How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace

Wood stoves, unlike traditional open fireplaces, are engineered to burn wood. This allows them meet the stricter emission requirements.

Wood burning stoves are renowned for their dancing yellow flames, cosy crackling sounds and that primal sensation of warmth. However, the smoke it creates is contaminated with carbon monoxide as well as toxic air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Efficient

Fireplaces and stoves that burn wood offer a stunning and natural heat source to the home, they are also extremely efficient. A top-quality wood stove can have an Ecodesign rating up to 77 percent. It is crucial to get the most benefit of your log burner particularly with the increasing energy costs. The good news is it's much easier than ever to do!

One of the most important factors in the effectiveness of a wood burning stove is is the water content of the wood. We recommend using only dried and seasoned wood that has dried over a period of at least one year, and often two years. The more dry the wood is more dry, the better it burns. This means less smoke, and less harmful emissions.

A wood-burning stove also has the benefit of being an environmentally friendly fuel source, which is good for the environment. When you purchase locally-sourced wood, you can also help to support the active management and conservation of forests. This is great for wildlife.

As far as maintenance is concerned, the primary requirement for a wood stove is to frequently take out and dispose of the ash. It's a bit of a hassle, but it is worth it to get the best heat from each log. If you wait for the ashes to cool completely, they can also be utilized as a non-toxic and eco-friendly ice melt. They can be used to polish jewelry and absorb odors.

A fireplace with wood burning is an old-fashioned classic. Although they're less well-known than gas fireplaces, their appeal and ambiance of a roaring flame cannot be disregarded. These fires are great for snuggling up with on cold nights, and they create a warm and welcoming space within your home. A high-quality wood stove will pay off for a long time. Our chimney sweeps are on hand to help you get the most out of your stove - give us a call today to find out more.

Low Carbon

Wood burners that are efficient and clean are the best way to save money while keeping your home warm. They also help local woodland management. This is an excellent way to support the wildlife that lives in your neighborhood.

Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves create minimal pollution when they are maintained properly and used with dry, seasoned firewood. If they aren't properly maintained or make use of wood that is not of high quality the smoke produced contains fine particles, also known as particulate pollutants that can cause irritation to the lungs and other organs of the body. It also contains carbon monoxide as well as toxic air pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Inhaling air pollution can cause irritation of the lung and lead to asthma attacks, wheezing, coughing and irritation of the lungs. It may also cause cancer, heart disease or premature death.

Some people are concerned that wood-burning stoves can cause climate change However, this isn't true. Burning wood is a carbon neutral energy source. The wood absorbs carbon dioxide throughout its lifespan. After burning the carbon dioxide is released into the air.

The wood is produced locally, which reduces the amount pollution that is produced during the transport process. It is also important to use high quality woods that are seasoned and seasoned as they will give an extended and more consistent burning time than softwoods.

Modern, EPA certified wood stoves and heaters (such as those made by Charlton & Jenrick) have significantly lower emissions than older stoves. They have been certified to meet 2020 EPA standards which are significantly more strict than previous emission limits.

To avoid a build up of exhaust inside your home, all wood burning stoves should be vented to the outside. All our current DEFRA-exempt and clean burn stoves can produce very clear exhaust by keeping the flames in the vicinity of the wood logs and by using dry well-seasoned, clean firewood.

A wood burning stove with a catalytic converter or hybrid unit can provide the best low-carbon heating solution. These units ignite the gases and particulates that were ignited during the initial combustion in a subsequent stage by mixing them with superheated air. They then channel the remaining particulates and gasses through a catalytic combustor to create the third and final combustion, the reduction of emissions to levels much lower than the standards set by the government.

Clean Burn

Cleanburn wood stoves burn fuel with the highest efficiency. This results in the emission of a small amount of particles into the air when burning wood. The stove's air management system controls the intake and venting of gases, ensuring that the combustion process is conducted in a sealed, controlled atmosphere. It also regulates the flame's height to minimise emissions and maximise heat output.

This means that your chimney and the surrounding area will be a lot cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter, also referred to as particle pollution, is a result of incompletely burned wood can cause respiratory issues, such as coughing and wheezing. It can also contribute to heart disease and stroke, diabetes and other serious conditions. The smoke from wood burning is also a contributory factor in poor urban air quality.

Smoke from poorly burned timber has fine particulate pollution and hazardous air pollutant such as carbon monoxide as well as other harmful air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene and formaldehyde. These particles can get into the lungs, and other organs causing discomfort, damage and even death. Airborne dust can also damage surfaces in your home and give them a rough sensation.

It is important to select good quality, seasoned and dried firewood when using your fireplace with a wood burner. Hardwoods like oak, ash, and beech are the best choice for heating. Hardwoods are extremely dense and have higher BTU than softwoods. They also provide more heat.

Check with your local authority to find out whether they have rules regarding wood burning. These may include rules regarding odors and nuisances, as well as visible emissions or smoke opacity limits.

If you have a wood burner with a glass door it is important to keep the glass clear of deposits and grime. You can use a dry towel or oven cleaner spray for this. Alternatively, you can add bicarbonate of soda with a bit of water to the glass.

Regular maintenance of your stove and chimney is also vital. This includes regular chimney cleanings that remove creosote and ensure the proper functioning of the flue. Be sure to note dates for regular inspections in your calendar, since this will allow you to avoid costly repairs and prolong the longevity of your wood burner.

Low Maintenance

Wood burning fireplaces are very popular because they provide a natural warmth. However, this kind of fire requires some upkeep and maintenance. If not cleaned and maintained regularly, the chimney, flue and stove could be potential sources of fires in your home. Fireplaces can also provide heat in the event of an electrical outage, especially during winter storms, when branches of trees can fall and power lines can be knocked 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, inserts and fireplaces are constructed to meet EPA standards (Environmental Protection Agency) which means they emit very little carbon dioxide. The more well-seasoned the wood is the more efficient it will be and you'll use less of it to get the same amount of heat.

The fireplaces require some attention and maintenance. They should be kept away from the combustible materials and have a screen in place. The flow of air 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 in good order. It is recommended that your stove and chimney cleaned every year at least two times to prevent creosote build-up, which can be a fire hazard and a clog that can restrict ventilation.

It can take a while for a new homeowner to learn to ignite, light and maintain a constant fire in the fireplace. Once you've learned the art, your wood stove will become a source for warmth and comfort in your home.

Wood burning fireplaces have been in use in a variety of forms for more than 500 years and they've gained a new following because of their effectiveness, sustainability, and the natural warmth and smell of real wood. If you're considering installing a new heater, speak with your local certified Regency dealer to find out more about the benefits of a wood stove or an insert for your home.