How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace

Contrary to traditional open fireplaces, wood stoves are designed and optimised to burn wood. This allows them meet stricter emission regulations.

Wood burning stoves provide dancing yellow flames, cosy crackling sound and that innate sensation of warmth. The smoke produced is filled with harmful air pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Efficient

Fireplaces and stoves made of wood are not just gorgeous, but they are also extremely efficient. A quality wood stove can be able to achieve an Ecodesign rating of as high as 77%. It is crucial to get the most benefit of your wood burner in light of increasing energy costs. The good news is that it's easier than ever to do!

The moisture content of firewood is a key factor that determines how efficient a wood-burning stove is. We recommend using only dried and seasoned wood that has dried for at least one year, and in some cases, two years. The more dry the wood is, the better it burns. This means lesser smoke and fewer harmful emissions.

A wood-burning stove also is a low-carbon fuel source, which is beneficial to the environment. If you buy locally-sourced wood, you are also helping to contribute to the active management and conservation of woodlands. This is great for wildlife.

The only thing that a wood burning stove requires in terms of maintenance is to regularly take away and dispose of ash. It's somewhat of a hassle, but it is worth it to get the best heat from each log. If you allow the ashes 2-3 days to completely cool and then, they can be used as a non-toxic and eco-friendly melting ice. They can also be used to polish jewellery and remove smells.

A fireplace with wood burning is an old-fashioned classic. While they're not as popular than gas fireplaces, their appeal and ambiance of a roaring flame cannot be ignored. These fires are perfect to cuddle to on the wall fireplace cold winter nights, and they create a warm and welcoming space within 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 most out of your stove.

Low Carbon

Wood burners that burn cleanly and efficiently are the most effective way to save money while keeping your home warm. In addition, they can also assist in the local woodland management. It's a fantastic way to support the wildlife that lives in your local area.

When properly maintained, wood-burning fireplaces and stoves emit little or no pollution when they are operated with seasoned and dry firewood. When they are not properly maintained or when they make use of wood that is not of high quality the smoke produced is a result of fine particles, also known as particulate pollutants that can cause irritation to the lungs and other organs of the body. Carbon monoxide, air pollutants that are toxic such as formaldehyde and benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are also present. Inhaling air pollution can cause irritation of the lung and cause asthma attacks wheezing, coughing, and irritation of the lungs. It could also cause heart disease, cancer or premature death.

Some people fear that using a wood-burning stove could contribute to climate change, but this is not necessarily true. Wood burning is a carbon neutral energy source. In the course of 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 produced locally, which reduces the amount pollution that is released during transportation. It is also essential to select top quality, seasoned hardwoods as these will give an extended and more consistent burn than softwoods.

Modern wood stoves, including the ones made by Charlton & Jenrick, emit less carbon dioxide than older stoves. They are certified to meet 2020 EPA standards that are significantly more strict than previous emission limits.

All wood burning stoves must be fully vented to the outside of your property to ensure that they don't create a build-up of exhaust within your home. By keeping flames above the logs and ensuring that you make use of dry, seasoned wood, all our current clean burn and DEFRA exempt stoves produce extremely clear exhaust and have particulate levels that are 60 or more lower than the DEFRA limit.

A wood-burning stove that has a catalytic converter or hybrid unit can provide the best low-carbon solution for heating. These units 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 transported through a catalytic combustion unit to create a final and third combustion. This reduces emissions to levels far below the government standards.

Clean Burn

Cleanburn wood stoves burn fuel with the highest efficiency possible. This results in the emission of a small amount of particles into the air when burning wood. The air management system of the stove controls the intake and ventilation of gases, ensuring that the combustion process takes place in a safe and controlled environment. It also regulates flame height to maximize heat output and minimise emissions.

This means that your chimney as well as the surrounding area will be much cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter, also referred to as particle pollution, from wood that is not properly burned can cause respiratory issues, like coughing and wheezing. It can also contribute to heart disease as well as stroke, diabetes and other serious conditions. Air pollution caused by wood burning is a contributory factor in poor urban air quality.

Smoke from poorly burned timber has fine particulate pollution and 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 lungs, and other organs, causing discomfort, harm, and even death. Airborne dust can also contaminate the surfaces of your home, and can give a gritty feel to rooms.

It is essential to use only top quality, seasoned, and dried firewood when you use your fireplace with a wood burner. The most valuable woods for heating are hardwoods such as beech, ash, and oak. Hardwoods are incredibly dense and have a higher BTU content than softwoods. They also have more heat.

You should also check whether your local authority has regulations regarding wood burning. These may include nuisance/odor rules and visible emissions or smoke opacity limits.

It is essential to keep the glass of a wood stove with an open front that is free of deposits and dirt. You can use a dry towel or oven cleaner spray to do this. You can also add bicarbonate soda mixed with water to the glass.

Regular maintenance is also important for your chimney and stove. Regular chimney cleaning is required to eliminate creosote, and also to ensure that the flue is operating correctly. Also, make sure you mark dates for periodic inspections in your diary, as this will help you avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your wood burner.

Low Maintenance

Many people opt to install wood burning fireplaces because of the natural warmth they generate. This type of fireplace requires a bit of maintenance and upkeep. The chimney, flue and stove are all possible sources of house fires, if they're not maintained and cleaned regularly. Fireplaces are also an excellent source of heat when the power goes out, especially in winter when snow storms can cause branches of trees to fall and rip up power lines.

Using a wood stove to heat your home will reduce your carbon footprint considerably compared to other fossil fuel sources such as gas. Modern wood stoves and inserts have been designed to meet EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards which mean they emit very little carbon dioxide. The more well-seasoned wood that you use the more efficient the stove will be. You'll need less wood to generate the same heat.

The fireplaces require some care and maintenance. They should be kept away from the combustible materials and have a screen installed. Keeping the grate clear of debris and ash will aid in the flow of air and prevent the fire from dying too quickly and keep your home clean. You should have your stove and chimney swept at least two times per year to prevent the accumulation of creosote which could cause fire hazards or blockage and restrict circulation.

It could take a while for homeowners who are new to the area to learn how to light, ignite and maintain a steady fire in the fireplace. Once you've learned the art of lighting, your wood burner will be an excellent source of warmth and comfort in your home.

Wood burning fireplaces have been around 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 of wood. If you're thinking about buying installing a new heater, speak with your local Regency certified dealer to learn more about the advantages of a wood stove or an insert for your home.