How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace

Wood stoves, unlike traditional open fireplaces, are engineered to use wood for combustion. This allows them to meet tighter emissions regulations.

Wood burning stoves emit glowing yellow flames that dance and warm crackling noises. They also give you a primal feeling of warmth. The smoke produced is contaminated by air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, 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 high-quality wood burner can attain an Ecodesign rating as high as 77 percent. It is vital to get the most out of your wood burner particularly with the rising energy costs. The good news is it's much easier than ever to do!

One of the main factors that determines how effective a wood-burning stove can be in the water content of the wood. We recommend using only 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 is, 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. Furthermore, by buying locally-sourced firewood, you're helping to promote the management of woodlands which is a good option for wildlife.

In terms of maintenance concerned, the primary requirement of a wood burner is to regularly scoop up and dispose of the ash. It can be quite a challenge, but it is worth it to get the best heat out of every log. If you allow the ashes 2-3 days to completely cool, they can also be used as a non-toxic and environmentally friendly ice melt. They can also be used to polish jewellery or absorb the odors.

A fireplace made of wood is a truly timeless classic. While they're not as popular than gas fireplaces, the appeal and ambiance of a roaring flame cannot be denied. They're ideal for cozying with on cold winter nights and are an ideal way to create an inviting and warm space in the heart of your home. Make sure you invest in a high-quality wood burner and you'll be enjoying the benefits for years to come! Our chimney sweeps are here to help you get the most value from your stove - give us a call today to learn more.

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. They also aid local woodland management. This is a fantastic way to support wildlife in your area.

Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves create minimal pollution when they are properly maintained and operated with dry, seasoned and dry firewood. When they are not properly maintained or make use of wood that is not of high quality the smoke produced contains fine particles commonly referred to as particulate pollution that can cause irritation to lungs and other body organs. It also contains carbon monoxide as well as toxic air pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Inhaling air pollution can cause irritation to the lungs and trigger asthma attacks wheezing, coughing, and lung irritation. It may also cause heart disease, cancer 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. In the course of the life of a tree it absorbs carbon dioxide and when it is burned, the absorbed carbon is released back into the atmosphere.

The wood is produced locally, which reduces the amount of pollution produced during the transport process. It is also important to select top quality, seasoned hardwoods as these will give a longer and more even burn than softwoods.

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

To avoid the buildup of exhaust within your home, all wood burning stoves should be vented to the outside. All of our current DEFRA-exempt, clean-burn stoves produce extremely clear exhaust by keeping the flames above the wood logs and using dry and seasoned firewood.

A wood burning stove with a catalytic converter or a hybrid unit could provide the most efficient low-carbon option for heating. These units ignite the particulates and gases from the initial combustion in a second stage by mixing them with superheated air. They then funnel the remaining particulates and gasses through a catalytic combustion combustor for the third and final combustion, further the reduction of emissions to levels much lower than the standards set by the government.

Clean Burn

Cleanburn wood stoves are designed to burn fuel with the highest efficiency that is possible. This results in a minimum amount of dust emissions into the atmosphere when burning wood. The air management system of the stove controls the intake and ventilation of gases to ensure the combustion process is conducted in a sealed and controlled environment. It also regulates the flame height to minimise emissions and maximise heat output.

This means that your chimney and its surroundings will be much cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter (also called particle pollution) from wood that is not fully combusted causes respiratory problems such as wheezing and coughing and can lead to the development of heart diseases as well as stroke, diabetes, and other serious health problems. Wood burning also contributes to poor air quality in cities.

Smoke from poorly burned timber is a source of fine particulate pollutants as well as dangerous air pollutants like carbon monoxide as well as other harmful air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as benzene and formaldehyde. These particles can reach deep into the lung and other organs and 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's important to use only good quality, seasoned and dried firewood when you use your fireplace with a wood burner. Hardwoods like oak, ash, and beech are the best for heating. Hardwoods are incredibly dense and have a higher BTU than softwoods. They also provide more heat.

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 burner with a glass door, it's important to keep the glass clear of deposits and grime. This can be done with a dry cloth or oven cleaner spray. You can also add bicarbonate soda mixed with water to the glass.

Regular maintenance of your chimney and stove is also crucial. Regular chimney cleanings are necessary to eliminate creosote, and to ensure that the flue works correctly. You should also mark the dates of your periodic inspections on your calendar. This will help you avoid costly repairs and extend your wood burner's life.

Low Maintenance

Many people opt to install wood-burning fireplaces due to the natural warmth they generate. This kind of fireplace requires some maintenance and upkeep. The chimney, flue and stove can all be the cause of house fires if they are not cleaned and maintained regularly. These fireplaces are also a great source of heat when power is out, particularly in winter when snowstorms can cause branches to fall from trees and rip up power lines.

Utilizing a wood burner for heating will reduce your carbon footprint considerably in comparison to other fossil fuel sources like gas. Modern wood stoves and inserts have been designed to comply with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards, which means they produce very low emissions. The more well-seasoned wood is the more efficient it will be as well, so you'll burn less of it to get the same amount of heat.

The fireplaces need some maintenance and care. They should be placed away from materials that ignite and have a screen installed. The air flow can be improved by keeping the grate clean 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 swept every year at least two times to avoid creosote accumulation which could be a fire hazard and a blockage that can hinder circulation.

A wood-burning stove will need to be maintained on a regular basis and it may take time for a new homeowner to master the art of how to light, ignite, and maintain a steady fire in the fireplace. Once you've mastered the art, your wood burner will be a source for warmth and comfort in your home.

Wood burning fireplaces have been around in one form or another for more than 500 years. They've gained a lot of attention because of their efficiency, sustainability and the natural warmth 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 entirely new heater.