How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner
fireplace suite
Contrary to traditional open fireplaces, wood stoves are engineered and designed to burn firewood. This allows them to meet stricter emission standards.
Wood burning stoves offer glowing yellow flames, cozy crackling sound and that innate sensation of warmth. However the smoke they release is contaminated with carbon monoxide as well as toxic air pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Efficient
Fireplaces and stoves that burn wood provide a beautiful and natural heat to your home, they are also incredibly efficient. A high-quality wood burner can attain an Ecodesign rating as high as 77%. With the rising cost of energy, it is crucial to make sure you get the most benefits from your log burner - the good news is that it's much easier than ever before!
The amount of moisture in firewood is an important factor that determines how efficient a wood-burning stove is. This is why we recommend only using wood that is seasoned, that has been dried for at least one year, but more often two years. The more dry the wood the more efficiently it burns, which results in less smoke and less harmful emissions.
Another benefit of a wood-burning stove is that it's a low carbon source of fuel, which is excellent for the environment. If you buy locally-sourced wood, you can also help to support the active conservation and management of woodlands. This is great for wildlife.
The only thing a wood burning stove needs in terms of maintenance is to take away and eliminate the ash. It's a bit of a hassle however it is worth it to get the most heat from every log. If you wait for the ashes to cool completely and then, they can be used as a non-toxic, eco-friendly ice melt. They can also be used to polish jewellery and absorb the odors.
A fireplace with a wood burner is a truly timeless classic. Although they're not as popular than gas fireplaces, there is no denying the beauty and enthralling sound of a roaring fire. These fires are great to snuggle up with on cold nights, and make a warm and inviting space in your home. Invest in a quality wood burner and you'll be benefiting for many years to come! Our expert chimney sweeps are available to help you get the most out of your stove. Give us a call today to learn more.
Low Carbon
Wood burners that burn cleanly and efficiently are the best way to save money while also keeping your home warm. As an added benefit they also help to support local woodland management, a great way of supporting the wildlife that lives in your local area.
Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces produce very little pollution if they are maintained properly and operated with dry, seasoned firewood. When they are not maintained properly or use wood that is of poor quality the smoke produced contains fine particles also known as particulate pollutants that can cause irritation to the lungs and other body organs. It also contains carbon monoxide and toxic air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Inhaling these types of air pollution could cause irritation of the lungs, coughing, wheezing and asthma attacks. It can even lead to serious health issues like cancer, heart disease, or premature death.
Some people fear that using a wood-burning stove could contribute to climate change, but this is not necessarily the case. Burning wood produces energy that is carbon neutral. The tree absorbs carbon dioxide throughout its lifespan. When it is burned carbon dioxide is released into the air.
The wood is local, which decreases the amount pollution that is emitted in the transportation process. It is important to use hardwoods that are seasoned and of top quality. They burn longer and more evenly than softwoods.
Modern, EPA certified wood stoves and heaters (such as those made by Charlton & Jenrick) have significantly lower emissions than older stoves. They are certified to meet 2020 EPA standards that are significantly more stringent than the previous emission limits.
To prevent a build-up of exhaust in your home, all wood burning stoves should be vented to the outside. All our current DEFRA-exempt and clean burn stoves can produce very clear exhaust by keeping the flames in the vicinity of the logs of wood and using dry and seasoned firewood.
A wood-burning stove with a catalytic converter can provide the most efficient low carbon heating option. These units re-ignite gases and particles that were ignited during the initial burning in a subsequent phase by mixing them with superheated air. The remaining gases and particulates are pumped through a catalytic combustion unit for a final third combustion. This reduces emissions to levels far below government standards.
Clean Burn
Cleanburn wood stoves burn fuel with the highest efficiency. This means that there are fewer emissions of particles into the air when burning wood. The stove's air management system regulates the intake and exhausting of gases, making sure that the combustion process is conducted in a sealed, controlled environment. It also regulates the flame's height to maximize the output of heat and reduce emissions.
This means that your chimney and surrounding area will be a lot cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter (also known as particle pollution) from wood that is not fully combusted causes respiratory issues like wheezing and coughing in people and can contribute to the development of heart diseases such as stroke, diabetes, and other serious health conditions. The air pollution resulting from wood burning is also an important factor in poor urban air quality.
Smoke from poorly combusted wood contains fine particulate pollutants and harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and other hazardous air pollutants like nitrogen oxides as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, and formaldehyde. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, as well as other organs causing discomfort, harm, and even death. Airborne dust can also damage surfaces within your home with a smudge-like feeling.
It's important to use only high-quality, seasoned and dried firewood when using your fireplace with a wood burner. The most effective woods for heating are hardwoods, such as oak, ash and beech. Hardwoods have a higher density and BTU content and they offer more heat than softwoods.
Check with your local authority to see if they have any rules concerning wood burning. These rules could include rules on odors and nuisances and visible emissions or smoke opacity limitations.
If you have a wood burner with a glass door, it's important to keep the glass clear of grime and deposits. This can be done with a dry cloth or oven cleaner spray. Alternatively, you can add bicarbonate of soda mixed with a bit of water to the glass.
Regular maintenance is also important for your stove and chimney. Regular chimney cleaning is required to eliminate creosote, and ensure that the flue is working correctly. Also, make sure you mark dates for periodic inspections in your calendar, as this will allow you to avoid expensive repairs and prolong the lifespan of your wood stove.
Low Maintenance
Many people prefer installing wood burning fireplaces due to the natural warmth they create. This kind of fireplace requires some maintenance and upkeep. The chimney, flue and stove are all possible sources of house
wall fires, if they're not cleaned and maintained regularly.
fireplaces electric can also provide heat in the event of a power outage, especially during winter storms when tree branches can fall and power lines may be knocked down.
By using a wood stove to heat your home, you will reduce your carbon footprint as compared to other fossil sources of energy like gas. Modern wood stoves and inserts are designed to comply with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards, which means that they emit very little carbon dioxide. The more well-seasoned wood is the more efficient it will be and you'll use less of it to produce the same amount of heat.
fireplaces wood require some maintenance and care. They must be kept clear of materials that ignite and have a screen. Keeping the grate clear of ash and debris will allow airflow and prevent the fire from dying too quickly and keep your indoors clean. It is recommended that your chimney and stove swept every year at least two times to prevent creosote build-up which could create a fire hazard and a blockage that can hinder the flow of air.
It could take a while for a new homeowner to learn how to light, ignite and maintain a steady
ethonal fire (
read this post from Nochill) in the fireplace. Once you've mastered the art, your wood burning stove will be an excellent source of warmth and comfort within your home.
Wood-burning fireplaces have been around in some form or another for nearly 500 years, and have rediscovered their popularity due to their effectiveness, sustainability, and the natural warmth and aroma of real wood. If you're thinking about buying the purchase of a new heater, consult with your local certified Regency dealer to find out more about the advantages of a wood stove or an insert for your home.
