend using only well-seasoned wood that has been dried over a period of at least one year, and in some cases, two years. The drier the wood the more efficiently it burns which results in less smoke and harmful emissions.

A wood-burning stove also offers the advantage of being a low-carbon fuel source, which is great for the environment. Additionally, by purchasing locally-sourced firewood, you're aiding in the active management of forests, which is a great aspect for wildlife.

The only thing that a wood burning stove requires in terms maintenance is to take away and eliminate ash. It's somewhat of a hassle but it's worth it to get the most heat from every log. Additionally, if you wait 2-3 days for the ashes to completely cool they can be used to make an eco-friendly and non-toxic ice melt. They can be used to polish jewelry or absorb the odors.

A wood-burning fireplace is an old-fashioned classic. Although they are less popular than gas fireplaces, the appeal and ambiance of a roaring flame cannot be disregarded. These fires are perfect to cuddle up with on cold nights, and make a warm and inviting space within your home. Choose a high-quality wood stove and you'll be reaping the benefits for many years to be! Our expert chimney sweeps are on hand to assist you in getting the most from your stove. Give us a call now to find out more.

Low Carbon

Burners that are clean and efficient are one of the best ways to save money on logs and keep your home warm. In addition, they also help to support the local woodland management. It's a fantastic way to support the wildlife that lives in your local area.

Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves create very little pollutant if they are maintained properly and used with dry, seasoned firewood. However, if they are not maintained well or made of poor quality wood the smoke that is produced by them can contain fine particles (known as particulate pollution) that can irritate the lung and other organs. Carbon monoxide, air pollutants that are toxic such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are also in the. Inhaling air pollution can cause irritation of the lung and trigger asthma attacks wheezing, coughing, and lung irritation. It could also cause cancer, heart disease or premature death.

Many people are concerned that using a wood burning stove will contribute to climate change however this isn't necessarily true. Burning wood produces energy that is carbon neutral. Through the life of a tree it absorbs carbon dioxide and when burned the carbon absorbed is released back into the atmosphere.

Since the wood is sourced locally this decreases the amount of pollution that is released in the process of transportation. It is crucial to choose hardwoods that have been seasoned and of high quality. They will burn longer and more evenly than softwoods.

Modern, EPA certified wood stoves and heaters (such as those manufactured by Charlton & Jenrick) have significantly lower emissions than older stoves. They have been tested and certified to meet the 2020 EPA standards which are much more strict than previous emissions limits.

All wood-burning stoves must be fully vented to the outside of your home to ensure that they don't create a haze of exhaust inside your home. By keeping the flames in the vicinity of the logs, and ensuring you use dry, seasoned and dry wood, all our current clean burn and DEFRA exempt stoves are capable of producing very clear exhaust. They also have particle levels of 60% or more below the DEFRA limit.

A wood-burning stove equipped with a hybrid unit or catalytic converter can provide the best low carbon solution for heating. These units re-ignite the gases and particulates that were ignited during the initial combustion in a second stage by mixing them with superheated air. They then channel the remaining particulates and gasses through a catalytic combustor to create the third and final combustion, further reducing emissions to a level well below government standards.

Clean Burn

Cleanburn wood stoves are engineered to burn fuel with the best efficiency possible. This results in the release of very small particles into air when burning wood. The stove's air management system controls the intake and exhausting of gases, ensuring that the combustion process is conducted in a closed, controlled atmosphere. It also regulates the flame height to minimise emissions and maximise the heat output.

This means that your chimney as well as the surrounding area will be a lot cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter, also referred to as particle pollution, from incompletely burned wood can cause respiratory problems, such as coughing and wheezing. It can also contribute to heart disease as well as stroke, diabetes and other serious illnesses. The air pollution resulting from wood combustion is an important factor in poor air quality in urban areas.

Smoke from poorly burned timber is a source of fine particulate pollutants as well as harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, as well as other dangerous air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, and formaldehyde. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and other organs and cause discomfort, damage and even death. Airborne dust can also harm the surfaces of your home and give a gritty feel to rooms.

It is important to select good quality, seasoned and dried firewood when using your wood burner fireplace. Hardwoods such as oak, ash, and beech are the most efficient for heating. Hardwoods have a higher density and BTU content, and they provide more heat than softwoods.

You should also check whether your local authority has any regulations regarding wood burning. These rules may include rules regarding odors and nuisances, as well as visible emissions or smoke opacity limitations.

It is important to keep the glass of a wood stove that has glass fronts free of grime and deposits. You can make use of a dry towel or oven cleaner spray to accomplish this. Alternately, you can mix bicarbonate of a soda with a little water to the glass.

Regular maintenance of your chimney and stove is also vital. Regular chimney cleaning is required to remove creosote, and to ensure that the flue is operating properly. It is also recommended to note the dates for periodic inspections on your calendar. This will allow you to avoid costly repairs and prolong the life of your wood burner.

Low Maintenance

Many people choose to install wood-burning fireplaces due to the natural warmth they generate. However, this type of fire requires some care and maintenance. The chimney, flue, and stove can all be the cause of house fires, if they're not cleaned and maintained regularly. Fireplaces can also be a great source of heat when power is out, particularly in winter when snowstorms can cause tree branches to fall and rip up power lines.

By using a wood stove to heat your home, you'll be able to reduce your carbon footprint as compared to other fossil sources of energy like gas. Modern wood stoves and inserts have been designed to meet EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards, which means that they emit very little carbon dioxide. The more well-seasoned wood you use, the more efficient the stove will be. You'll require less wood to generate the same heat.

The fireplaces need some care and maintenance. They should be placed away from combustible material and have a screen installed. Air flow will be improved by keeping the grate free of ash and debris. This will ensure that the fire is burning longer and your home clean. You should have your chimney and stove swept at least once a year to prevent creosote build-up which could be a fire hazard and a clog that can restrict circulation.

A wood burning stove needs to be tended constantly and it can take a while for a beginner homeowner to master the art of how to ignite, light and maintain a steady fire in the fireplace. Once you've learned the art of creating and maintaining a fire in your wood burner, it can be a source of lasting pleasure that will provide heat and warmth for your home all year long.

Fireplaces that burn wood have been in use in a variety of forms for over 500 years and they've gained a new following due to their efficiency and sustainability, as well as the natural warmth and smell of real wood. If you're thinking of buying the purchase of a new heater, consult with your local Regency certified dealer to find out more about the advantages of an insert or stove made of wood for your home.