How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace
Wood stoves, unlike traditional open fireplaces, are designed to burn wood. This allows them to comply with stricter emission regulations.
Wood burning stoves emit dancing yellow flames and cosy crackling sounds. They also give an incredibly warm feeling. The smoke that is generated is contaminated by air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Efficient
Fireplaces and stoves that burn wood provide beautiful and natural heat to the home, and they are incredibly efficient. A high-quality wood burner can achieve an Ecodesign rating of up to 77 percent. It is essential to get the most out of your wood burner particularly with the increasing energy costs. The good thing is that it's much easier than ever to do!
One of the main factors that determines the effectiveness of the wood-burning stove is in 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 more often two years. The more dry the wood is more dry, the better it burns. This means lesser smoke and fewer 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 contribute to the active management and conservation of woodlands. This is great for wildlife.
As far as maintenance is concerned, the primary requirement of a wood burner is to regularly take out and dispose of the ash. It's a bit of a hassle but it's worth it to get the most heat from each log. If you wait for the ashes to cool completely and then, they can be utilized as a non-toxic and eco-friendly ice melt. They can also be used to polish jewellery and remove smells.
A wood burner fireplace is a timeless classic. Although they are less popular than gas fireplaces, the appeal and ambiance of a fire that is roaring can't be disregarded. These fires are perfect to cuddle in on cold winter evenings, and they create a warm and welcoming space in your home. Make sure you invest in a high-quality wood stove and you'll be reaping the benefits for many years to come! Our expert chimney sweeps are on hand to assist you in getting the most out of your stove. Give us a call now to learn more.
Low Carbon
Burners that are clean and efficient are among the most efficient ways to save money on logs and keep your home warm. In addition, they can also assist in the local woodland management. It's a great way of supporting the wildlife that lives in your local area.
Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves create very little pollution if they are maintained properly and operated with dry, seasoned and dry firewood. When they are not maintained properly or use wood that is of poor quality the smoke produced contains fine particles, commonly referred to as particulate pollution, which can irritate lung organs and other body organs. Carbon monoxide, toxic air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are also in the. Inhaling air pollution can cause irritation of the lung and trigger asthma attacks wheezing, coughing, and irritation of the lungs. It can also lead to cancer, heart disease or premature death.
Some people worry that using a wood burning stove will contribute to climate change however this isn't necessarily the case. The combustion of wood produces energy that is carbon-neutral. Through the life of a tree, it absorbs carbon dioxide, and when it is burnt, the carbon absorbed is released back into the atmosphere.
Since the wood is sourced locally, this reduces the amount of pollution that is released when it is transported. It is also essential to select top quality, seasoned hardwoods as these will provide an extended and more consistent burn than softwoods.
Modern wood stoves, such as those manufactured by Charlton & Jenrick, emit much less pollution 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 avoid the buildup of exhaust inside your home, all wood burning stoves should be vented to the outside. By keeping flames above the logs, and ensuring you use dry, seasoned wood and all our clean burn and DEFRA exempt stoves are capable of producing extremely clear exhaust and have particulate levels that are 60 or more lower than the DEFRA limit.
A wood-burning stove that has an acatalytic converter or hybrid unit can offer the ultimate low-carbon option for heating. These units re-ignite gases and particles from the initial combustion in a second stage by mixing them with superheated air. The remaining gases and particulates are then transported through a catalytic combustion unit for a final third combustion. This reduces emissions to levels well below the government standards.
Clean Burn
Cleanburn wood stoves are engineered to burn fuel with the greatest efficiency possible. This results in the release of a small amount of particles into the air when burning wood. The stove's air management system controls the intake and venting of gases, ensuring the combustion process takes place in a sealed, controlled environment. It also regulates flame height to maximize heat output and minimise emissions.
This means that your chimney and surrounding area will be much 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 can contribute to heart disease and stroke, diabetes and other serious illnesses. Wood burning is also a contributor to poor air quality in cities.
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 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 create a gritty feel to rooms.
When using your wood-burning fireplace it is important to make use of high-quality firewood that has been seasoned and dried. The most valuable woods for heating are hardwoods such as oak, ash and beech. Hardwoods are dense and have a more BTU than softwoods. They also have more heat.
It is also important to determine if your local authority has regulations regarding wood burning. These may include nuisance/odor rules and visible emissions or opacity limits for smoke.
It is crucial to keep the glass of a stove with an open front that is free of deposits and dirt. You can make use of a dry towel or oven cleaner spray to do this. You can also add bicarbonate soda and water to the glass.
Regular maintenance of your stove and chimney is also essential. This includes regular chimney cleanings to remove creosote and ensure the proper functioning of the flue. Be sure to note dates for inspections on a regular basis in your calendar, since this will help you avoid costly repairs and prolong the lifespan of your wood stove.
Low Maintenance
Wood burning fireplaces are very popular because they provide a natural warmth. This type of fireplace requires a bit of maintenance and upkeep. The chimney, flue, and stove are all potential sources of house fires, if they're not maintained and cleaned regularly. Fireplaces can also provide heat in the event of an electrical outage, particularly during winter storms where tree branches can fall and power lines may be damaged.
If you use a wood stove to heat your home, you will reduce your carbon footprint compared to other fossil sources of fuel like gas. Modern wood stoves, inserts, and fireplaces are constructed to meet EPA standards (Environmental Protection Agency) which means that they produce very little emissions. The more well-seasoned the wood is the more efficient it will be which means you'll burn less of it to get the same amount of heat.
They require some maintenance and care, including ensuring they are placed away from the ignition source and that a screen is in place. Making sure the grate is free of ash and debris will help air flow, which will prevent the fire from dying quickly. It will also help keep your indoors clean. It is recommended that your chimney and stove swept at least twice per year to prevent creosote build-up which could create a fire hazard and obstructions that could hinder the flow of air.
A wood burning stove has to be kept in good order and it may take time for a novice homeowner to understand how to ignite, light and maintain a steady fire in the fireplace. Once you've learned the art of burning, your wood burning stove will be an excellent source of warmth and comfort within your home.
Wood burning fireplaces have been in use in one form or another for more than 500 years and they've gained a new following because of their efficiency, sustainability, and the natural warmth and scent of real wood. Talk to your local Regency dealer about the advantages of wood stoves or inserts for your home if you're looking to buy an entirely new heater.
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