How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace

Unlike traditional open marble fireplaces wood stoves are specifically designed and optimized to burn firewood. This allows them meet stricter emission standards.

Wood burning stoves offer glowing yellow flames, cozy crackling sounds, and that primordial feeling of warmth. The smoke that is generated is contaminated by air pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Efficient

Fireplaces and stoves that burn wood provide a beautiful and natural heat source to the home, but they are also extremely efficient. A top-quality wood stove can be eco-friendly up to 77 percent. It is essential to get the most value of your wood burner, especially with rising energy costs. The good thing is that it's easier than ever to do!

One of the main factors that determines the efficiency of a wood-burning stove can be is the water content of the wood. We recommend using only well-seasoned wood that has been dried for at least one year, and in some cases, two years. The drier the wood the more efficiently it burns which means less smoke and less harmful emissions.

Another advantage of a wood-burning stove is that it's an eco-friendly source of fuel, which is excellent for the environment. Additionally, by purchasing locally-sourced firewood, you are helping to support the management of woodlands which is a good thing for wildlife.

The only thing that a wood burning stove needs in terms of maintenance is to take away and dispose of the ash. This can be a bit of a nuisance, but it is worth it in order to ensure you get the most heat from every log. In addition, if you wait 2-3 days for the ashes to fully cool, they can be reused to make an eco-friendly and non-toxic ice melt. They can be used to polish jewelry or absorb smells.

A fireplace made of wood is a timeless classic. Although they're not as popular than gas fireplaces however, there's no denying the beauty and allure of a roaring fire. They're great for snuggling with on cold winter nights and are a perfect method of creating an inviting and warm space within your home. Invest in a quality wood stove and you'll start enjoying the benefits for years to be! Our chimney sweeps are here to help you get the most from your stove. Give us a call today to find out more.

Low Carbon

Wood burners that burn cleanly and efficiently are the best way to save money while keeping your house warm. They also support local woodland management. This is an excellent method to support the wildlife that lives in your neighborhood.

Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves cause very little pollutant if they are properly maintained and operated with dry, seasoned firewood. If they are not properly maintained or make use of wood that is not of high quality the smoke produced is a result of fine particles, commonly referred to as particulate pollution that can cause irritation to lungs and other body organs. It also contains carbon monoxide as well as harmful air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Inhaling air pollution can cause irritation of the lung and lead to asthma attacks wheezing, coughing, and lung irritation. It may also cause cancer, heart disease or premature death.

Some people worry that using a wood-burning stove can cause climate change however this isn't necessarily true. The combustion of wood produces energy that is carbon neutral. Through the life of a tree, it absorbs carbon dioxide, and when it is burnt, the absorbed carbon is released back into the atmosphere.

Since the wood is sourced locally, it reduces the amount of pollution that is released when it is transported. It is also essential to select high-quality well-seasoned hardwoods, as they will have a longer and more even 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 tested and certified to meet the 2020 EPA standards which are much more strict than previous emissions limits.

All wood burning stoves should be fully vented to the outside of your home to ensure that they do not create a build-up of exhaust within your home. All of our current DEFRA-exempt, clean burn stoves can produce clear exhaust when keeping the flames at a distance from the wood logs and using dry, seasoned firewood.

A wood burning stove with a catalytic converter or hybrid unit can offer the ultimate low-carbon heating solution. These units re-ignite the gases and particulates that were ignited during the initial combustion at a later stage by mixing them with superheated air. The remaining gases and particulates are then pumped through a catalytic combustion unit for a final and third combustion. This reduces emissions to levels well below the government standards.

Clean Burn

Cleanburn wood stoves are made to burn fuel with the best efficiency possible. This results in the emission of very small particles into air when burning wood. The air management system of the stove regulates the intake and ventilation of gases to ensure that the combustion process occurs in a sealed and controlled environment. It also regulates flame height to maximise heat output and minimize emissions.

This means that your chimney as well as the surrounding area will be much cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter (also known as particle pollution) from incompletely combusted wood causes respiratory issues like wheezing and coughing in people and contributes to the development of heart diseases, stroke, diabetes and other serious health problems. Wood burning can also contribute to poor air quality in cities.

The smoke from poorly combusted wood contains fine particulate pollution as well as hazardous air pollutants such as carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, benzene, formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These particles can reach deep into the lung and other organs, causing damage, discomfort and even death. Airborne dust can also harm the surfaces in your home and give the impression of a rough surface to rooms.

It is essential to use only good quality, seasoned and dried firewood when you use your fireplace with a wood burner. The most efficient woods for heating are hardwoods, such as oak, ash and beech. Hardwoods are dense and have a higher BTU than softwoods. They also have more heat.

You should also determine if your local authority has rules regarding wood burning. These rules could include rules regarding odors and nuisances, as well as visible emissions or smoke opacity limitations.

If you have a wood burner with a glass door, it's important to keep the glass clear of deposits and grime. You can use a dry towel or oven cleaner spray to accomplish this. Alternately, you can add bicarbonate of soda mixed with a small amount of water to the glass.

Regular maintenance is crucial for your stove and chimney. Regular chimney cleaning is required to get rid of creosote and to ensure that the flue works properly. It is also recommended to note the dates of your periodic inspections on your calendar. This will allow you to avoid costly repairs and prolong the life of your wood stove.

Low Maintenance

Wood burning fireplaces are popular because they offer natural warmth. However, this kind of fire requires some care and maintenance. The chimney, flue, and stove can all be the cause of house wall fires if not maintained and cleaned regularly. These fireplaces also provide heat in the event of a power outage, particularly during winter storms when tree branches can fall and power lines could be ripped down.

Using a wood stove to heat your home can reduce your carbon footprint considerably when compared to other fossil fuel sources like gas. modern fireplace wood stoves, inserts and fireplaces are built to comply with EPA standards (Environmental Protection Agency) which means that they emit very little emissions. The more seasoned wood you use the more efficient your stove will be. You'll need less wood to achieve the same amount of heat.

These fireplaces require some upkeep and attention, such as ensuring they are not in close proximity to combustible materials and a screen is in place. Air flow will be improved by keeping the grate clear of ash and other debris. This will help keep the fire burning longer and your home tidy. You should have your chimney and stove swept at least twice per year to avoid creosote accumulation which could be a fire hazard and a clog that can restrict circulation.

It can take a while 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 the fire in your wood burner, it can be a source of lasting enjoyment that provides heat and warmth for your home every year.

Fireplaces that burn wood have been around in some form or another for more than 500 years and they've gained a new following because of their effectiveness and sustainability, as well as the natural warmth and scent of real wood. If you're thinking of buying a new heater, talk with your local certified Regency dealer to find out more about the advantages of a wood stove or insert for your home.