How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace
Unlike traditional open fireplaces wood stoves are specifically designed and optimized to burn wood. This allows them meet stricter emission regulations.
Wood burning stoves offer glowing yellow flames, cozy crackling sound and that innate feeling of warmth. The smoke that is produced contains toxic air pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Efficient
Wood burning stoves and fireplaces provide beautiful and natural heat to your home, but they are also extremely efficient. A good quality wood burner can be able to achieve an Ecodesign rating of up to 77%. It is vital to get the most out of your log stove particularly with the increasing energy costs. The good thing is that it's now easier than ever before to do!
The moisture content of wood is one of the main factors that determines how efficient a stove that burns wood is. This is why we suggest only using seasoned wood, that has been dried for at least one year, but more often two years. The more dry the wood is, the better it burns. This results in lesser smoke and fewer harmful emissions.
Another advantage of a wood burning stove is that it's an eco-friendly source of fuel, which is excellent for the environment. When you purchase locally-sourced wood, you can also help to support the active conservation and management of woodlands. This is beneficial for wildlife.
The only thing a wood burning stove needs in terms of maintenance is to take away and dispose of ash. This can be a bit of a nuisance, but is well worth it in order to ensure you get the most heat from each log. Additionally that if you wait a couple of days for the ashes to fully cool they can be used as a non-toxic and eco-friendly ice melt. They can be used to polish jewelry or absorb the odors.
A fireplace made of wood is a timeless classic. Although they're not as popular than gas fireplaces but there's no denying the appeal and enthralling sound of a roaring fire. They're perfect for cosying with on cold winter nights and are a perfect way to create an inviting and warm space inside your home. Making the investment in a top-quality wood stove will pay off for many years. Contact us today to learn more about how our experienced chimney sweeps can help you get the best out of your stove.
Low Carbon
Wood burners that burn cleanly and efficiently are the most effective option to save money while keeping your home warm. They also support local woodland management. This is a great way to support the wildlife that lives in your neighborhood.
If properly maintained, wood-burning fireplaces and stoves emit very little pollutant when they are used with seasoned and dry firewood. When they are not maintained properly or use wood of poor quality, the smoke that is produced is a result of fine particles, commonly referred to as particulate pollution, which can irritate lungs and other body organs. It also contains carbon monoxide and toxic air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Inhaling this type of air pollution could cause lung irritation as well as wheezing, coughing, and asthma attacks. It could even cause serious health issues like cancer, heart disease or premature death.
Many are concerned that wood-burning stoves will contribute to climate changes However, this isn't true. Burning wood is a carbon neutral energy source. The tree absorbs carbon dioxide over its life. After burning the carbon dioxide is released into the air.
Since the wood is sourced locally, it reduces the amount of pollutants released during transportation. It is essential to select hardwoods that are seasoned and of high quality. They burn longer and more evenly than softwoods.
Modern wood stoves, such as those manufactured by Charlton & Jenrick, emit significantly less pollutant than older stoves. They have been tested and certified to meet 2020 EPA standards which are considerably more stringent than previous emissions limits.
To avoid a build up of exhaust in your home, all wood-burning stoves should be vented to the outside. By keeping the flames in the vicinity of the logs, and ensuring you make use of dry, seasoned wood and all our clean burn and DEFRA exempt stoves produce very clear exhaust and have particulate levels that are 60 or more lower than the DEFRA limit.
A wood burning stove equipped with a catalytic converter or a hybrid unit can offer the ultimate low-carbon solution for heating. 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 transferred to a catalytic unit to create a final and third combustion. This further reduces emissions to levels well below the government standards.
Clean Burn
Cleanburn wood stoves are engineered to burn fuel with the greatest efficiency possible. This results in a minimum amount of particles emitted into the atmosphere when burning wood. The air management system of the stove regulates the intake and ventilation of gases,
electric Firesuite ensuring that the combustion process occurs in a safe and controlled environment. It also regulates the flame height to reduce emissions and maximize heat output.
This means that your chimney and surrounding area will be much cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter (also known as particle pollution) caused by incomplete combustion of wood causes respiratory issues like wheezing and coughing in people and contributes to the development of heart diseases such as stroke, diabetes, and other serious health issues. Wood burning also contributes to poor air quality in cities.
Smoke from poorly burned timber has fine particulate pollution and hazardous air pollutant such as carbon monoxide as well as other harmful air pollutants like nitrogen oxides as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene and formaldehyde. These particles can be absorbed into the lungs, and other organs, causing discomfort and damage and even death. Dust particles from the air can also cause a hazard to surfaces in your home and give them a rough feel.
It is essential to use only high-quality, seasoned and dried firewood for your wood burner fireplace. Hardwoods such as oak, ash, and beech are the best choice for heating. Hardwoods are dense and have a more BTU than softwoods. They also have more heat.
Contact your local authority to determine if they have any rules concerning wood burning. These could include nuisance/odor regulations and visible emissions, or opacity limits for smoke.
If you have a wood stove with a glass door, it's important to keep the glass clear of deposits and grime. This can be done with a dry cloth or oven cleaner spray. You can also add bicarbonate of soda mixed with a bit of water to the glass.
Regular maintenance of your chimney and stove is also essential. Regular chimney cleaning is required to eliminate creosote, and ensure that the flue is working correctly. It is also important to mark the dates of your periodic inspections on your calendar. This will help you prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your wood stove.
Low Maintenance
Wood burning fireplaces are very popular because they offer natural warmth. This type of
freestanding fireplace requires some maintenance and upkeep. If not maintained and cleaned regularly, the chimney, flue, and stove can all be
fire hazards in your home. Fireplaces are also a great source of heat when power is out, especially during winter when snow storms can cause branches to fall from trees and rip down power lines.
Using a wood stove to heat your home will reduce your carbon footprint substantially when compared to other fossil fuel sources such as gas. Modern wood stoves, inserts, and fireplaces are constructed to conform to EPA standards (Environmental Protection Agency), which means they produce very little emissions. The more seasoned the wood is and the better it is, the more efficient it will be as well which means you'll burn less to generate the same amount of heat.
They require some maintenance and care, including ensuring they are not in close proximity to the ignition source and that a screen is installed. Cleaning the grate of debris and ash will help air flow and prevent the fire from dying quickly. It will also help keep your home clean. You should have your stove and chimney cleaned at least twice per year to prevent creosote build-up, which can be a dangerous fire hazard and a clog that can restrict ventilation.
It could take a while for a new homeowner to master the art of to ignite, light and maintain a continuous fire in the
fireplace. Once you've learned the art of creating and maintaining the fire in your wood stove, it can be a source of constant pleasure that can provide heat and warmth for your home all year long.
Wood burning fireplaces have been in use in one form or another for more than 500 years. They've gained popularity due to their efficiency, sustainability and the natural warmth of 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 benefits of a wood stove or an insert for your home.
