How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace

In contrast to traditional open fireplaces, wood stoves are engineered and designed to burn wood. This allows them to meet the stricter emission requirements.

Wood burning stoves are renowned for their dancing yellow flames, cosy crackling sounds and that primal feeling of warmth. However the smoke they release 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 a beautiful and natural heat to the home, and they are extremely efficient. A good quality wood burner can attain an Ecodesign rating of up to 77 percent. With rising energy costs it is important to make sure you're getting the maximum benefits from your log burner - the good thing is that this is much easier than ever before!

The moisture content of firewood is a key factor that determines the efficiency of a wood-burning stove is. This is why we recommend only using wood that is seasoned, which has been dried for a minimum of one year, but more often two years. The more dry the wood more dry, the better it burns. 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, which is fantastic for the environment. By purchasing locally sourced wood, you can also help to contribute to the active conservation and management of woodlands. This is great for wildlife.

The only thing that a wood burning stove needs in terms of maintenance is to take away and dispose of the ash. It can be a bit of a hassle, but is well worth it in order to ensure that you get the maximum heat from each and every log. Furthermore, if you wait 2-3 days for the ashes to fully cool, they can be reused as a non-toxic and eco-friendly ice melt. They can also be used to polish jewellery and remove smells.

A fireplace made of wood is a truly timeless classic. Although they're less well-known than gas fireplaces, the appeal and appeal of a roaring fire cannot be denied. They're perfect for cosying up to on cold nights and are a perfect method of creating an inviting and warm space inside your home. Making the investment in a top-quality wood burner will pay off for many years. Our expert chimney sweeps are on hand to assist you in getting the most from your stove - give us a call now to find out more.

Low Carbon

Wood burners that burn cleanly and efficiently are the most efficient method to save money while also keeping your home warm. They also support local woodland management. This is a great option to help the wildlife that lives in your neighborhood.

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

Some people are worried that wood-burning stoves can contribute to climate changes, but this isn't necessarily true. Burning wood produces energy that is carbon neutral. Throughout the lifetime of a tree it absorbs carbon dioxide and when it is burnt, the carbon absorbed is released back into the atmosphere.

The wood is sourced locally, which reduces the amount pollution that is emitted in the transportation process. It is essential to select 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 much lower emissions than older stoves. They have been certified to meet 2020 EPA standards which are significantly more strict than earlier emission limits.

All wood-burning stoves must be fully vented to the outside of your property to ensure that they don't create a haze of exhaust within your home. By keeping the flames in the vicinity of the logs and ensuring that you use dry, seasoned wood and all our clean burn and DEFRA exempt stoves are capable of producing very clear exhaust. They also have particulate levels that are 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 gases and particles released from the initial burning in a second phase by mixing them superheated air. The remaining gases and particulates are transported through a catalytic combustion unit for a final and third combustion. This further reduces emissions to levels far below the government standards.

Clean Burn

Cleanburn wood stoves are made to burn fuel with the best efficiency that is possible. This results in the release of minimal 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 atmosphere. It also regulates flame height to maximise heat output and minimize emissions.

This means your chimney and its surroundings will be much cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter, also referred to as particle pollution, resulting from incompletely burned wood can cause respiratory problems, such as wheezing and coughing, and contribute to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other serious ailments. Wood burning can also contribute to poor air quality in cities.

Smoke from poorly burned timber has fine particulate pollution and harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, as well as other dangerous air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as benzene and formaldehyde. These particles can be absorbed into the lungs, and other organs, causing discomfort, harm, and even death. Airborne dust can also harm the surfaces of your home and create an unpleasant sludge-like feel to rooms.

When using your wood-burning fireplace it is essential to use high-quality firewood that has been properly seasoned and dried. The most valuable woods for heating are hardwoods such as oak, ash and beech. Hardwoods are extremely dense and have higher BTU than softwoods. They also have more heat.

Check with your local authority to determine whether they have rules regarding wood burning. These may include rules regarding odors or nuisances and visible emissions or smoke opacity limitations.

It is crucial to keep the glass of a stove with glass fronts free of dirt and deposits. You can use a dry cloth or oven cleaner spray for this. Alternatively, you can add bicarbonate of soda with a small amount of water to the glass.

Regular maintenance of your chimney and stove is also vital. This includes regular chimney cleanings to eliminate 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 expensive repairs and prolong the longevity of your wood burner.

Low Maintenance

Many people prefer installing wood burning fireplaces because of the warmth and natural beauty they provide. However, this kind of fire requires some upkeep and maintenance. The chimney, flue, and stove are all potential sources of house fires, if they're not maintained and cleaned regularly. Fireplaces are also a great source of heat when power is out, especially in winter, when snow storms could cause tree branches to fall and rip up power lines.

When you use a wood stove to heat your home, you can reduce your carbon footprint compared to other fossil fuel sources like gas. Modern wood stoves, inserts and fireplaces are constructed to comply with EPA standards (Environmental Protection Agency) which means they produce very little emissions. The more seasoned the wood is and the better it is, the more efficient it will be as well which means you'll burn less of it to get the same amount of heat.

The fireplaces require some care and maintenance. They must be kept clear of materials that ignite and have a screen in place. Making sure the grate is free of ash and debris will help air flow and will stop the fire from dying out too quickly. Also, it will keep your home clean. You should have your chimney and stove swept at least twice per year to prevent creosote accumulation which could cause fire hazards or blockage and restrict circulation.

It may take some time for homeowners who are new to the area to learn how to light, ignite and maintain a constant fire in the fireplace. Once you've achieved the art of creating and maintaining a fire in your wood burner, it will be a source of enduring pleasure that can provide heat and warmth for your home every year.

Wood burning fireplaces are around in some form or another for more than 500 years. They've gained popularity due to their efficiency, sustainability and the natural warmth of real wood. Talk to your local Regency dealer about the benefits of wood stoves or inserts for your home if you're planning to buy a new heater.