How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace
Contrary to traditional open fireplaces, wood stoves are engineered and designed to burn wood. This enables them to comply with stricter emission standards.
Wood burning stoves offer glowing yellow flames, cozy crackling sounds and that primal feeling of warmth. However, the smoke it creates includes carbon monoxide and harmful air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Efficient
Fireplaces and stoves that burn wood provide a beautiful and natural heat to the home, and they are extremely efficient. A high-quality wood burner can be able to achieve an Ecodesign rating of as high as 77%. With the rising cost of energy, it is important to make sure you are getting the maximum value from your log stove - the good news is that it's much easier than ever before!
One of the most important factors in the efficiency of the wood-burning stove is in the water content of the wood. This is why we recommend only using wood that is seasoned, that has been dried for a minimum of one year, and often two years. The more dry the wood, the better it burns. This means less smoke and less harmful emissions.
A wood-burning stove also offers the advantage of being an environmentally friendly fuel source, which is great for the environment. In addition, by buying locally-sourced firewood, you're aiding in the active management of forests, which is a great aspect for wildlife.
In terms of maintenance involved, the sole requirement for a wood burner is to frequently scoop up and dispose of the ash. It can be somewhat of a hassle, but it is worth it to get the best heat out of every log. If you allow the ashes to cool completely and then, they can be utilized as a non-toxic and eco-friendly melt of ice. They can also be used to polish jewellery or absorb the odors.
A fireplace with a wood burner is a timeless classic. Although they are less popular than gas fireplaces, the appeal and ambiance of a roaring flame cannot be ignored. They're ideal for cozying in the cold winter nights and are a perfect way to create an inviting and warm space within your home. Make sure you invest in a high-quality wood stove and you'll start enjoying the benefits for years to be! Contact us today to find out more about how our skilled chimney sweeps can help you get the best out of your stove.
Low Carbon
Wood burners that burn clean and efficiently are among the most efficient ways to save money on logs while keeping your home warm. Additionally, they also help to support 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 maintained properly and operated with dry, seasoned firewood. However, when they are not maintained properly or are used with poor quality wood the smoke that is produced by them contains fine particles (known as particulate pollution) that can irritate the lungs and other organs. It also contains carbon monoxide and harmful air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Inhaling air pollution can cause irritation of the lung and lead to asthma attacks wheezing, coughing, and lung irritation. It can also lead to cancer, heart disease or premature death.
Some people are worried that wood-burning stoves will cause climate change, but this isn't necessarily true. The combustion of wood produces energy that is carbon neutral. The wood absorbs carbon dioxide throughout its life. When it is burned, the carbon is released into the atmosphere.
The wood is sourced locally, which reduces the amount of pollution emitted in the transportation process. It is also important to select high-quality woods that are seasoned and seasoned as they will give an extended and even burn than softwoods.
Modern wood stoves, such as the ones made by Charlton Jenrick, emit much less pollution than older stoves. They have been tested and certified to meet the 2020 EPA standards which are much more stringent than previous emissions limits.
To avoid a build up of exhaust in your home, all wood burning stoves must be vented completely to the outside. All of our DEFRA-exempt and clean burn stoves can create extremely clear exhaust by keeping the flames in the vicinity of the wood logs and by using dry and seasoned firewood.
A wood-burning stove that has a catalytic converter can provide the most efficient low carbon heating solution. These units re-ignite gasses and particles from the initial burning in a subsequent phase by mixing them superheated air. The remaining gasses and particulates are transferred to a catalytic unit for a final third combustion. This reduces emissions to levels well below the government standards.
Clean Burn
Cleanburn wood stoves are designed to burn fuel with the highest efficiency possible. This results in the emission of minimal particles into the air when burning wood. The stove's air management system controls the intake and exhausting of gases, ensuring that the combustion process occurs in a controlled, sealed environment. It also regulates the flame's height to minimize emissions and increase the heat output.
This means that your chimney and the surrounding area will be much cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter (also called particle pollution) caused by incomplete combustion of wood causes respiratory issues like wheezing and coughing in people and can lead to the development of heart diseases as well as stroke, diabetes, and other serious health problems. Wood burning can also contribute to poor air quality in cities.
The smoke that is emitted from poorly combusted wood contains fine particulate pollution and hazardous air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, benzene formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and other organs which can cause discomfort, 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 important to select good quality, seasoned and dried firewood when using your fireplace with a wood burner. 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.
Check with your local authority to find out whether they have any regulations about wood burning. These rules may include rules regarding odors or nuisances and visible emissions or smoke opacity limitations.
If you have a wood stove with glass doors it is essential to keep the glass free of deposits and grime. You can make use of a dry towel or oven cleaner spray to do this. You can also add bicarbonate soda and water to the glass.
Regular maintenance is crucial for your chimney and stove. This includes regular chimney cleanings to eliminate creosote as well as ensure proper functioning of the flue. Be sure to note dates for periodic inspections in your diary, as this will help you avoid costly repairs and prolong the lifespan of your wood stove.
Low Maintenance
Wood burning fireplaces are popular because they offer natural warmth. This type of fireplace requires some maintenance and upkeep. The chimney, flue and stove can all be the cause of house fires if they are not maintained and cleaned regularly. Fireplaces are also an excellent source of heat when the power goes out, especially during winter, when snow storms could cause branches of trees to fall and rip up power lines.
If you use a wood stove to heat your home, you can reduce your carbon footprint as compared to other fossil fuel sources like gas. Modern wood stoves, inserts and fireplaces are constructed to comply with EPA standards (Environmental Protection Agency) which means that they emit very little emissions. The more seasoned wood you use, the more efficient the stove will be. You'll require less wood to generate the same amount of heat.
Fireplaces require some attention and maintenance. They must be kept clear of combustible material and have a screen in place. Air flow will be improved by keeping the grate free of ash and other debris. This will ensure that the fire is burning longer and your home tidy. It is recommended that your chimney and stove swept at least twice a year to avoid creosote accumulation, which can cause a fire hazard or clog and limit the airflow.
It may take some time for a new homeowner to master the art of to ignite, light and maintain a steady fire in the fireplace. But, once you've mastered the art of building and maintaining a fire in your wood burner, it can be a source of enduring pleasure that will provide warmth and warmth to your home year after year.
Wood burning fireplaces have been in use in one form or another for over 500 years. They've gained a lot of attention due to their energy efficiency, sustainability and the natural warmth of wood. Talk with your local Regency dealer about the advantages of wood stoves or inserts for your home if you're looking to purchase an upgrade to your heater.