How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace
Wood stoves, in contrast to traditional open fireplaces, are engineered to use wood for combustion. This allows them to comply with 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 it creates is contaminated with carbon monoxide as well as toxic air pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Efficient
Fireplaces and stoves that burn wood provide a beautiful and natural heat source to the home, but they are also extremely efficient. A quality wood stove can be able to achieve an Ecodesign rating as high as 77%. With rising energy costs it is essential to make sure you're getting the maximum value from your log stove - the good news is that it's much easier than ever before!
The moisture content of firewood is an important factor that determines how efficient a wood-burning stove is. We recommend using only dried and seasoned wood that has dried for at least one year, and often two years. The more dry the wood more dry, the better it burns. This results in lesser smoke and fewer harmful emissions.
Another great benefit of a wood-burning stove is that it's an eco-friendly source of fuel, which is fantastic 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.
As far as maintenance is concerned, the only requirement for a wood burner is to regularly remove and scoop up the ash. This can be a little bit of a hassle but it is worth it to ensure you get most heat from each log. Additionally, if you wait 2-3 days for the ashes to fully cool and then reuse them as a non-toxic and eco-friendly ice melt. They can also be used to polish jewellery or absorb smells.
A fireplace made of wood is a truly timeless classic. While they're not as popular than gas fireplaces, their appeal and appeal of a roaring fire cannot be ignored. These fires are perfect to cuddle to on cold winter evenings, and they make a warm and inviting area in your home. Invest in a quality wood burner and you'll be enjoying the benefits for years to come! Contact us today to find out more about how our skilled chimney sweeps can help you get the most out of your stove.
Low Carbon
Burners that are efficient and clean are among the most efficient ways to save money on logs and keep your home warm. As an added benefit they also aid in local woodland management, a great way of supporting the wildlife in your local environment.
Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves create very little pollutant if they are properly maintained and are used 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, 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 present. Inhaling air pollution can cause irritation to the lungs and trigger asthma attacks wheezing, coughing, and lung irritation. It may also cause cancer, heart disease or premature death.
Some people are concerned that wood-burning stoves contribute to climate changes, but this isn't necessarily true. The combustion of wood produces energy that is carbon-neutral. Throughout the lifetime of a tree, it absorbs carbon dioxide and when it is burned, the absorbed carbon is released back into the atmosphere.
Because the wood is harvested locally this decreases the amount of pollution that is released during transportation. It is essential to select hardwoods that are well-seasoned and of high quality. They 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 are certified to meet 2020 EPA standards that are significantly more stringent than the previous emission limits.
To avoid the buildup of exhaust within your home, all wood burning stoves should be vented to the outside. All of our DEFRA-exempt and clean burn stoves can produce very clear exhaust by keeping the flames in the vicinity of the wood logs and using dry, seasoned firewood.
A wood-burning stove with an integrated unit or catalytic converter can provide the best low carbon solution for heating. These units re-ignite the gasses and particulates from the initial combustion in a subsequent stage by mixing them with superheated air. They then funnel the remaining particulates and gasses through a catalytic combustor for an additional and final combustion, the reduction of emissions to levels that is well below the government standards.
Clean Burn
Cleanburn wood stoves burn fuel with the highest possible efficiency. 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 that the combustion process occurs in a controlled, sealed atmosphere. It also regulates the height of the flame to reduce emissions and maximize the heat output.
This means your chimney and surrounding area will be cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter, also referred to as particle pollution, from wood that is not properly burned can cause respiratory issues, like coughing and wheezing. It can also contribute to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other serious conditions. Wood burning can also contribute to poor air quality in cities.
The smoke that is emitted from poorly combusted wood is a mixture of fine particulate pollution and hazardous air pollutants such as carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds nitrogen oxides, benzene formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These particles can penetrate deep into the lung and other organs, causing damage, discomfort and even death. Airborne dust can also contaminate surfaces in your home, giving them a gritty feeling.
It is important to select good quality, seasoned and dried firewood when using your fireplace with a wood burner. The most efficient woods for heating are hardwoods like oak, ash and beech. Hardwoods have a high density and BTU content. They also provide more heat than softwoods.
Check with your local authority to see if they have any rules regarding wood burning. They could include rules for nuisance or odor and visible emissions or the opacity limit for smoke.
If you have a wood stove with glass doors it is important to keep the glass free of grime and deposits. This can be done with a dry cloth or oven cleaner spray. You can also add bicarbonate soda and water to the glass.
Regular maintenance of your chimney and stove is also crucial. Regular chimney cleanings are required to get rid of creosote and also to ensure that the flue is working correctly. Also, make sure you mark dates for regular inspections in your calendar, since this will help you avoid costly repairs and prolong the life of your wood burner.
Low Maintenance
Many people opt to install wood burning Fireplaces And Stove due to the natural warmth they generate. This type of fireplace needs some maintenance and upkeep. If not maintained and cleaned regularly, the chimney, flue and stove could be potential sources of fires within your home. They also provide warmth in the event of power outage, particularly during winter storms, when branches of trees may fall and power lines could be ripped down.
If you use a wood stove to heat your home, you can reduce your carbon footprint as compared to other fossil sources of fuel like gas. Modern wood stoves and inserts have been designed to conform to EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards, which means that they produce very low emissions. The more well-seasoned the wood is and the better it is, the more efficient it will be and you'll use less to generate the same amount of heat.
The fireplaces need some attention and maintenance. They must be kept clear of the combustible materials and have a screen installed. The air flow can be improved by keeping the grate free of ash and other debris. This will keep the fire burning longer and your home in good order. It is recommended that your chimney and stove swept at least twice per year to prevent the build-up of creosote which could be an extremely dangerous fire hazard as well as obstructions that could hinder circulation.
It may take some time for a new homeowner to learn how to light, ignite and maintain a steady fire in the fireplace. Once you've mastered the art of burning, your wood stove will become a source for warmth and comfort within your home.
Wood burning fireplaces have been around in one form or another for over 500 years. They've gained popularity due to their efficiency, sustainability and the natural warmth that comes from wood. If you're thinking of buying installing a new heater, speak with your local Regency certified dealer to find out more about the advantages of a wood stove or an insert for your home.
