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How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace

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

Wood burning stoves are renowned for their dancing yellow flames, cosy crackling sounds and that primal sense of warmth. The smoke produced contains toxic air pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Efficient

Fireplaces and stoves that burn wood provide beautiful and natural heat source to the home, but they are also incredibly efficient. A quality wood stove can attain an Ecodesign rating of as high as 77 percent. It is essential to get the most value of your wood burner particularly with the increasing energy costs. The good news is that it's easier than ever to do!

One of the main factors that determines the effectiveness of a wood-burning stove can be in the water content of the wood. This is the reason we suggest only using wood that is seasoned, which has been dried for a minimum of one year, and often two years. The more dry the wood more dry, the better it burns. This means less smoke and less harmful emissions.

A wood-burning stove also has the benefit of being an eco-friendly fuel source which is great for the environment. If you buy locally-sourced wood, you are also helping to contribute to the active conservation and management of woodlands. This is great for wildlife.

The only thing that a wood burning stove requires in terms of maintenance is that you regularly take away and eliminate ash. This can be a little bit of a hassle but it's worth it to ensure you get the maximum heat from each and every log. If you wait for the ashes to completely cool and then, they can be used as a non-toxic and environmentally friendly ice melt. They can also be used to polish jewellery and remove smells.

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 appeal of a warm log fire. They're ideal for cozying up to on cold evenings and are a great way to create a warm and inviting space within your home. Invest in a quality wood burner and you'll be benefiting for many years to come! Our chimney sweeps are available to help you get the most from your stove. Give us a call today to find out more.

Low Carbon

Wood burners that are efficient and clean are the best method to save money while also keeping your home warm. As an added benefit they can also assist in local woodland management, a fantastic way to support the wildlife in your local environment.

Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves create very little pollution if they are maintained properly and are used with dry, seasoned firewood. When they are not properly maintained or when they use wood of poor quality, the smoke that is produced contains fine particles commonly referred to as particulate pollution that can cause irritation to the lungs and other body organs. Carbon monoxide, air pollutants that are toxic such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are also present. Inhaling air pollution can cause irritation to the lungs and cause asthma attacks, wheezing, coughing and irritation of the lungs. It can also lead to cancer, heart disease or premature death.

Some people are concerned that wood-burning stoves will contribute to climate change, but this isn't necessarily 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 burnt, the carbon absorbed is released back into the atmosphere.

Because the wood is harvested locally this decreases the amount of pollution emitted in the process of transportation. It is important to use hardwoods that are seasoned and of top 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 significantly lower emissions than older stoves. They have been tested and certified to meet 2020 EPA standards which are much more stringent than the previous emission limits.

To prevent a build-up of exhaust in your home, all wood burning stoves should be vented fully to the outside. All our current DEFRA-exempt and clean burn stoves can produce extremely clear exhaust by keeping the flames in the vicinity of the wood logs and using dry and seasoned firewood.

A wood-burning stove that has an acatalytic converter or hybrid unit can provide the best low-carbon solution for heating. These units re-ignite gasses and particles released from the initial burning in a second phase by mixing them superheated air. The remaining gases and particulates are then transferred to a catalytic unit for a final third combustion. This further reduces emissions to levels that are below government standards.

Clean Burn

Cleanburn wood stoves are designed to burn fuel with the highest efficiency that is possible. This results in the release of a small amount of particles into the air when burning wood. The air management system of the stove controls the intake and ventilation of gases to ensure that the combustion process takes place in a sealed and controlled environment. It also regulates the height of the flame to maximize heat output and minimize emissions.

This means that your chimney and the surrounding area will be cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter (also called particle pollution) caused by incomplete combustion of wood causes respiratory issues like wheezing and coughing in people and can contribute to the development of heart disease such as stroke, diabetes, and other serious health conditions. The air pollution resulting from wood burning is also an important factor in poor urban air quality.

Smoke from poorly combusted timber is a source of fine particulate pollutants as well as dangerous air pollutants like carbon monoxide and other hazardous air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene and formaldehyde. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, as well as other organs causing discomfort, injury, and even death. Airborne dust can also contaminate the surfaces in your home and give an unpleasant sludge-like feel to rooms.

It is important to select good quality, seasoned and dried firewood when you use your fireplace with a wood burner. The most efficient woods for heating are hardwoods like oak, ash and beech. Hardwoods have a higher density and BTU content, and they offer more heat than softwoods.

It is also important to determine if your local authority has regulations regarding wood burning. These may include rules regarding odors or nuisances and visible smoke emissions or smoke opacity restrictions.

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

Regular maintenance is essential for your chimney and stove. This includes regular chimney cleanings to eliminate creosote as well as ensure proper functioning of the flue. You should also mark the dates of periodic inspections on your calendar. This will allow you to avoid costly repairs and extend your wood burner's life.

Low Maintenance

Wood burning fireplaces are popular because they provide a natural warmth. However, this type of fire requires some upkeep and maintenance. If it is not maintained and cleaned regularly the chimney, flue, and stove can all be fire hazards in your home. Fireplaces can also be an excellent source of warmth when power is out, particularly in winter when snow storms can cause branches to fall from trees and knock down under-hanging power lines.

Utilizing a wood burner to heat your home will reduce your carbon footprint significantly when compared to other fossil fuel sources, such as gas. Modern wood stoves and inserts are made to meet EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards which mean they produce very low emissions. The more seasoned wood you use, the more efficient the stove will be. You'll need less wood to achieve the same heat.

The fireplaces need some care and maintenance. They should be kept away from combustible material and have a screen. Keeping the grate clear of debris and ash will allow airflow and will stop the fire from dying too quickly. Also, it will keep your home clean. It is recommended that your chimney and stove swept at least two times per year to avoid creosote accumulation that could create an fire hazard or blockage and limit ventilation.

It may take some time for a new homeowner to master the art of to ignite, light and maintain a constant fire in the fireplace. However, once you have achieved the art of creating and maintaining the fire in your wood burner, it will be a source of constant pleasure that can provide warmth and warmth to your home every year.

Wood burning fireplaces have been in use in one form or another for more than 500 years. They've gained a lot of attention due to their energy efficiency, sustainability and the natural warmth of real wood. If you're considering the purchase of a new heater, consult with your local Regency certified dealer to learn more about the advantages of a wood stove or an insert for your home.