How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace
Wood stoves, unlike traditional open fireplaces wooden, are designed to burn wood. This allows them to meet tighter emissions regulations.
Wood burning stoves provide dancing yellow flames, cosy crackling sounds and that primal sense of warmth. The smoke produced contains toxic air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Efficient
Fireplaces and stoves that burn wood provide beautiful and natural heat to the home, they are also incredibly efficient. A quality wood stove can be able to achieve an Ecodesign rating of up to 77 percent. With the increasing cost of energy, it is important to make sure you get the most value from your log stove The good news is that it’s much easier than ever!
The moisture content of wood is one of the main factors that determines how efficient a stove that burns wood is. This is the reason we suggest only using seasoned wood which has been dried for at least one year, and often two years. The more dry the wood the more efficiently it burns, which means less smoke and harmful emissions.
Another advantage of a wood-burning stove is that it’s an eco-friendly source of fuel, which is great for the environment. In addition, by buying locally sourced firewood you are helping to promote the active management of forests, which is a great option for wildlife.
The only thing a wood-burning stove needs in terms of maintenance is to remove and get rid of the ash. This can be a bit of a hassle but is well worth it to ensure you get the most heat from each log. If you wait for the ashes 2-3 days to cool completely They can also be utilized as a non-toxic and eco-friendly melting ice. They can be used to polish jewelry and absorb odors.
A wood burner fireplace stove is a truly timeless classic. While they may be less popular than gas fires however, there’s no denying the beauty and allure of a roaring ethonal fire. These fires are perfect to snuggle to on cold winter nights, and they create a warm and welcoming space in your home. Making the investment in a top-quality wood stove will pay off for a long time. Call us today to learn more about how our expert chimney sweeps can help you get the best out of your stove.
Low Carbon
Wood burners that are efficient and clean are among the best ways to save the cost of logs 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.
Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves cause very little pollutant if they are maintained properly and used with dry, seasoned and dry firewood. When they are not maintained properly or use wood that is of poor quality the smoke produced contains fine particles, commonly referred to as particulate pollution, which can irritate lung organs and other body organs. It also contains carbon monoxide and harmful air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Inhaling this type of air pollution may cause irritation of the lungs, coughing, wheezing and asthma attacks and may even lead to serious health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, or premature death.
Some people fear that using a wood burning stove will contribute to climate change, but this is not necessarily the case. Burning wood produces energy that is carbon-neutral. The tree absorbs carbon dioxide throughout its life. After burning the carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere.
The wood is sourced locally, which reduces the amount of pollution released during transportation. It is essential to select hardwoods that are seasoned and of high quality. They will burn longer and more evenly than softwoods.
Modern, EPA certified wood stoves and heaters (such as those manufactured by Charlton & Jenrick) have much lower emissions than older stoves. They have been tested and certified to meet the 2020 EPA standards which are considerably more stringent than previous emissions limits.
All wood burning stoves must be fully vented to the outside of your property to ensure they do not cause a build-up of exhaust inside your home. By keeping the flames away from the logs and making sure you use dry, seasoned wood, all of our current clean burn and DEFRA exempt stoves can produce very clear exhaust and have particulate levels that are 60% or more below the DEFRA limit.
A wood burning stove equipped with a catalytic converter or hybrid unit can offer the ultimate low-carbon option for heating. These units re-ignite gasses and particles that were ignited during the initial combustion in a second phase by mixing them with superheated air. They then channel the remaining particulates and gasses through a catalytic combustor for a third and final combustion, reducing emissions to a level well below government standards.
Clean Burn
Cleanburn wood stoves burn fuel at the highest efficiency possible. This results in a minimum amount of emissions of particles into the air when burning wood. The air management system of the stove regulates the intake and ventilation of gases to ensure the combustion process takes place in a sealed and controlled environment. It also regulates the flame’s height to maximise heat output and minimise emissions.
This means that your chimney as well as the surrounding area will be a lot cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter (also called particle pollution) caused by incomplete combustion of wood causes respiratory issues like wheezing and coughing and can contribute to the development of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other serious health conditions. Wood burning is also a contributor to poor air quality in cities.
The smoke from poorly combusted wood is a mixture of fine particulate pollution as well as hazardous air pollutants like carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds nitrogen oxides, benzene formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These particles can penetrate deep into the organs of the lungs which can cause discomfort, damage and even death. Dust particles from the air can also damage the surfaces of your home and give an unpleasant sludge-like feel to rooms.
It’s important to use only top quality, seasoned, and dried firewood when using your fireplace with a wood burner. The most effective woods for heating are hardwoods such as oak, ash and beech. Hardwoods are dense and have a more BTU than softwoods. They also provide more heat.
It is also important to determine if your local authority has any regulations regarding wood burning. These rules may include rules regarding odors or nuisances, as well as visible smoke emissions or smoke opacity restrictions.
If you have a wood stove with a glass door it is essential to keep the glass clear of dirt and deposits. This can be done with a dry cloth or oven cleaner spray. You can also add bicarbonate soda mixed with water to the glass.
Regular maintenance of your chimney and stove is also essential. This includes regular chimney cleanings to remove creosote and ensure proper operation of the flue. Also be sure to mark dates for inspections on a regular basis in your diary, as this will allow you to avoid costly repairs and prolong the longevity of your wood burner.
Low Maintenance
Many people prefer installing wood burning fireplaces because of the natural warmth they generate. This type of fireplace needs some maintenance and upkeep. The chimney, flue and stove can all be the cause of house fires (what google did to me), if they’re not cleaned and maintained regularly. These fireplaces also provide heat in the event of an electrical outage, particularly during winter storms where branches of trees can fall and power lines may be ripped down.
Using a wood burner for heating will reduce your carbon footprint significantly compared to other fossil fuel sources like gas. Modern wood stoves and inserts are made to meet EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards which mean they produce very low emissions. The more well-seasoned wood is, the more efficient it will be as well, so you’ll burn less of it to get the same amount of heat.
Fireplaces require some attention and maintenance. They should be kept away from materials that ignite and have a screen in place. Making sure the grate is free of ash and debris will help air flow, which will prevent the fire from dying too quickly and keep your indoors clean. It is recommended that your chimney and stove cleaned at least two times per year to prevent the accumulation of creosote, which can cause fire hazards or blockage and hinder the airflow.
A wood-burning stove will need to be tended constantly and it may take time for a new homeowner to learn how to ignite, light, and maintain a steady fire in the wall fireplace. Once you’ve mastered the art of lighting, your wood burner will be a source for warmth and comfort in your home.
Wood burning fireplaces have been around in some form or another for more than 500 years. They’ve gained popularity due to their effectiveness, sustainability, and the natural warmth of real wood. Talk to your local Regency dealer about the benefits of wood stoves or inserts for your home if you’re planning to buy an entirely new heater.