How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace
Wood stoves, in contrast to traditional open fireplaces, are designed to burn wood. This enables them to comply with stricter emission standards.
Wood burning stoves create sparkling yellow flames and soft crackling noises. They also provide a primal feeling of warmth. However the smoke that it produces includes carbon monoxide and harmful air pollutants, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Efficient
Fireplaces and stoves that are wood-burning are not just gorgeous, but they are also extremely efficient. A high-quality wood burner can attain an Ecodesign rating as high as 77 percent. With the rising cost of energy, it is important to ensure you’re getting the maximum value from your log stove – the good news is that it’s more simple than ever before!
The moisture content of wood is one of the main factors that determines the efficiency of a wood-burning stove is. We recommend using only dried and seasoned wood that has dried over a period of at least one year, and in some cases, two years. The drier the wood the more efficiently it burns which means less smoke and less harmful emissions.
A wood-burning stove also has the benefit of being a low-carbon fuel source, which is beneficial to the environment. If you buy locally-sourced wood, you also help to contribute to the active conservation and management of forests. This is beneficial for wildlife.
As far as maintenance is involved, the sole requirement for a wood burner is to take out and dispose of the ash. This can be a little bit of a hassle, but it is worth it to ensure you get the most heat from each log. If you allow the ashes to cool completely and then, they can be used as a non-toxic and environmentally friendly ice melt. They can also be used to polish jewellery or absorb odors.
A wood-burning fireplace is an old-fashioned classic. While they may be less popular than gas fires but there’s no denying the appeal and enthralling sound of a roaring fire. These fires are perfect for snuggling up with on cold evenings, and they make a warm and inviting space in your home. A high-quality wood burner will pay off for a long time. Contact us today to learn more about how our experienced chimney sweeps can help you get the best out of your stove.
Low Carbon
Wood burners that burn efficiently and cleanly are the best way to save money while also keeping your home warm. Additionally, they also help to support the local woodland management. It’s a excellent way to help the wildlife that lives in your local area.
Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves create very little pollution if they are properly maintained and used with dry, seasoned and dry firewood. However, if they are not maintained well or used with poor quality wood the smoke generated by them is contaminated with fine particles (known as particulate pollution) that can irritate the lungs and other organs. It also contains carbon monoxide as well as toxic air pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Inhaling air pollution can cause irritation of the lung and lead to asthma attacks, wheezing, coughing and irritation of the lungs. It can also lead to heart disease, cancer or premature death.
Some people fear that using a wood burning stove will contribute to climate change, but this is not necessarily the case. The combustion of wood produces energy that is carbon neutral. The wood absorbs carbon dioxide throughout its life. When it is burned, the carbon is released into the air.
Since the wood is sourced locally this decreases the amount of pollution emitted during transportation. It is essential to select hardwoods that are well-seasoned and of high quality. They will burn longer and more evenly than softwoods.
Modern wood stoves, like those manufactured by Charlton & Jenrick, emit significantly less pollutant than older stoves. They are certified to meet 2020 EPA standards that are significantly stricter than earlier emission limits.
To avoid a build up of exhaust in your home, all wood-burning stoves should be vented to the outside. By keeping the flames in the vicinity of the logs and making sure you use dry, seasoned and dry wood, all of our current clean burn and DEFRA exempt stoves can produce very clear exhaust and have particulate levels that are 60 percent or less below the DEFRA limit.
A wood-burning stove that has a catalytic converter or a hybrid unit can provide the best low-carbon option for heating. These units ignite gasses and particles from the initial combustion in a second stage by mixing them superheated air. The remaining gasses and particulates are pumped through a catalytic combustion unit to create a final and third combustion. This further reduces emissions to levels well below the government standards.
Clean Burn
Cleanburn wood stoves are made to burn fuel with the best efficiency that is achievable. This results in the release of a small amount of particles into the air when burning wood. The air management system of the stove regulates the intake and exhaust of gases to ensure that the combustion process takes place in a controlled and sealed environment. It also regulates the flame’s height to maximise the output of heat and reduce emissions.
This means your chimney and surrounding area will be cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter, also referred to as particle pollution, resulting from incompletely burned wood can trigger respiratory problems, such as coughing and wheezing. It can also contribute to heart diseases and stroke, diabetes and other serious ailments. Wood burning is also a contributor to poor air quality in cities.
Smoke from poorly combusted wood has fine particulate pollution and hazardous air pollutant such as carbon monoxide as well as other harmful air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene and formaldehyde. These particles can be absorbed into the lungs, as well as other organs causing discomfort, injury, and even death. Airborne dust can also contaminate surfaces in your home, giving them a gritty feel.
When using your wood-burning fireplace, it’s important to only make use of high-quality firewood that has been seasoned and dried. The most effective woods for heating are hardwoods such as beech, oak and ash. Hardwoods are dense and have a more BTU than softwoods. They also provide more heat.
You should also check whether your local authority has regulations regarding wood burning. These rules may include rules on odors and nuisances, as well as visible emissions or smoke opacity limits.
It is important to keep the glass of a wood stove that has a glass front free of grime and deposits. You can make use of a dry towel or oven cleaner spray to accomplish this. You can also add bicarbonate soda and water to the glass.
Regular maintenance is crucial for your stove and chimney. Regular chimney cleaning is required to eliminate creosote, and ensure that the flue works properly. You should also mark the dates of periodic inspections on your calendar. This will allow you to prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your wood stove.
Low Maintenance
Wood burning fireplaces are popular because they offer natural warmth. However, this kind of fire requires a bit of 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 are also a great source of heat when power is out, especially in winter when snow storms can cause tree branches to fall and rip up power lines.
By using a wood stove to heat your home, you will reduce your carbon footprint as compared to other fossil sources of fuel 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 the wood is, the more efficient it will be and you’ll use less of it to produce the same amount of heat.
The fireplaces need some care and maintenance. They should be placed away from combustible material and have a screen in place. Air flow will be improved by keeping the grate free of ash and other debris. This will ensure that the fire is burning longer and your home clean. You should have your chimney and stove swept at least twice per year to prevent the accumulation of creosote that could create fire hazards or blockage and hinder circulation.
It can take a while for a new homeowner to master the art of how to light, ignite and maintain a constant fire in the fireplace. Once you’ve learned the art of lighting, your wood burning stove will be a source for warmth and comfort in your home.
Wood burning Fireplaces wood have been around in some form or another for over 500 years. They’ve gained popularity due to their energy efficiency, sustainability and the natural warmth of real wood. If you’re thinking of buying the purchase of a new heater, consult with your local Regency certified dealer to learn more about the benefits of a wood stove or an insert for your home.