How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace
Wood stoves, in contrast to traditional open fireplaces, are designed to burn wood. This allows them meet the stricter emission requirements.
Wood burning stoves are renowned for their warm, yellow flames that dance, crackling sounds and that primal sensation of warmth. The smoke produced contains toxic air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Efficient
Fireplaces and stoves that burn wood offer a stunning and natural heat source to the home, and they are incredibly efficient. A good quality wood burner can be able to achieve an Ecodesign rating of up to 77%. It is essential to get the most value of your log burner particularly with the increasing energy costs. The good news is it's easier than ever to do!
One of the main factors that determines how effective a wood-burning stove can be is the water content of the wood. We recommend using only seasoned wood that has been dried over a period of at least one year, and in many cases two years. The more dry the wood is and the more efficient it is to burn. This results in lesser smoke and fewer harmful emissions.
Another great benefit of a wood-burning stove is that it's a low carbon source of fuel, which is great for the environment. Furthermore, by buying locally-sourced firewood, you are aiding in the active management of woodlands which is a good thing for wildlife.
As far as maintenance is concerned, the only requirement of a wood burner is to regularly scoop up and dispose of the ash. This can be a bit of a hassle, but it's worth it to ensure that you get the most heat from each log. In addition when you wait for a couple of days until the ashes completely cool, they can be reused to make an eco-friendly and non-toxic ice melt. They can also be used to polish jewellery and absorb smells.
A wood-burning fireplace is a timeless classic. Although they're less popular than gas fires but there's no denying the appeal and appeal of a roaring fire. They're perfect for cosying up to on cold evenings and are a great way to create an inviting and warm space within your home. A high-quality wood stove will pay off for a long time. Our chimney sweeps are on hand to assist you in getting the most value from your stove - give us a call today to find out more.
Low Carbon
Wood burners that are clean and efficient are one of the best ways to save money on logs and keep your home warm. In addition, they can also assist in the local woodland management. It's a excellent way to help the wildlife 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 properly or are made of poor quality wood, the smoke produced by them is contaminated with fine particles (known as particulate pollution) that can irritate the lungs and other 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 lung irritation and lead to asthma attacks wheezing, coughing, and lung irritation. 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. Wood burning produces energy that is carbon-neutral. Throughout the lifetime of a tree, it absorbs carbon dioxide and when burned the absorbed carbon is released back into the atmosphere.
As the wood is sourced locally this decreases the amount of pollution that is released when it is transported. It is also essential to select high-quality woods that are seasoned and seasoned as they will have an extended and more consistent burning time than softwoods.
Modern, EPA certified wood stoves and heaters (such as those made by Charlton & Jenrick) have considerably lower emissions than earlier stoves. They have been certified to meet 2020 EPA standards which are significantly more stringent than the previous emission limits.
To avoid the buildup of exhaust in your home, all wood burning stoves should be vented fully to the outside. By keeping the flames away from the logs, and ensuring you make use of dry, seasoned wood, all of our current clean burn and DEFRA exempt stoves produce very clear exhaust. They also have particulate levels 60 percent or less below the DEFRA limit.
A wood-burning stove that has a catalytic converter or hybrid unit could provide the most efficient low-carbon heating solution. These units ignite gasses and particles from the initial burning in a second phase by mixing them with superheated air. The remaining gasses and particulates are transferred to a catalytic unit to create a final and third combustion. This further reduces emissions to levels well below the standards set by the government.
Clean Burn
Cleanburn wood stoves burn fuel with the highest efficiency 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 venting of gases, ensuring that the combustion process occurs in a closed, controlled atmosphere. It also regulates the flame's height to maximise heat output and minimize emissions.
This means that your chimney and the surrounding area will be much cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter, also referred to as particle pollution, from wood that is not properly burned can cause respiratory issues, such as coughing and wheezing. It can also contribute to heart diseases and stroke, diabetes and other serious conditions. Wood burning can also contribute to poor air quality in cities.
Smoke from poorly burned timber is a source of fine particulate pollutants as well as dangerous air pollutants like 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, and other organs, causing discomfort, damage and even death. Airborne dust can also damage surfaces in your home with a smudge-like sensation.
It is essential to use only good quality, seasoned and dried firewood for your fireplace with a wood burner. The most effective woods for heating are hardwoods, such as oak, ash and beech. Hardwoods have a higher density and BTU content. They also offer more heat than softwoods.
Check with your local authorities to see whether they have rules concerning wood burning. These may include nuisance/odor rules and visible emissions, or smoke opacity limits.
It is essential to keep the glass of a wood stove with a glass front free of dirt and deposits. This can be done using a dry cloth or oven cleaner spray. Alternatively, you can add bicarbonate of soda with a bit of water to the glass.
Regular maintenance is also important for your stove and chimney. Regular chimney cleaning is required to eliminate creosote, and to ensure that the flue is working correctly. It is also important to mark the dates of periodic inspections on your calendar. This will help you to avoid costly repairs and prolong the life of your wood stove.
Low Maintenance
Many people choose to install wood burning
Fireplaces And Stove due to the natural warmth they create. This kind of fireplace requires a bit of maintenance and upkeep. The chimney, flue and stove are all potential sources of house fires if they are not maintained and cleaned regularly. They also provide warmth in the event of an electrical outage, especially during winter storms where tree branches can fall and power lines may be damaged.
Utilizing a wood burner for heating will reduce your carbon footprint considerably compared to other fossil fuel sources such as gas. Modern wood stoves, inserts, and fireplaces are built to conform to EPA standards (Environmental Protection Agency) which means that they emit very little carbon dioxide. The more seasoned wood you use the more efficient your stove will be. You'll require less wood to generate the same heat.
The fireplaces need some maintenance and care. They should be placed away from the combustible materials and have a screen in place. The air flow can be improved by keeping the grate clean of ash and other debris. This will keep the fire burning longer and your home tidy. It is recommended that your stove and chimney cleaned at least once a year to prevent creosote build-up, which can be a fire hazard and a blockage that can hinder ventilation.
A wood-burning stove has to be maintained on a regular basis and it may take time for a novice homeowner to understand how to light, ignite, and maintain a steady fire in the fireplace. Once you've mastered the art, your wood burning stove will be an ideal source of warmth and comfort within your home.
Fireplaces that burn wood have been around in some form or another for nearly 500 years, and they've gained a new following because of their energy efficiency, sustainability, and the natural warmth and scent of real wood. Talk with your local Regency dealer about the benefits of wood stoves or inserts for your home if you're looking to buy a new heater.