How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace

Wood stoves, unlike traditional open fireplaces, are designed to burn wood. This allows them to comply with tighter emissions regulations.

Wood burning stoves provide dancing yellow flames, cosy crackling sounds and that primal sense of warmth. However, the smoke it creates is contaminated with carbon monoxide as well as toxic air pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Efficient

Fireplaces and stoves that burn wood provide beautiful and natural heat to your home, they are also incredibly efficient. A high-quality wood burner can have an Ecodesign rating of up to 77 percent. It is crucial to get the most out of your log stove in light of increasing energy costs. The good news is that it's easier than ever to do!

A key factor in how effective a wood burning stove is will be the moisture content of the firewood. We recommend using only dried and seasoned wood that has dried for at least one year and in many cases two years. The more dry the wood is and the more efficient it is to burn. This means lesser smoke and fewer harmful emissions.

Another great benefit of a wood-burning stove is that it's an eco-friendly source of fuel, which is fantastic for the environment. When you purchase locally-sourced wood, you also help to support the active management and conservation of forests. This is great for wildlife.

In terms of maintenance involved, the sole requirement for a wood stove is to regularly scoop up and dispose of the ash. It's somewhat of a hassle however it is worth it to get the most heat out of every log. In addition, if you wait 2-3 days until the ashes completely cool, they can be reused to make an eco-friendly and non-toxic ice melt. They can be used to polish jewelry and absorb odors.

A fireplace that burns wood is an old-fashioned classic. Although they're less popular than gas Fireplaces and Stove however, there's no denying the beauty and allure of a roaring fire. These fires are great for snuggling up with on cold evenings, and they create a warm and welcoming area in your home. Invest in a quality wood stove and you'll start reaping the benefits for many years to come! Contact 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 are efficient and clean are the most efficient method to save money while keeping your home warm. They also support local woodland management. This is a fantastic option to help wildlife in your area.

Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves create very little pollution if they are properly maintained and are used with dry, seasoned firewood. However, if they are not maintained properly or are using wood of poor quality, the smoke produced by them can contain fine particles (known as particulate pollution) which can cause irritation to the lungs and other organs. Carbon monoxide, air pollutants that are toxic such as formaldehyde and benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are also present. Inhaling this kind of air pollution could cause lung irritation as well as wheezing, coughing, and asthma attacks and may even lead to serious health issues like heart disease, cancer, or premature death.

Many are concerned that wood-burning stoves contribute to climate change However, this isn't true. Burning wood is a carbon neutral energy source. The wood absorbs carbon dioxide throughout its lifespan. When it is burned, the carbon is released into the atmosphere.

As the wood is sourced locally this decreases the amount of pollutants released when it is transported. It is important to use hardwoods that are seasoned and of high quality. They will burn longer and more evenly than softwoods.

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

All wood-burning stoves must be fully vented to the outside of your home to ensure they do not cause a build-up of exhaust in your house. By keeping the flames away from the logs, and ensuring you use dry, seasoned and dry wood, all our current clean burn and DEFRA exempt stoves are capable of producing extremely clear exhaust and have particulate levels 60% or more below the DEFRA limit.

A wood-burning stove with a hybrid unit or catalytic converter could be the ultimate low carbon solution for heating. 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 transferred to a catalytic unit for a final third combustion. This reduces emissions to levels that are below the government standards.

Clean Burn

Cleanburn wood stoves are made to burn fuel with the greatest efficiency that is possible. This results in the release of a small amount of particles into the air when burning wood. The stove's air management system controls the intake and exhausting of gases, ensuring that the combustion process takes place in a closed, controlled environment. It also regulates the flame height to minimize emissions and increase the heat output.

This means that your chimney and the surrounding area will be 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 contribute to the development of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other serious health issues. The smoke caused by wood burning is an element that contributes to poor urban air quality.

Smoke from poorly combusted wood is a source of fine particulate pollutants as well as harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide as well as other harmful air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as benzene and formaldehyde. These particles can penetrate deep into the organs of the lungs and cause discomfort, damage and even death. Airborne dust can also contaminate surfaces in your home, giving them a gritty feel.

It is important to select top quality, seasoned, and dried firewood when using your wood burner fireplace. Hardwoods such as oak beech, ash, and ash are the best for heating. Hardwoods have a high density and BTU content. They also offer more heat than softwoods.

Contact your local authority to see whether they have any regulations about wood burning. These could include nuisance/odor regulations and visible emissions, or smoke opacity limits.

If you have a wood burner with a glass door, it's important to keep the glass free of grime and deposits. You can use a dry cloth or oven cleaner spray for this. You can also add bicarbonate soda mixed with water to the glass.

Regular maintenance is also important for your chimney and stove. This includes regular chimney cleanings that remove creosote as well as ensure proper functioning of your flue. Be sure to note dates for regular inspections in your diary, as this will help you avoid costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your wood stove.

Low Maintenance

Many people prefer installing wood burning fireplaces due to the warmth and natural beauty they provide. However, this type of fire requires some upkeep and maintenance. The chimney, flue and stove are all possible sources of house fires, if they're not cleaned and maintained regularly. They also provide warmth in the event of an electrical outage, especially during winter storms, when branches of trees can fall and power lines may be damaged.

Using a wood stove to heat your home can reduce your carbon footprint substantially when compared to other fossil fuel sources like gas. Modern wood stoves, inserts and fireplaces are designed to comply with EPA standards (Environmental Protection Agency) which means they emit very little carbon dioxide. The more well-seasoned wood you use, the more efficient the stove will be. You'll need less wood to generate the same heat.

The fireplaces need some care and maintenance. They should be kept away from materials that ignite and have a screen in place. Making sure the grate is free of debris and ash will help air flow, which will prevent the fire from dying out quickly. It will also help keep your indoors clean. It is recommended that your stove and chimney cleaned at least once a year to prevent the build-up of creosote, which can be an extremely dangerous fire hazard as well as a clog that can restrict circulation.

It can take a while for a new homeowner to learn how to light, ignite and maintain a steady fire in the fireplace. However, once you have learned the art of creating and maintaining an open flame in your wood stove, it can be a source of lasting pleasure that will provide heat and warmth for your home year after year.

Wood burning fireplaces are around in one form or another 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 of buying a new heater, talk with your local certified Regency dealer to learn more about the advantages of a wood stove or insert for your home.