How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace
Unlike traditional open fireplaces wood stoves are designed and optimised to burn firewood. This allows them to comply with stricter emission regulations.
Wood burning stoves create sparkling yellow flames and soft crackling noises. They also provide warmth and a warm sensation. The smoke that is produced is contaminated by air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Efficient
Fireplaces and stoves made of wood offer a stunning and natural heat source to the home, and they are incredibly efficient. A high-quality wood burner can attain an Ecodesign rating of as high as 77 percent. With the increasing cost of energy, it is important to ensure you're getting the maximum benefits from your log burner - the good news is that this is more simple than ever!
One of the main factors that determines the effectiveness of a wood-burning stove can be in the moisture content of the firewood. We recommend using only dried and seasoned wood that has dried over a period of at least one year and often two years. The more dry the wood, the more efficiently it burns, which means less smoke and less harmful emissions.
Another advantage of a wood-burning stove is that it's a low carbon source of fuel, which is fantastic for the environment. In addition, by buying locally-sourced firewood, you are helping to promote the active management of woodlands which is a wonderful option for wildlife.
The only thing that a wood burning stove requires in terms of maintenance is that you regularly remove and dispose of the ash. This can be a bit of a hassle, but it is worth it to ensure that you get the most heat from every log. If you allow the ashes to completely cool They can also be used as a non-toxic and environmentally friendly ice melt. They can be used to polish jewelry and absorb odors.
A fireplace made of wood is a truly timeless classic. Although they're not as popular than gas fireplaces, there is no denying the charm and enthralling sound of a warm log fire. These fires are perfect to cuddle up with on cold evenings, and they make a warm and inviting area in your home. A high-quality wood burner will pay off for a long time. Contact us today to learn more about how our expert chimney sweeps can help you get the most out of your stove.
Low Carbon
Wood burners that are efficient and clean are the best method to save money while keeping your home warm. Additionally, they can also assist in local woodland management, a great way of supporting 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 and dry firewood. When they are not properly maintained or when they use wood of poor quality, the smoke that is produced contains fine particles also known as particulate pollutants, which can irritate the lungs and other organs of the body. Carbon monoxide, toxic air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are also found in. Inhaling this type of air pollution can cause irritation to the lung wheezing, coughing and asthma attacks. It could even lead to serious health issues such as 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. Wood burning is a carbon neutral energy source. The wood absorbs carbon dioxide throughout its life. When it is burned carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere.
The wood is produced locally, which reduces the amount of pollution emitted in the transportation process. It is crucial to choose 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 much lower emissions than older stoves. They have been certified to meet 2020 EPA standards which are significantly more strict than earlier emission limits.
All wood burning stoves should be fully vented to the outside of your home to ensure they do not create a haze of exhaust within your home. By keeping the flames in the vicinity of the logs and making sure you use dry, seasoned and dry wood, all our current clean burn and DEFRA exempt stoves are capable of producing very clear exhaust and have particle levels of 60% or more below the DEFRA limit.
A wood-burning stove with a hybrid unit or catalytic converter can provide the best low carbon heating option. These units re-ignite the particulates and gases from the initial combustion at a later stage by mixing them with superheated air. The remaining gases and particulates are pumped through a catalytic combustion unit for a final and third combustion. This reduces emissions to levels that are below the government standards.
Clean Burn
Cleanburn wood stoves burn fuel with the highest possible efficiency. This results in minimal emissions of particles into the air when burning wood. The stove's air management system controls the intake and venting of gases, ensuring the combustion process occurs in a controlled, sealed environment. It also regulates the height of the flame to minimise emissions and maximise the heat output.
This means that your chimney and surrounding area will be a lot cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter (also called particle pollution) from wood that is not fully combusted can cause respiratory problems like wheezing and coughing and can contribute to the development of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other serious health conditions. Wood burning also contributes to poor air quality in cities.
Smoke from poorly burned timber is a source of fine particulate pollutants as well as dangerous air pollutants like carbon monoxide as well as other harmful air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, and formaldehyde. These particles can penetrate deep into the organs of the lungs which can cause discomfort, damage and even death. Airborne dust can also contaminate the surfaces of your home, and can give the impression of a rough surface to rooms.
It's important to use only high-quality, seasoned and dried firewood when you use your wood burner fireplace. The most efficient woods for heating are hardwoods such as beech, ash, and oak. Hardwoods have a high density and BTU content. They also offer more heat than softwoods.
You should also check whether your local authority has any rules regarding wood burning. These rules could include rules on odors and nuisances, as well as visible smoke emissions or smoke opacity limitations.
It is crucial to keep the glass of a wood stove that has a glass front free of dirt and deposits. This can be done using a dry cloth or oven cleaner spray. Alternatively, you can add bicarbonate of soda with a bit of water to the glass.
Regular maintenance of your stove and chimney is also essential. Regular chimney cleaning is required to eliminate creosote, and to ensure that the flue is working correctly. It is also recommended to note the dates of periodic inspections on your calendar. This will help you to avoid costly repairs and prolong the life of your wood stove.
Low Maintenance
Many people opt to install wood burning fireplaces due to the natural warmth they create. This type of fireplace requires some maintenance and upkeep. The chimney, flue, and stove can all be the cause of house
fires if not cleaned and maintained regularly.
Stone Fireplaces are also a great source of heat when power is out, especially during winter, when snow storms could cause tree branches to fall and rip up power lines.
Using a wood burner to heat your home will reduce your carbon footprint significantly when compared to other fossil fuel sources such as gas. Modern wood stoves and inserts have been designed to comply with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards which mean they produce very low emissions. The more seasoned wood you use, the more efficient the stove will be. You'll need less wood to get the same amount of heat.
The fireplaces require some attention and maintenance. They should be kept away from materials that ignite and have a screen installed. The flow of air will be improved by keeping the grate clear of ash and other debris. This will help keep the fire burning longer and your home clean. You should have your chimney and stove cleaned at least twice a year to avoid creosote accumulation that could create a
ethanol fire hazard or clog and limit the airflow.
It could take a while for a new homeowner to learn how to light, ignite and maintain a continuous fire in the
fireplace suite. Once you've mastered the art of building and maintaining the fire in your wood burner, it can be a source of constant pleasure that can provide heat and warmth for your home year after year.
Wood burning fireplaces have been around in a variety of forms or styles for more than 500 years. They've gained popularity due to their efficiency, sustainability and the natural warmth of real wood. If you're thinking of buying installing a new heater, speak with your local certified Regency dealer to learn more about the advantages of an insert or stove made of wood for your home.
