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 stricter emission regulations.

Wood burning stoves emit glowing yellow flames that dance and warm crackling noises. They also give you an incredibly warm feeling. However the smoke they release 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 provide a beautiful and natural heat to the home, they are also extremely efficient. A top-quality wood stove can have an Ecodesign rating up to 77%. With the increasing cost of energy, it is essential to ensure that you are getting the maximum benefits from your log burner - the good thing is that this is much easier than ever!

The amount of moisture in firewood is a key factor that determines the efficiency of a wood-burning stove is. This is the reason we suggest only using seasoned wood, which has been dried for a minimum of one year, and more often two years. The more dry the wood the more efficiently it burns which means less smoke and less harmful emissions.

A wood burning stove also has the benefit of being a low-carbon fuel source, which is great for the environment. Additionally, by purchasing locally-sourced firewood, you are helping to support the management of woodlands which is a good thing for wildlife.

The only thing a wood burning stove requires in terms maintenance is to take away and dispose of the ash. It's quite a challenge, but it is worth it to get the best heat from each log. Additionally that if you wait a couple of days until the ashes completely cool they can be used as a non-toxic and eco-friendly ice melt. They can also be used to polish jewellery and absorb smells.

A fireplace that burns wood is an old-fashioned classic. Although they're less popular than gas fireplaces but there's no denying the appeal and allure of a roaring log fire. They're perfect for cosying up to on cold nights and are a perfect way to create an inviting and warm space in the heart of your home. Making the investment in a top-quality wood stove will pay off for many years. 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 burn cleanly and efficiently are the most effective way to save money while keeping your house warm. They also aid local woodland management. This is a fantastic method to support wildlife in your area.

Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves create very little pollutant if they are maintained properly and operated with dry, seasoned and dry firewood. If they aren't maintained properly or use wood that is of poor quality, the smoke that is produced contains fine particles, also known as particulate pollutants that can cause irritation to the lung organs and other body organs. Carbon monoxide, air pollutants that are toxic such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are also present. Inhaling air pollution can cause lung irritation and trigger asthma attacks wheezing, coughing, and lung irritation. It may also cause heart disease, cancer or premature death.

Some people are worried that wood-burning stoves will contribute to climate change However, this isn't true. Burning wood is a carbon neutral energy source. The tree absorbs carbon dioxide throughout its lifetime. After burning, the carbon is released into the air.

Because the wood is harvested locally, it reduces the amount of pollutants released when it is transported. It is also important to select top 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 manufactured by Charlton & Jenrick) have much lower emissions than older stoves. They have been certified to meet 2020 EPA standards, which are considerably more strict than previous emission limits.

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

A wood-burning stove that has a catalytic converter or a hybrid unit can offer the ultimate low-carbon heating solution. These units re-ignite the gases and particulates that were ignited during the initial combustion in a subsequent stage by mixing them with superheated air. The remaining gases and particulates are then transported through a catalytic combustion unit to create a final and third combustion. This further reduces emissions to levels well below the standards set by the government.

Clean Burn

Cleanburn wood stoves are designed to burn fuel with the greatest efficiency that is achievable. This results in the release of very small particles into air when burning wood. The air management system of the stove regulates the intake and venting of gases, ensuring that the combustion process occurs in a sealed and controlled environment. It also regulates flame height to maximise heat output and minimise emissions.

This means your chimney and surrounding area will be much cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter, also known as particle pollution, resulting from wood that is not properly burned can cause respiratory issues, like wheezing and coughing, and can contribute to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other serious ailments. The smoke from wood combustion is an element that contributes to poor urban air quality.

Smoke from poorly combusted timber is a source of fine particulate pollutants as well as harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and other hazardous air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, and formaldehyde. These particles can get into the lung and other organs, causing damage, discomfort and even death. Airborne dust can also harm the surfaces in your home and give a gritty feel to rooms.

It is important to select good quality, seasoned and dried firewood when using your fireplace with a wood burner. The most effective woods for heating are hardwoods such as beech, oak and ash. Hardwoods are extremely dense and have higher BTU than softwoods. They also have more heat.

It is also important to determine if your local authority has regulations regarding wood burning. These may include rules regarding odors and nuisances and visible emissions or smoke opacity limitations.

If you have a wood burner with a glass door, it's important to keep the glass clear of dirt and deposits. This can be done with dry cloths or oven cleaner spray. Alternately, you can add bicarbonate of soda with a small amount of 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 functioning of the flue. It is also recommended to note the dates of periodic inspections on your calendar. This will help you prevent costly repairs and extend your wood burner's life.

Low Maintenance

Many people opt to install wood burning fireplaces because of the natural warmth they create. However, this kind of fire requires some care and maintenance. If it is not maintained and cleaned regularly the chimney, flue and stove can all be fire hazards within your home. These fireplaces are also an excellent source of warmth when the power goes out, particularly in winter when snow storms can cause branches to fall from trees and rip up power lines.

Utilizing a wood burner for heating will reduce your carbon footprint considerably when compared to other fossil fuel sources such as gas. Modern wood stoves, inserts and fireplaces are built to meet EPA standards (Environmental Protection Agency) which means that 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 produce the same amount of heat.

Fireplaces And Stove require some maintenance and care. They should be placed away from combustible material and have a screen. Making sure the grate is free of debris and ash will aid in the flow of air and will stop the fire from dying out too quickly and keep your indoors clean. It is important to have your stove and chimney swept at least twice a year to avoid creosote accumulation, which can cause an fire hazard or blockage and restrict the airflow.

A wood burning stove will need to be tended constantly and it may take time for a new homeowner to understand how to ignite, light, and maintain a steady fire in the fireplace. Once you've mastered the art of burning, your wood burner will be an excellent source of warmth and comfort within your home.

Wood burning fireplaces have been in use in a variety of forms or styles for more than 500 years. They've gained a lot of attention due to their efficiency, sustainability and the natural warmth that comes from wood. Talk to your local Regency dealer about the benefits of wood stoves or inserts for your home if you're looking to buy an entirely new heater.