How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace

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

Wood burning stoves provide glowing yellow flames, cozy crackling sounds and that primal sense of warmth. The smoke produced contains toxic air pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Efficient

Fireplaces and stoves that burn wood provide beautiful and natural heat to your home, they are also extremely efficient. A top-quality wood burner could have an Ecodesign rating of up to 77%. It is essential to get the most out of your log burner particularly with the increasing energy costs. The good news is that it's much easier than ever to do!

The moisture content of wood is one of the main factors that determines how efficient 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 more dry the wood is and the more efficient it is to burn. This results in less smoke and less harmful emissions.

Another advantage of a wood burning stove is that it's a low carbon source of fuel, which is fantastic for the environment. Additionally, by purchasing locally sourced firewood you are aiding in the active management of forests which is a wonderful thing for wildlife.

The only thing a wood burning stove requires in terms of maintenance is to regularly remove and get rid of the ash. It can be a bit of a hassle however it is worth it to get the most heat out of every log. If you wait for the ashes 2-3 days to cool completely and then, they can be used as a non-toxic and eco-friendly melt of ice. They can be used to polish jewelry and also absorb odors.

A fireplace made of wood is a truly timeless classic. Although they are less popular than gas fireplaces, the appeal and ambiance of a roaring flame cannot be denied. They're great for snuggling in the cold winter nights and are a perfect way to create an inviting and warm space in the heart of your home. Investing in a high-quality wood stove will pay off for many years. Contact us today to find out 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 effective method to save money while also keeping your home warm. They also support local woodland management. This is an excellent method to support wildlife in your local area.

Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves create very little pollution if they are maintained properly and used with dry, seasoned firewood. When they are not properly maintained or when they make use of wood that is not of high quality, the smoke that is produced is a result of fine particles, also known as particulate pollutants, which can irritate the lungs and other organs of the body. It also contains carbon monoxide and harmful air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Inhaling this type of air pollution could cause lung irritation wheezing, coughing and asthma attacks. It can even lead to serious health issues like cancer, heart disease or premature death.

Some people are concerned that wood-burning stoves will cause climate change However, this isn't true. Wood burning produces energy that is carbon-neutral. The tree absorbs carbon dioxide over its lifetime. When it is burned, the carbon is released into the atmosphere.

Since the wood is sourced locally, this reduces the amount of pollution that is released in the process of transportation. It is crucial to choose hardwoods that are well-seasoned and of top quality. They burn longer and more evenly than softwoods.

Modern wood stoves, including the ones made by Charlton & Jenrick, emit much less pollution than older stoves. They are certified to meet 2020 EPA standards, which are considerably more strict than previous emission limits.

To avoid the buildup of exhaust within 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 above the wood logs and using dry well-seasoned, clean firewood.

A wood-burning stove equipped with an integrated unit or catalytic converter is the best low carbon solution for heating. These units re-ignite gasses and particles from the initial burning in a subsequent phase by mixing them superheated air. The remaining gases and particulates are transported through a catalytic combustion unit for a final third combustion. This further reduces emissions to levels far below government standards.

Clean Burn

Cleanburn wood stoves are designed to burn fuel with the greatest efficiency that is achievable. This results in the release of a small amount of particles into the air when burning wood. The stove's air management system regulates the intake and venting of gases, making sure that the combustion process takes place in a sealed, controlled atmosphere. It also regulates flame height to maximize heat output and minimize emissions.

This means 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 can cause respiratory problems like wheezing and coughing in people and can contribute to the development of heart diseases as well as stroke, diabetes, and other serious health conditions. Wood burning can also contribute to poor air quality in cities.

The smoke from poorly combusted wood is a mixture of fine particulate matter and dangerous air pollutants like carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, benzene, formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These particles can be absorbed into the lungs and other organs, causing discomfort, damage and even death. Airborne dust can also damage surfaces within your home, giving them a gritty feel.

When using your wood-burning fireplace, it's important to only use firewood of the highest quality that has been properly seasoned and dried. The most valuable woods for heating are hardwoods, such as beech, ash, and oak. Hardwoods are dense and BTU content. They also provide more heat than softwoods.

Check with your local authority to find out if they have any rules regarding wood burning. These rules could include rules regarding odors and nuisances and visible emissions or smoke opacity limitations.

It is important to keep the glass of a wood stove with an open front that is free of grime and deposits. This can be done using dry cloths or oven cleaner spray. You can also add bicarbonate soda and water to the glass.

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

Low Maintenance

Wood burning fireplaces are popular because they offer natural warmth. However, this type of fire requires some upkeep and maintenance. The chimney, flue, and stove are all potential sources of house fires if not cleaned and maintained regularly. Fireplaces can also provide heat in the event of power outage, particularly during winter storms, when tree branches can fall and power lines may be damaged.

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

These fireplaces require some upkeep and attention, such as ensuring they are placed away from combustible materials and a screen is installed. The flow of air will be improved by keeping the grate clean of ash and debris. This will keep the fire burning longer and your home clean. You should have your stove and chimney swept at least once a year to prevent the build-up of creosote which could be a dangerous fire hazard and a blockage that can hinder circulation.

It can take a while for a new homeowner to learn to ignite, light and maintain a steady fire in the fireplace. Once you've mastered the art of lighting, your wood stove will become a source for warmth and comfort in your home.

Wood burning fireplaces have been around in a variety of forms or styles for more than 500 years. They've gained a lot of attention due to their effectiveness, sustainability, and the natural warmth of wood. If you're thinking about buying installing a new heater, speak with your local Regency certified dealer to find out more about the benefits of a wood stove or insert for your home.