How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace

Contrary to traditional open fireplaces, wood stoves are specifically designed and optimized to burn wood. This allows them meet tighter emissions regulations.

Wood burning stoves produce dancing yellow flames and cosy crackling noises. They also give warmth and a warm sensation. However, the smoke it creates includes carbon monoxide and harmful air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Efficient

Wood burning stoves and fireplaces provide beautiful and natural heat source to the home, but they are also extremely 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 wood burner, especially with increasing energy costs. The good news is that it's easier than ever to do!

The moisture content of firewood is a key factor that determines the efficiency of a wood-burning stove is. This is why we suggest only using seasoned wood, which has been dried for at least one year, and more often two years. The more dry the wood more dry, the better it burns. This results in less smoke, and less harmful emissions.

A wood burning stove has the benefit of being an environmentally friendly fuel source, which is good for the environment. When you purchase locally-sourced wood, you can also help to promote the active conservation and management of woodlands. This is great for wildlife.

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

A fireplace with a wood burner is a timeless classic. Although they're not as popular than gas Wall fires, there is no denying the charm and allure of a warm log ethanol fire. They're ideal for cozying with on cold winter evenings and are a great method of creating a warm and inviting space within your home. Making the investment in a top-quality wood burner will pay off for many years. Our expert chimney sweeps are on hand to help you get the most out of your stove - give us a call now to find out more.

Low Carbon

Wood burners that burn efficiently and cleanly are the most efficient way to save money while keeping your house warm. They also support local woodland management. This is a fantastic way to support wildlife in your local area.

If properly maintained wood-burning stoves and fireplaces emit very little pollutant when they are operated with seasoned and dry firewood. When they are not properly maintained or use wood that is of poor quality the smoke produced contains fine particles, also known as particulate pollutants that can cause irritation to the the lungs and other organs of the body. It also contains carbon monoxide and toxic air pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Inhaling air pollution can cause irritation to the lungs and trigger asthma attacks, wheezing, coughing and lung irritation. It can also lead to heart disease, cancer or premature death.

Some people worry that using a wood burning stove will contribute to climate change however this isn't necessarily true. Burning wood is a carbon-neutral energy source. In the course of 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, it reduces the amount of pollution emitted in the process of transportation. It is also essential to select high-quality, seasoned hardwoods as these will have an extended and more consistent burning time than softwoods.

Modern wood stoves, such as those manufactured by Charlton & Jenrick, emit less carbon dioxide than older stoves. They have been tested and certified to meet 2020 EPA standards which are considerably more stringent than the previous emission limits.

All wood burning stoves should be fully vented to the outside of your property to ensure that they do not create a build-up of exhaust inside your home. All of our DEFRA-exempt and clean burn stoves can produce extremely clear exhaust by keeping the flames in the vicinity of the logs of wood and using dry well-seasoned, clean firewood.

A wood burning stove with an acatalytic converter or hybrid unit could provide the most efficient low-carbon option for heating. These units re-ignite gases and particles that were ignited during the initial combustion in a second stage by mixing them with superheated air. They then channel the remaining particulates and gasses through a catalytic combustion combustor for a third and final combustion, decreasing emissions to levels that is well below the government standards.

Clean Burn

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

This means that your chimney and the surrounding area will be cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter (also known as particle pollution) from wood that is not fully combusted causes respiratory issues like wheezing and coughing and can contribute to the development of heart disease such as stroke, diabetes, and other serious health issues. Air pollution from wood combustion is an element that contributes to poor urban air quality.

Smoke from poorly combusted timber is a source of fine particulate pollutants as well as 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 be absorbed into the lungs, as well as other organs, causing discomfort, damage and even death. Airborne dust can also damage surfaces in your home with a smudge-like sensation.

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. The most valuable woods for heating are hardwoods like beech, oak and ash. Hardwoods have a high density and BTU content and they provide more heat than softwoods.

It is also important to determine if your local authority has regulations regarding wood burning. These could include nuisance/odor regulations and visible emissions or smoke opacity limits.

It is crucial to keep the glass of a wood stove that has an open front that is free of dirt and deposits. This can be done using a dry cloth or oven cleaner spray. Alternatively, you can add bicarbonate of soda mixed with a bit of water to the glass.

Regular maintenance of your chimney and stove is also crucial. This includes regular chimney cleanings that remove creosote as well as ensure proper functioning of your flue. It is also important to mark the dates of periodic inspections on your calendar. This will help you prevent costly repairs and extend your wood burner's life.

Low Maintenance

Many people opt to install wood burning fireplaces because of the natural warmth they generate. This kind of freestanding fireplace needs some maintenance and upkeep. The chimney, flue and stove are all potential sources of house fires, if they're not cleaned and maintained regularly. These fireplaces also provide heat in the event of an electrical outage, especially during winter storms when branches of trees may fall and power lines could be ripped down.

When you use a wood stove to heat your home, you can reduce your carbon footprint when compared to other fossil fuel sources like gas. Modern wood stoves and inserts are designed to conform to EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards, which means that they produce very low emissions. The more well-seasoned the wood is the more efficient it will be and you'll use less to generate the same amount of heat.

They require some maintenance and care, including ensuring they are not in close proximity to the ignition source and that a screen is installed. The flow of air will be improved by keeping the grate clean of ash and debris. This will keep the fire burning longer and your home tidy. It is recommended that your chimney and stove swept at least twice per year to prevent the build-up of creosote, which can be a dangerous fire hazard and a clog that can restrict circulation.

A wood burning stove has to be tended constantly and it could take some time for a new homeowner to understand how to light, ignite, and maintain a steady fire in the fireplace. Once you've mastered the art of lighting, your wood stove will become an ideal source of warmth and comfort within your home.

Wood burning fireplaces have been in use in some form or another for over 500 years and they've regained popularity because of their energy efficiency and sustainability, as well as the natural warmth and smell of real 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.