How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner fireplace surround

Contrary to traditional open fireplaces, wood stoves are engineered and designed to burn wood. This enables them to comply with the stricter emission requirements.

Wood burning stoves produce glowing yellow flames that dance and warm crackling sounds. They also give you warmth and a warm sensation. The smoke that is produced contains toxic air pollutants like 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 incredibly efficient. A quality wood stove can attain an Ecodesign rating of as high as 77 percent. It is crucial to get the most out of your wood burner particularly with the increasing energy costs. The good news is it's easier than ever to do!

One of the most important factors in how effective the wood-burning stove is is the water content of the wood. This is the reason we suggest only using seasoned wood, that has been dried for at least one year, and more often two years. The more dry the wood more dry, the better it burns. This means less smoke and less harmful emissions.

Another great benefit of a wood burning stove is that it's a low carbon source of fuel, which is great for the environment. If you buy locally-sourced wood, you also help to promote the active conservation and management of forests. This is beneficial for wildlife.

As far as maintenance is concerned, the only requirement of a wood burner is to frequently scoop up and dispose of the ash. This can be a bit of a hassle but it's worth it in order to ensure you get the most heat from each log. Furthermore that if you wait a couple of days for the ashes to completely cool they can be used as a non-toxic and eco-friendly ice melt. They can be used to polish jewelry or absorb odors.

A wood burner fireplace is a truly timeless classic. Although they're less popular than gas fireplaces, there is no denying the appeal and allure of a roaring fire. They're great for snuggling in the cold winter nights and are a perfect way to create an inviting and warm space in the heart of your home. Make sure you invest in a high-quality wood stove and you'll start enjoying the benefits for years to be! Call us today to learn more about how our skilled chimney sweeps can assist you in getting the most out of your stove.

Low Carbon

Wood burners that burn clean and efficiently are among the most efficient ways to save the cost of logs while keeping your home warm. As an added benefit they also aid in the local woodland management. It's a excellent way to help the wildlife that lives in your local area.

If properly maintained, wood-burning fireplaces and stoves emit very little pollution when they are used with dry and seasoned wood. When they are not maintained properly or use wood of poor quality the smoke produced contains fine particles, often referred to as particulate pollutants, which can irritate lungs and other body organs. It also contains carbon monoxide and toxic air pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Inhaling air pollution can cause lung irritation and cause asthma attacks, wheezing, coughing and irritation of the lungs. It could also cause cancer, heart disease or premature death.

Many people are concerned that using a wood burning stove could contribute to climate change however this isn't necessarily the case. Wood burning is a carbon neutral energy source. Through the life of a tree it absorbs carbon dioxide, and when it is burned, the carbon absorbed is released back into the atmosphere.

The wood is sourced locally, which reduces the amount pollution that is released during transportation. It is also important to use high quality well-seasoned hardwoods, as they will have an extended and more consistent burning time than softwoods.

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

To avoid a build up of exhaust within your home, all wood burning stoves should be vented to the outside. By keeping the flames away from the logs and ensuring that you use dry, seasoned wood, all our current clean burn and DEFRA exempt stoves can produce very clear exhaust. They also have particulate levels that are 60 or more lower than the DEFRA limit.

A wood-burning stove equipped with a hybrid unit or catalytic converter could be the ultimate low carbon solution for heating. These units re-ignite the particulates and gases from the initial combustion in a second stage by mixing them with superheated air. The remaining gases and particulates are then pumped through a catalytic combustion unit for a final and third combustion. This further reduces emissions to levels that are below government standards.

Clean Burn

Cleanburn wood stoves burn fuel at the highest efficiency possible. This results in minimal particles emitted into the atmosphere when burning wood. The air management system of the stove regulates the intake and ventilation of gases, ensuring that the combustion process occurs in a safe and controlled environment. It also regulates the flame height to reduce emissions and maximize the heat output.

This means that your chimney and surrounding area will be much cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter (also known as particle pollution) from incompletely combusted wood causes respiratory problems such as coughing and wheezing in people and can lead to the development of heart disease such as stroke, diabetes, and other serious health issues. Wood burning is also a contributor to poor air quality in cities.

Smoke from poorly combusted timber is a source of fine particulate pollutants as well as hazardous air pollutant such as carbon monoxide and other hazardous air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, and formaldehyde. These particles can reach deep into the lung and other organs which can cause discomfort, damage and even death. Airborne dust can also harm the surfaces in your home and create the impression of a rough surface to rooms.

It is essential to use only good quality, seasoned and dried firewood when you use your wood burner fireplace. The most effective woods for heating are hardwoods, such as beech, oak and ash. Hardwoods have a high density and BTU content and they offer more heat than softwoods.

You should also determine if your local authority has any rules regarding wood burning. They could include rules for nuisance or odor and visible emissions or smoke opacity limits.

If you have a wood stove with a glass door it is important to keep the glass free of grime and deposits. You can use a dry cloth or oven cleaner spray to accomplish this. Alternatively, you can add bicarbonate of soda with a small amount of water to the glass.

Regular maintenance of your stove and chimney is also crucial. This includes regular chimney cleanings to eliminate creosote as well as ensure proper functioning 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 extend the longevity of your wood burner.

Low Maintenance

Many people choose to install wood burning fireplaces because of the natural warmth they create. However, this type of fire requires some upkeep and maintenance. The chimney, flue, and stove are all possible sources of house fires if they are not maintained and cleaned regularly. These fireplaces also provide heat in the event of an electrical outage, especially during winter storms where branches of trees can fall and power lines could be ripped down.

When you use a wood stove to heat your home, you will reduce your carbon footprint compared to other fossil sources of fuel like gas. Modern wood stoves and inserts are made to conform to EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards, which means that they produce very low emissions. The more seasoned the wood is and the better it is, the more efficient it will be as well and you'll use less of it to produce the same amount of heat.

They require some maintenance and care, including ensuring they are positioned away from combustible materials and a screen is in place. The flow of air will be improved by keeping the grate free of ash and debris. This will ensure that the fire is burning longer and your home clean. It is recommended that your stove and chimney cleaned at least twice per year to prevent creosote build-up which could create a fire hazard and a blockage that can hinder circulation.

It could take a while for homeowners who are new to the area to learn to ignite, light and maintain a constant fire in the fireplace. Once you've mastered the art of building and maintaining the fire in your wood burner, it can be a source of lasting pleasure that can provide warmth and warmth to your home all year long.

Wood-burning fireplaces have been in use in one form or another for more than 500 years and have rediscovered their popularity due to their energy efficiency and sustainability, as well as the natural warmth and aroma of real 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.