How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace

Wood stoves, unlike traditional open fireplaces, are designed to burn wood. This allows them meet stricter emission standards.

Wood burning stoves offer warm, yellow flames that dance, crackling sounds, and that primordial sensation of warmth. The smoke that is generated is filled with harmful air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Efficient

Fireplaces and stoves made of wood are not just stunning, but they are also incredibly efficient. A high-quality wood burner can attain an Ecodesign rating as high as 77%. With the increasing cost of energy, it is crucial to ensure that you're getting the maximum benefits from your log burner The good news is that it's much simpler than ever before!

One of the main factors that determines the efficiency of the wood-burning stove is in the water content of the wood. We recommend using only well-seasoned wood that has been dried over a period of at least one year, and in many cases two years. The more dry the wood and the more efficient it is to burn. This means less smoke, and less harmful emissions.

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

The only thing a wood burning stove requires in terms maintenance is that you regularly take away and get rid of the ash. It can be a bit of a hassle but is well worth it in order to ensure you get the most heat from each log. If you wait for the ashes to completely cool and then, they can be used as a non-toxic, eco-friendly melting ice. They can also be used to polish jewellery and remove smells.

A wood burner fireplace is a timeless classic. While they may be less popular than gas fires, there is no denying the beauty and allure of a roaring log fire. They are ideal to snuggle in on cold winter evenings, and they create a warm and welcoming space within your home. A high-quality wood burner will pay for itself for many years. Call us today to learn more about how our skilled chimney sweeps can help you get the best out of your stove.

Low Carbon

Wood burners that burn clean and efficiently are one of the best ways to save money on logs and keep your home warm. They also aid local woodland management. This is an excellent option to help wildlife in your area.

If properly maintained wood-burning stoves and fireplaces emit little or no pollution when they are used with dry and seasoned firewood. When they are not properly maintained or when they use wood that is of poor quality, the smoke that is produced contains fine particles, often referred to as particulate pollutants that can cause irritation to 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 lung irritation. It may also cause heart disease, cancer 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 produces energy that is carbon-neutral. The tree absorbs carbon dioxide throughout its lifespan. When burned, the carbon is released into the atmosphere.

The wood is produced locally, which reduces the amount pollution that is produced during the transport process. It is also important to select high-quality well-seasoned hardwoods, as they will have an extended and even burning time than softwoods.

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

To prevent a build-up of exhaust within your home, all wood-burning stoves should be vented to the outside. All our current DEFRA-exempt and clean burn stoves can create clear exhaust when keeping the flames above the wood logs and using dry well-seasoned, clean firewood.

A wood-burning stove that has a catalytic converter or a hybrid unit could provide the most efficient 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. They then channel the remaining particulates and gasses through a catalytic combustion combustor for the third and final combustion, the reduction of emissions to levels well below government standards.

Clean Burn

Cleanburn wood stoves are made to burn fuel with the greatest efficiency that is possible. This means that there are fewer dust emissions into the atmosphere when burning wood. The air management system of the stove controls the intake and venting of gases to ensure the combustion process takes place in a sealed and controlled environment. It also regulates the flame's height to minimise emissions and maximise heat output.

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

The smoke that is emitted from poorly combusted wood contains fine particulate matter and dangerous air pollutants like carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, benzene, formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These particles can reach deep into the lungs and other organs and cause discomfort, damage and Fireplace Surrounds even death. Airborne dust can also harm the surfaces of your home, and can give a gritty feel to rooms.

It is essential to use only good quality, seasoned and dried firewood for your fireplace with a wood burner. Hardwoods like oak beech, ash, and ash are the most efficient for heating. Hardwoods are dense and BTU content and they provide more heat than softwoods.

Contact your local authority to determine whether they have any regulations about wood burning. These rules may include rules regarding odors and nuisances, as well as visible emissions or smoke opacity limits.

It is crucial to keep the glass of a wood stove that has glass fronts free of grime and deposits. You can make use of a dry towel or oven cleaner spray for this. You can also mix bicarbonate of a soda with a small amount of water to the glass.

Regular maintenance of your stove and chimney is also essential. This includes regular chimney cleanings to remove creosote as well as ensure proper functioning of your flue. Be sure to note dates for periodic inspections in your calendar, as this will help you avoid expensive repairs and prolong the longevity of your wood burner.

Low Maintenance

Many people prefer installing wood burning fireplaces due to the natural warmth they generate. This type of Fireplace Surrounds requires some maintenance and upkeep. If not maintained and cleaned regularly, the chimney, flue, and stove can all have the potential to cause fires in your home. These fireplaces are also an excellent source of warmth when power is out, especially in winter when snow storms can cause branches to fall from trees 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, inserts and fireplaces are built to meet EPA standards (Environmental Protection Agency) which means they emit very little emissions. The more well-seasoned wood is and the better it 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 placed away from combustible material and have a screen in place. Keeping the grate clear of ash and debris will aid in the flow of air and will stop the fire from dying out quickly. It will also help keep your home clean. You should have your chimney and stove cleaned at least two times per year to avoid creosote accumulation that could create fire hazards or blockage and restrict ventilation.

A wood burning stove will need to be maintained on a regular basis and it can take a while for a beginner homeowner to master the art of how to ignite, light and maintain a constant fire in the fireplace. But, once you've mastered the art of building and maintaining the fire in your wood stove, it can be a source of constant enjoyment that provides heat and warmth for your home year after year.

Wood burning fireplaces have been around in wall fireplace a variety of forms for nearly 500 years, and have rediscovered their popularity because of their effectiveness and sustainability, as well as the natural warmth and aroma of real wood. Talk to your local Regency dealer about the advantages of wood stoves or inserts for your home if you're looking to purchase a new heater.