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How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace

Wood stoves, in contrast to traditional open fireplaces, are engineered to use wood for combustion. This allows them meet the stricter emission requirements.

Wood burning stoves produce glowing yellow flames that dance and warm crackling sounds. They also give a primal feeling of warmth. However the smoke they release includes carbon monoxide and harmful air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Efficient

Fireplaces and stoves that burn wood provide a beautiful and natural heat source to the home, but they are also incredibly efficient. A top-quality wood stove can have an Ecodesign rating of up to 77%. It is vital to get the most out of your log stove particularly with the rising energy costs. The good news is it's now easier than ever before to do!

One of the main factors that determines the effectiveness of the wood-burning stove is will be the water content of the wood. This is the reason we suggest only using wood that is seasoned, that has been dried for at least one year, and often two years. The more dry the wood, the better it burns. This means less smoke, and less harmful emissions.

Another great benefit of a wood burning stove is that it's an eco-friendly source of fuel, which is excellent for the environment. Furthermore, by buying locally sourced firewood you are helping to promote the management of woodlands, which is a great option for wildlife.

The only thing a wood-burning stove requires in terms maintenance is that you regularly take away and dispose of ash. It's quite a challenge however it is worth it to get the most heat from each log. If you wait for the ashes to cool completely and then, they can be used as a non-toxic, eco-friendly ice melt. They can also be used to polish jewellery and remove the odors.

A fireplace that burns wood is an old-fashioned classic. While they're not as popular than gas fireplaces, the appeal and charm of a roaring flame cannot be ignored. These fires are great to cuddle up with on cold evenings, and they make a warm and inviting space within your home. A high-quality wood burner will pay off for many years. 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

Burners that are efficient and clean are one of the best ways to save money on logs while keeping your home warm. As an added benefit they also aid in local woodland management, which is a excellent way to help the wildlife that lives in your local environment.

Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves create minimal pollution when they are properly maintained and operated with dry, seasoned and dry firewood. However, if they're not maintained properly or are made of poor quality wood the smoke that is produced by them is contaminated with fine particles (known as particulate pollution) which can cause irritation to the lung and other organs. Carbon monoxide, air pollutants that are toxic such as benzene and formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are also in the. Inhaling air pollution can cause irritation to the lungs and trigger asthma attacks wheezing, coughing, and lung irritation. It could also cause heart disease, cancer or premature death.

Some people fear that using a wood burning stove can cause climate change, but this is not necessarily the case. Burning wood is a carbon neutral energy source. Through the life of a tree it absorbs carbon dioxide, and when it is burnt, the carbon absorbed is released back into the atmosphere.

Because the wood is harvested locally this decreases the amount of pollutants released during transportation. It is also essential to select top quality, seasoned hardwoods as these will provide an extended and even burning time than softwoods.

Modern wood stoves, including the ones made by Charlton & Jenrick, emit much less pollution than older stoves. They are 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 home to ensure that they do not create a build-up of exhaust inside your home. By keeping flames above the logs and making sure you make use of 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 with a hybrid unit or catalytic converter could be the ultimate low carbon heating option. These units ignite the particulates and gases from the initial combustion in a second stage by mixing them with superheated air. They then channel the remaining gasses and particulates through a catalytic combustion combustor for a third and final combustion, further the reduction of emissions to levels that is well below the government standards.

Clean Burn

Cleanburn wood stoves burn fuel at the highest efficiency. This results in a minimum amount of particles emitted into the atmosphere when burning wood. The air management system of the stove controls the intake and exhaust of gases to ensure the combustion process occurs in a sealed and controlled environment. It also regulates the flame's height to reduce emissions and maximize the heat output.

This means your chimney and the surrounding area will be much cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter (also called particle pollution) from wood that is not fully combusted can cause respiratory problems like wheezing and coughing and can contribute to the development of heart diseases, stroke, diabetes and other serious health issues. Wood burning is also a contributor to poor air quality in cities.

The smoke that is emitted from poorly combusted wood is a mixture of fine particulate pollution and hazardous air pollutants, including carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds nitrogen oxides, benzene, formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These particles can be absorbed into the lungs, as well as other organs, causing discomfort, harm, and even death. Dust particles from the air can also damage the surfaces in your home, and can 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. Hardwoods like oak beech, ash and are the most efficient for heating. Hardwoods have a higher density and BTU content, and they provide more heat than softwoods.

Contact your local authority to see whether they have rules about wood burning. These may include rules regarding odors or 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 deposits and grime. You can use a dry cloth or oven cleaner spray to accomplish this. Alternatively, you can mix bicarbonate of a soda with a bit of water to the glass.

Regular maintenance is also important for your chimney and stove. Regular chimney cleanings are necessary to eliminate creosote, and also to ensure that the flue works properly. Also be sure to mark dates for regular inspections in your calendar, 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 because of the natural warmth they generate. This kind of fireplace requires some maintenance and upkeep. If it is not maintained and cleaned regularly, the chimney, flue, and stove could all be fire hazards within your home. These fireplaces are also a great source of heat when the power goes out, especially during winter when snowstorms can cause branches to fall from trees and knock down under-hanging power lines.

When you use a wood stove to heat your home, you can reduce your carbon footprint compared to other fossil sources of energy like gas. Modern wood stoves and inserts have been designed to comply with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards which mean they emit very little carbon dioxide. The more well-seasoned wood you use the more efficient the stove will be. You'll need less wood to achieve the same heat.

Fireplaces require some care and maintenance. They must be kept clear of combustible material and have a screen installed. Making sure the grate is free of ash and debris will aid in the flow of air, which will prevent the fire from dying out too quickly. Also, it will keep your indoors clean. It is important to have your stove and chimney swept at least twice per year to prevent the accumulation of creosote which could cause fire hazards or blockage and hinder ventilation.

A wood burning stove will need to be maintained on a regular basis and it can take a while for a beginner homeowner to learn how to ignite, light, and maintain a steady fire in the fireplace. But, once you've learned the art of creating and maintaining the fire in your wood stove, it can be a source of enduring pleasure that will provide heat and warmth for your home every year.

Wood burning fireplaces have been around in one form or another for over 500 years. They've gained a lot of attention because of their efficiency, sustainability and the natural warmth of real wood. If you're thinking about buying the purchase of a new heater, consult with your local certified Regency dealer to learn more about the advantages of a wood stove or insert for your home.