How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner
freestanding fireplaceWood stoves, unlike traditional open
fireplaces electric, are engineered to burn wood. This allows them meet the stricter emission requirements.
Wood burning stoves provide dancing yellow flames, cosy crackling sounds, and that primordial sensation of warmth. However the smoke that it produces is contaminated with carbon monoxide as well as toxic air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Efficient
Wood burning stoves and fireplaces offer a stunning and natural heat to the home, they are also incredibly efficient. A high-quality wood burner can have an Ecodesign rating of up to 77%. It is vital to get the most benefit of your log stove, especially with rising energy costs. The good thing is that it's now easier than ever before to do!
A key factor in how effective a wood-burning stove can be will be the water content of the wood. We recommend using only dried and seasoned wood that has dried for at least one year, and in some cases, two years. The more dry the wood, the better it burns. This means lesser smoke and fewer harmful emissions.
Another benefit of a wood burning stove is that it's a low carbon source of fuel, which is fantastic for the environment. If you buy locally-sourced wood, you also help to promote the active management and conservation of forests. This is great for wildlife.
The only thing a wood-burning stove requires in terms maintenance is that you regularly remove and eliminate the ash. It can be a bit of a hassle, but it is worth it to get the best heat out of every log. Furthermore, 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 also be used to polish jewellery and remove the odors.
A fireplace that burns wood is a timeless classic. While they may be less popular than gas fires, there is no denying the appeal and enthralling sound of a warm log fire. These
fires are perfect to cuddle to on cold winter evenings, and they make a warm and inviting space in your home. Choose a high-quality wood burner and you'll be enjoying the benefits for years to come! Our expert chimney sweeps are on hand to help you get the most out of your stove. Give us a call now to find out more.
Low Carbon
Burners that are efficient and clean are among the most efficient ways to save the cost of logs while keeping your home warm. They also help local woodland management. This is a great option to help wildlife in your local area.
When properly maintained, wood-burning fireplaces and stoves emit very little pollution when they are operated with dry and seasoned wood. However, if they're not maintained properly or are made of poor quality wood, the smoke produced by them is contaminated with fine particles (known as particulate pollution) which can cause irritation to the lung and other organs. Carbon monoxide, toxic air pollutants such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are also present. Inhaling air pollution can cause irritation of the lung and lead to asthma attacks, wheezing, coughing and lung irritation. It can also lead to heart disease, cancer or premature death.
Some people are concerned that wood-burning stoves contribute to climate changes, but this isn't necessarily true. Wood burning is a carbon neutral energy source. The tree absorbs carbon dioxide throughout its lifespan. When burned carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere.
The wood is sourced locally, which reduces the amount of pollution emitted in the transportation process. It is important to use hardwoods that are well-seasoned and of high quality. They will burn longer and more evenly than softwoods.
Modern, EPA certified wood stoves and heaters (such as those made by Charlton & Jenrick) have considerably lower emissions than earlier stoves. They have been tested and certified to meet the 2020 EPA standards which are considerably more stringent than previous emissions limits.
To avoid a build up of exhaust within your home, all wood-burning stoves should be vented fully to the outside. By keeping the flames in the vicinity of the logs, and ensuring you use dry, seasoned wood, all of our current clean burn and DEFRA exempt stoves produce very clear exhaust and have particulate levels that are 60% or more below the DEFRA limit.
A wood-burning stove equipped with a hybrid unit or catalytic converter can provide the most efficient low carbon heating solution. These units ignite the gases and particulates that were ignited during the initial combustion at a later stage by mixing them with superheated air. The remaining gasses and particulates are transferred to a catalytic unit to create a final and third combustion. This reduces emissions to levels well below the government standards.
Clean Burn
Cleanburn wood stoves are engineered to burn fuel with the best efficiency that is achievable. This results in the release of minimal particles into the air when burning wood. The stove's air management system regulates the intake and exhausting of gases, ensuring the combustion process occurs in a controlled, sealed atmosphere. It also regulates the height of the flame to maximise heat output and minimise emissions.
This means that your chimney and the surrounding area will be cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter, also referred to as particle pollution, resulting from wood that is not properly burned can cause respiratory problems, such as coughing and wheezing, and can contribute to heart disease as well as stroke, diabetes and other serious ailments. Wood burning is also a contributor to poor air quality in cities.
Smoke from poorly combusted timber is a source of fine particulate pollutants as well as hazardous air pollutant such as carbon monoxide and other hazardous air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, and formaldehyde. These particles can reach deep into the organs of the lungs, causing damage, discomfort and even death. Airborne dust can also contaminate the surfaces of your home and create an unpleasant sludge-like feel to rooms.
It's important to use only top quality, seasoned, and dried firewood when using your wood burner
white fireplace. The most valuable woods for heating are hardwoods, such as beech, oak and ash. Hardwoods have a higher density and BTU content and they offer more heat than softwoods.
It is also important to determine if your local authority has regulations regarding wood burning. These rules could include rules on odors and nuisances, as well as visible smoke emissions or smoke opacity limits.
If you have a wood stove with a glass door, it's important to keep the glass clean of grime and deposits. You can use a dry cloth or oven cleaner spray for this. Alternately, you can add bicarbonate of soda mixed with a little water to the glass.
Regular maintenance of your chimney and stove is also vital. This includes regular chimney cleanings to remove creosote and ensure proper operation of the flue. Be sure to note dates for periodic inspections in your diary, as this will allow you to avoid expensive repairs and prolong the lifespan of your wood stove.
Low Maintenance
Many people choose to install wood burning
fireplaces wooden because of the natural warmth they generate. This kind of fireplace requires a bit of maintenance and upkeep. The chimney, flue and stove are all potential sources of house fires, if they're not maintained and cleaned regularly. These fireplaces are also a great source of heat when the power goes out, especially during winter, when snow storms could cause branches to fall from trees and knock down under-hanging power lines.
Using a wood burner for heating will reduce your carbon footprint considerably compared to other fossil fuel sources, such as gas. Modern wood stoves and inserts are made to comply with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards, which means that they produce very low emissions. The more well-seasoned wood you use the more efficient the stove will be. You'll need less wood to achieve the same amount of heat.
The fireplaces require some maintenance and care. They should be kept away from the combustible materials and have a screen installed. The air flow can be improved by keeping the grate clean of ash and other debris. This will help keep the fire burning longer and your home clean. It is recommended that your stove and chimney cleaned at least twice per year to prevent the build-up of creosote which could create an extremely dangerous fire hazard as well as a blockage that can hinder circulation.
A wood-burning stove will need to be maintained on a regular basis and it can take a while for a new homeowner to master the art of how to ignite, light and maintain a constant fire in the
electric fireplace. Once you've achieved the art of creating and maintaining an open flame in your wood stove, it can be a source of enduring pleasure that can provide warmth and warmth to 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 because of their efficiency, sustainability and the natural warmth that comes from wood. If you're thinking of buying the purchase of a new heater, consult with your local certified Regency dealer to find out more about the benefits of a wood stove or an insert for your home.
