How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace

Contrary to traditional open fireplaces, wood stoves are engineered and designed to burn wood. This allows them to comply with stricter emission regulations.

Wood burning stoves create sparkling yellow flames and soft crackling noises. They also give you a primal feeling of warmth. However, the smoke it creates contains carbon monoxide and toxic air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Efficient

Fireplaces and stoves that burn wood offer a stunning and natural heat to your home, but they are also extremely efficient. A high-quality wood burner can have an Ecodesign rating of up to 77%. With rising energy costs it is crucial to ensure you're getting the maximum benefits from your log burner - the good news is that it's much easier than ever!

The amount of moisture in firewood is a key factor that determines how efficient a stove that burns wood is. We recommend using only seasoned wood that has been dried for at least one year and often two years. The dryer the wood is the more efficiently it burns, which results in less smoke and harmful emissions.

A wood-burning stove also is an environmentally friendly fuel source, which is good for the environment. By purchasing locally sourced wood, you are also helping to support the active management and conservation of forests. This is great for wildlife.

The only thing a wood burning stove requires in terms maintenance is that you regularly remove and get rid of ash. It can be somewhat of a hassle however it is worth it to get the maximum heat from every log. Additionally, if you wait 2-3 days for the ashes to completely cool, they can be reused to make an eco-friendly and non-toxic ice melt. They can be used to polish jewelry and absorb the odors.

A wood-burning fireplace is an old-fashioned classic. Although they're less well-known than gas fireplaces, the appeal and charm of a roaring flame cannot be denied. They're perfect for cosying with on cold winter nights and are an ideal method of creating an inviting and warm space in the heart of your home. Invest in a quality wood stove and you'll start 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 most out of your stove.

Low Carbon

Wood burners that burn clean and efficiently are among the most efficient ways to save money on logs while keeping your home warm. They also help local woodland management. This is a great option to help the wildlife that lives in your neighborhood.

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

Some people are worried that wood-burning stoves will contribute to climate changes however this isn't true. Wood burning is a carbon neutral energy source. Through the life of a tree it absorbs carbon dioxide and when burned the carbon dioxide absorbed is released back into the atmosphere.

The wood is sourced locally, which reduces the amount of pollution emitted in the transportation process. It is also essential to use high quality woods that are seasoned and seasoned as they will give an extended and even 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 are certified to meet 2020 EPA standards that are significantly stricter than earlier emission limits.

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

A wood burning stove with a catalytic converter or hybrid unit could provide the most efficient low-carbon heating solution. These units re-ignite gasses and particles released from the initial combustion in a second phase by mixing them superheated air. They then funnel the remaining gases and particulates through a catalytic combustor for an additional and final combustion, decreasing emissions to levels much lower than the standards set by the government.

Clean Burn

Cleanburn wood stoves burn fuel with the highest efficiency. This means that there are fewer particles emitted into the atmosphere when burning wood. The stove's air management system controls the intake and exhausting of gases, ensuring that the combustion process occurs in a closed, controlled environment. It also regulates the flame's height to maximise heat output and minimise emissions.

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

The smoke that is emitted from poorly combusted wood is a mixture of fine particulate pollution as well as hazardous air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, benzene, formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These particles can get into the lungs, and other organs causing discomfort, harm, and even death. Dust particles from the air can also damage the surfaces in your home and give an unpleasant sludge-like feel to rooms.

It's important to use only good quality, seasoned and dried firewood for your wood burner fireplace. The most effective woods for heating are hardwoods, such as beech, ash, and oak. Hardwoods are incredibly dense and have a higher BTU than softwoods. They also provide more heat.

Check with your local authorities to see whether they have any regulations regarding wood burning. These rules may include rules on odors and nuisances, as well as visible smoke emissions or smoke opacity restrictions.

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

Regular maintenance is essential for your stove and chimney. This includes regular chimney cleanings to eliminate creosote and ensure proper functioning of the flue. Be sure to note dates for regular inspections in your diary, as this will help you avoid expensive repairs and prolong the lifespan of your wood stove.

Low Maintenance

Many people opt to install wood-burning fireplaces due to the natural warmth they create. However, this type of fire requires a bit of upkeep and maintenance. The chimney, flue, and stove are all potential sources of house fires, if they're not cleaned and maintained regularly. Fireplaces can also be an excellent source of heat when power is out, especially in winter, when snow storms could cause tree branches to fall and rip up power lines.

Using a wood stove for heating will reduce your carbon footprint substantially in comparison to other fossil fuel sources like gas. Modern wood stoves and inserts are made to conform to EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards, which means they produce very low emissions. The more seasoned the wood is, the more efficient it will be, so you'll burn less of it to produce the same amount of heat.

They require some maintenance and attention, including making sure they are positioned away from burning materials and a screening is in place. The flow of air will be improved by keeping the grate free of ash and other debris. This will help keep the fire burning longer and your home in good order. It is recommended that your chimney and stove swept at least once a year to prevent the build-up of creosote which could be a fire hazard and obstructions that could hinder ventilation.

It may take some time for a new homeowner to learn how to light, ignite and maintain a constant fire in the fireplace. Once you've learned the art, your wood burner will be a source for warmth and comfort in your home.

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