How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace

In contrast to traditional open Ambient Fireplaces, wood stoves are designed and optimised to burn wood. This enables them to comply with the stricter emission requirements.

Wood burning stoves produce glowing yellow flames that dance and warm crackling noises. They also provide an incredibly warm feeling. However the smoke they release contains carbon monoxide and toxic air pollutants, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Efficient

Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces are not only stunning, but they are also incredibly efficient. A high-quality wood burner can have an Ecodesign rating up to 77%. It is vital to get the most value of your log stove particularly with the increasing energy costs. The good news is that it's now easier than ever before to do!

The amount of moisture in 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 many 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 offers the advantage of being a low-carbon fuel source, which is great for the environment. Furthermore, by buying locally-sourced firewood, you are aiding in the active management of forests, which is a great thing for wildlife.

The only thing a wood-burning stove requires in terms of maintenance is to regularly take away and get rid of the ash. It can be somewhat of a hassle, but it is worth it to get the most heat from every log. If you allow the ashes 2-3 days 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 or absorb smells.

A fireplace with a wood burner is a truly timeless classic. While they may be less popular than gas fires however, there's no denying the beauty and appeal of a warm log fire. These fires are great to cuddle up with on cold evenings, and they make a warm and inviting space in your home. Choose a high-quality wood stove and you'll be enjoying the benefits for years to be! Contact us today to find out more about how our expert chimney sweeps can help you get the best out of your stove.

Low Carbon

Wood burners that are clean and efficient are among the best ways to save the cost of logs while keeping your home warm. In addition, they can also assist in local woodland management, which is a great way of supporting the wildlife in your local area.

When properly maintained wood-burning stoves and charming fireplaces emit very little pollutant when they are operated with dry and seasoned firewood. However, if they're not well maintained or using wood of poor quality, the smoke produced by them can contain fine particles (known as particulate pollution) that can irritate the lung and other organs. It also contains carbon monoxide and harmful air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Inhaling this type of air pollution may cause irritation to the lung as well as wheezing, coughing, and asthma attacks. It can even cause serious health issues like cancer, heart disease, or premature death.

Some people fear that using a wood-burning stove could contribute to climate change however this isn't necessarily true. Burning wood is a carbon-neutral energy source. The wood absorbs carbon dioxide throughout its life. When burned, the carbon is released into the atmosphere.

The wood is local, which decreases the amount pollution that is produced during the transport process. It is also important to use high quality, seasoned hardwoods as these will give an extended and more consistent burning time than softwoods.

Modern, EPA certified wood stoves and heaters (such as those manufactured by Charlton & Jenrick) have much lower emissions than older stoves. They have been certified to meet 2020 EPA standards that are significantly stricter than previous emission limits.

All wood burning stoves must be fully vented to the outside of your property to ensure they do not cause a build-up of exhaust in your house. All of our current DEFRA-exempt, clean burn stoves can produce extremely clear exhaust by keeping the flames at a distance from the wood logs and using dry, seasoned firewood.

A wood burning stove equipped with a catalytic converter or a hybrid unit could provide the most efficient 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. They then channel the remaining particulates and gasses through a catalytic combustion combustor for the third and final combustion, the reduction of emissions to levels that is well below the government standards.

Clean Burn

Cleanburn wood stoves are made to burn fuel with the greatest efficiency possible. This results in a minimum amount of dust emissions into the atmosphere when burning wood. The stove's air management system regulates the intake and venting of gases, making sure that the combustion process occurs in a sealed, controlled environment. It also regulates flame height to maximise heat output and minimise emissions.

This means that your chimney and surrounding area will be much cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter, also referred to as particle pollution, from incompletely burned wood can cause respiratory issues, such as coughing and wheezing, and contribute to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other serious ailments. Air pollution caused by wood burning is an element that contributes to poor air quality in urban areas.

Smoke from poorly combusted wood has fine particulate pollution and hazardous air pollutant such as carbon monoxide, as well as other dangerous air pollutants like nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene and formaldehyde. These particles can get into the lungs and other organs, causing discomfort and damage and even death. Airborne dust can also harm the surfaces of your home, and can give a gritty feel to rooms.

If you're using a fireplace with wood burning, it's important to only make use of high-quality firewood that has been seasoned and dried. Hardwoods like oak beech, ash and are the most efficient for heating. Hardwoods are dense and BTU content. They also provide more heat than softwoods.

Check with your local authority to see whether they have rules regarding wood burning. These could include nuisance/odor regulations and visible emissions, or the opacity limit for smoke.

If you have a wood burner with a glass door it is essential to keep the glass clear of grime and deposits. You can make use of a dry towel or oven cleaner spray for this. You can also add bicarbonate soda mixed with water to the glass.

Regular maintenance is crucial for your stove and chimney. Regular chimney cleaning is required to get rid of creosote and ensure that the flue is operating correctly. Be sure to note dates for periodic inspections in your calendar, as this will allow you to avoid costly repairs and prolong the life of your wood burner.

Low Maintenance

Many people choose to install wood burning romance fireplaces due to the natural warmth they create. This kind of fireplace requires some maintenance and upkeep. The chimney, flue, and stove are all possible sources of house fires if not maintained and cleaned regularly. These fireplaces are also an excellent source of heat when the power goes out, especially during winter when snowstorms can cause tree branches to fall and rip up power lines.

Using a wood burner to heat your home can reduce your carbon footprint significantly when compared to other fossil fuel sources like gas. Modern wood stoves and inserts have been designed to comply with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards, which means they emit very little carbon dioxide. The more seasoned the wood is and the better it is, the more efficient it will be as well, so you'll burn less of it to produce the same amount of heat.

The fireplaces need some attention and maintenance. They should be kept away from the combustible materials and have a screen in place. Keeping the grate clear of debris and ash will help air flow and prevent the fire from dying too quickly and keep your home clean. It is recommended that your stove and chimney swept at least two times per year to prevent the accumulation of creosote which could cause fire hazards or blockage and restrict ventilation.

It could take a while for a new homeowner to master the art of how to light, ignite and maintain a steady fire in the fireplace. Once you've mastered the art, your wood stove will become an ideal source of warmth and Functional fireplaces comfort within your home.

Wood burning fireplaces have been around in some form or another for over 500 years. They've gained a lot of attention due to their effectiveness, sustainability, and the natural warmth that comes from wood. If you're considering installing a new heater, speak with your local certified Regency dealer to find out more about the advantages of an insert or stove made of wood for your home.