The Most Worst Nightmare Concerning Wood Burner Fireplace Relived
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 to comply with tighter emissions regulations.
Wood burning stoves create glowing yellow flames that dance and warm crackling noises. They also provide warmth and a warm sensation. However, the smoke it creates contains carbon monoxide and toxic air pollutants, such as benzene, formaldehyde and biofireplace polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Efficient
Fireplaces and stoves made of wood provide a beautiful and natural heat source to the home, and they are incredibly efficient. A top-quality wood burner could have an Ecodesign rating of up to 77%. It is crucial to get the most benefit of your log stove, especially with rising energy costs. The good thing is that it's easier than ever to do!
The moisture content of firewood is an important factor that determines how efficient a wood-burning stove is. This is why we suggest only using seasoned wood that has been dried for a minimum of one year, and more often two years. The more dry the wood the more efficiently it burns, which results in less smoke and harmful emissions.
Another benefit of a wood burning stove is that it's an eco-friendly source of fuel, which is fantastic for the environment. When you purchase locally-sourced wood, you are also helping to support the active management and conservation of forests. This is great for wildlife.
As far as maintenance is concerned, the only requirement for a wood stove is to regularly remove and scoop up the ash. It can be a bit of a hassle, but it's worth it in order to ensure that you get the maximum heat from each and every log. If you allow the ashes 2-3 days to cool completely, they can also be used as a non-toxic and eco-friendly melt of ice. They can also be used to polish jewellery or absorb smells.
A wood-burning fireplace is an old-fashioned classic. Although they are less popular than gas fireplaces, the allure and appeal of a roaring flame cannot be denied. They are ideal for snuggling in on cold winter evenings, and they make a warm and inviting space within your home. Making the investment in a top-quality wood stove will pay off for many years. Our expert chimney sweeps are available to assist you in getting the most out of your stove - give us a call today to learn more.
Low Carbon
Wood burners that are efficient and clean are the most efficient method to save money while also keeping your home warm. As an added benefit they also help to support local woodland management, a great way of supporting the wildlife that lives in your local area.
When properly maintained, wood-burning fireplaces and stoves emit very little pollutant when they are used with seasoned and dry firewood. However, if they are not maintained well or using wood of poor quality, the smoke produced by them is contaminated with fine particles (known as particulate pollution) that can irritate the lungs and other organs. It also contains carbon monoxide and harmful air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Inhaling air pollution can cause irritation to the lungs and lead to asthma attacks wheezing, coughing, and irritation of the lungs. It may also cause heart disease, cancer or premature death.
Some people fear 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 burned, the absorbed carbon is released back into the atmosphere.
The wood is produced locally, which reduces the amount pollution that is produced during the transport process. It is crucial to choose hardwoods that have been seasoned and of high quality. They burn longer and more evenly than softwoods.
Modern, EPA certified wood stoves and heaters (such as those made by Charlton & Jenrick) have much lower emissions than older stoves. They have been tested and certified to meet the 2020 EPA standards which are considerably more strict than previous emissions limits.
All wood burning stoves should be fully vented to the outside of your property to ensure they do not create a build-up of exhaust in your house. By keeping the flames away from the logs, and ensuring you make use of dry, seasoned wood, all our current clean burn and DEFRA exempt stoves produce very clear exhaust. They also have particulate levels 60% or more below the DEFRA limit.
A wood burning stove equipped with an acatalytic converter or hybrid unit could provide the most efficient low-carbon option for heating. These units ignite gasses and particles released from the initial burning in a second stage by mixing them superheated air. They then funnel the remaining gases and particulates through a catalytic combustor for a third and final combustion, reducing emissions to a level that is well below the government standards.
Clean Burn
Cleanburn wood fireplace stoves burn fuel with the highest efficiency. This results in minimal emissions of particles into the air when burning wood. The air management system of the stove controls the intake and exhaust of gases to ensure the combustion process is conducted in a sealed and controlled environment. It also regulates flame height to maximise heat output and minimize emissions.
This means that your chimney and surrounding area will be a lot cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter, also referred to as particle pollution, from incompletely burned wood can cause respiratory issues, like wheezing and coughing, and contribute to heart diseases as well as stroke, diabetes and other serious conditions. Air pollution from wood burning is also an important factor in poor urban air quality.
The smoke from poorly combusted wood contains fine particulate matter and dangerous air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, benzene, formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These particles can reach deep into the lung and other organs which can cause discomfort, damage and even death. Airborne dust can also harm the surfaces in your home and create an unpleasant sludge-like feel to rooms.
It is important to select good quality, seasoned and dried firewood for your wood burner fireplace. The most valuable woods for heating are hardwoods, such as beech, oak and ash. Hardwoods are extremely dense and have more BTU than softwoods. They also provide more heat.
It is also important to determine if your local authority has any regulations regarding wood burning. These may include rules regarding odors or nuisances and visible smoke emissions or smoke opacity limitations.
It is essential to keep the glass of a wood stove with an open front that is free of grime and deposits. You can make use of a dry towel or oven cleaner spray to accomplish this. 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 cleaning is required to eliminate creosote, and also to ensure that the flue is operating correctly. You should also mark the dates for periodic inspections on your calendar. This will help you to avoid costly repairs and prolong the life of your wood burner.
Low Maintenance
Many people choose to install wood burning fireplaces wooden due to the warmth and natural beauty they provide. This type of fireplace inserts requires some maintenance and upkeep. The chimney, flue and stove are all potential sources of house fires if not cleaned and maintained regularly. They also provide warmth in the event of an electrical outage, particularly during winter storms when branches of trees can fall and power lines can be ripped down.
Utilizing a wood burner to heat your home can reduce your carbon footprint considerably when compared to other fossil fuel sources, such as gas. Modern wood stoves, inserts and fireplaces are constructed to conform to EPA standards (Environmental Protection Agency), which means they emit very little emissions. The more well-seasoned wood that you use the more efficient the stove will be. You'll need less wood to get the same heat.
Fireplaces require some attention and maintenance. They should be placed away from the combustible materials and have a screen. Keeping the grate clear of ash and debris will aid in the flow of air and prevent the fire from dying too quickly and keep your home clean. It is important to have your chimney and stove cleaned at least twice a year to prevent creosote accumulation which could cause a fire hazard or clog and restrict ventilation.
It may take some time 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 learned the art of lighting, your wood burning stove will be an excellent source of warmth and comfort within your home.
Wood burning fireplaces have been around in a variety of forms or styles for over 500 years. They've gained a lot of attention because of their efficiency, sustainability and the natural warmth of wood. If you're considering installing a new heater, speak with your local certified Regency dealer to learn more about the benefits of an insert or stove made of wood for your home.