Wood Burner Fireplace: 10 Things I’d Loved To Know Earlier

How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace

Unlike traditional open fireplaces wood stoves are engineered and designed to burn wood. This enables them to comply with the stricter emission requirements.

Wood burning stoves emit sparkling yellow flames and soft crackling sounds. They also give you warmth and a warm sensation. The smoke that is produced is contaminated by air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Efficient

Fireplaces and stoves that burn wood offer a stunning and natural heat to the home, but they are also incredibly efficient. A quality wood stove can be able to achieve an Ecodesign rating of up to 77 percent. It is crucial to get the most benefit of your log stove, especially with increasing energy costs. The good news is it’s easier than ever to do!

The moisture content of firewood is a key factor that determines how efficient a wood-burning stove is. This is why we suggest only using seasoned wood which has been dried for a minimum of one year, and often 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 great for the environment. Additionally, by purchasing locally sourced firewood you are aiding in the active management of forests which is a wonderful aspect for wildlife.

As far as maintenance is involved, the sole requirement of a wood burner is to regularly remove and scoop up the ash. This can be a bit of a nuisance, but it’s worth it in order to ensure that you get the most heat from every log. Furthermore that if you wait a couple of days until the ashes completely cool and then reuse them as an eco-friendly and non-toxic ice melt. They can also be used to polish jewellery and remove odors.

A wood-burning fireplace is an old-fashioned classic. Although they’re less well-known than gas fireplaces, their appeal and charm of a roaring fire cannot be disregarded. These fires are great for snuggling in on cold winter nights, and make a warm and inviting space in your home. Make sure you invest in a high-quality wood burner and you’ll be enjoying the benefits for years to be! Our expert chimney sweeps are here to assist you in getting the most from your stove – give us a call now to learn more.

Low Carbon

Wood burners that are efficient and clean are the most effective method to save money while keeping your home warm. They also support local woodland management. This is an excellent method to support wildlife in your area.

Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves create minimal pollution when they are properly maintained and used with dry, seasoned firewood. If they are not properly maintained or use wood of poor quality, the smoke that is produced contains fine particles often referred to as particulate pollutants that can cause irritation to the the lungs and other organs of the body. Carbon monoxide, toxic air pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are also found in. Inhaling these types of air pollution may cause irritation to the lung as well as wheezing, coughing, and asthma attacks and may even cause serious health issues such as heart disease, cancer, or premature death.

Some people worry that using a wood burning stove can cause climate change, but this is not necessarily true. Wood burning produces energy that is carbon neutral. The tree absorbs carbon dioxide throughout its life. After burning the carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere.

As the wood is sourced locally, this reduces the amount of pollution emitted when it is transported. It is crucial to choose hardwoods that have been seasoned and of top quality. They will burn longer and more evenly than softwoods.

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

To prevent a build-up of exhaust within your home, all wood burning stoves should be vented to the outside. By keeping flames above the logs and ensuring that you use dry, seasoned wood and all our clean burn and DEFRA exempt stoves are capable of producing very clear exhaust and have particle levels of 60 percent or less below the DEFRA limit.

A wood burning stove equipped with a catalytic converter or hybrid unit can offer the ultimate low-carbon heating solution. These units re-ignite gasses and particles from the initial combustion in a second stage by mixing them superheated air. They then channel the remaining gases and particulates through a catalytic combustion combustor for an additional and final combustion, further reducing emissions to a level much lower than the standards set by the government.

Clean Burn

Cleanburn wood stoves are made to burn fuel with the highest efficiency that is possible. This results in the emission of minimal particles into the air when burning wood. The air management system of the stove controls the intake and venting of gases to ensure the combustion process is conducted in a controlled and sealed environment. It also regulates the height of the flame to minimise emissions and maximise the heat output.

This means that your chimney as well as the surrounding area will be cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter, also referred to as particle pollution, resulting from incompletely burned wood can trigger respiratory issues, like coughing and wheezing. It can also contribute to heart diseases, stroke, diabetes, and other serious illnesses. Wood burning is also a contributor to poor air quality in cities.

Smoke from poorly combusted timber contains fine particulate pollutants and harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, as well as other dangerous air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, and formaldehyde. These particles can penetrate deep into the organs of the lungs, causing damage, discomfort and even death. Airborne dust can also contaminate surfaces within your home, giving them a gritty feel.

If you’re using a fireplace with wood burning it is essential to use firewood of the highest quality that has been seasoned and dried. Hardwoods like oak beech, ash, and ash are the most efficient for heating. Hardwoods are dense and have a higher BTU content than softwoods. They also provide more heat.

Check with your local authorities to see whether they have any regulations 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 stove with an open front that is free of dirt and deposits. This can be done using a dry cloth or oven cleaner spray. Alternately, you can mix bicarbonate of a soda with a bit of water to the glass.

Regular maintenance is crucial for your stove and chimney. Regular chimney cleanings are necessary to eliminate creosote, and also to ensure that the flue is working properly. Be sure to note dates for inspections on a regular basis in your diary, as this will allow you to avoid costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your wood stove.

Low Maintenance

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

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

These fireplaces require some maintenance and attention, including making sure they are positioned away from burning materials and a screening is in place. The air flow can 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 cleaned every year at least two times to prevent creosote build-up which could create a fire hazard and a blockage that can hinder ventilation.

A wood-burning stove will need to be kept in good order and it could take some time for a beginner homeowner to learn how to ignite, light, and maintain a steady fire in the fireplace. Once you’ve mastered the art of building and maintaining an open flame in your wood stove, it can be a source of enduring enjoyment that provides warmth and warmth to your home every year.

Wood-burning fireplaces have been in use in a variety of forms for nearly 500 years, and they’ve regained popularity because of their effectiveness as well as their sustainability and natural warmth and scent of real wood. If you’re thinking about buying a new heater, talk with your local Regency certified dealer to learn more about the advantages of a wood stove or an insert for your home.