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Wood Burner Fireplace: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace

Wood stoves, unlike traditional open fireplaces, are designed to use wood for combustion. This allows them to meet stricter emission regulations.

Wood burning stoves produce dancing yellow flames and cosy crackling sounds. They also give a primal feeling of warmth. However the smoke they release contains carbon monoxide and toxic air pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Efficient

Fireplaces and stoves that burn wood offer a stunning and natural heat to the home, they are also extremely efficient. A high-quality wood burner can attain an Ecodesign rating of up to 77%. It is essential to get the most value of your wood burner particularly with the increasing energy costs. The good news is it’s easier than ever to do!

A key factor in the efficiency of a wood-burning stove can be will be the moisture content of the firewood. We recommend using only well-seasoned wood that has been dried for at least one year and often two years. The more dry the wood is and the more efficient it is to burn. This means less smoke, and less harmful emissions.

Another great benefit of a wood burning stove is that it’s a low carbon source of fuel, which is great for the environment. If you buy locally-sourced wood, you are also helping to promote the active management and conservation of woodlands. This is great for wildlife.

The only thing a wood-burning stove requires in terms maintenance is to remove and get rid of the ash. It can be a bit of a hassle however it is worth it to get the most heat out of every log. If you allow the ashes 2-3 days to completely cool They can also be used as a non-toxic and environmentally friendly ice melt. They can also be used to polish jewellery or absorb smells.

A fireplace that burns wood is an old-fashioned classic. Although they’re less popular than gas fires, there is no denying the beauty and appeal of a roaring log fire. These fires are great for snuggling in on cold winter nights, and they make a warm and inviting space within your home. Choose a high-quality wood stove and you’ll be reaping the benefits for many years to come! Our expert chimney sweeps are here to help you get the most out of your stove – give us a call today to find out more.

Low Carbon

Wood burners that burn cleanly and efficiently are the most efficient way to save money while also keeping your home warm. Additionally, they also aid in the local woodland management. It’s a excellent way to help the wildlife that lives in your local environment.

Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves create very little pollutant if they are maintained properly and operated with dry, seasoned firewood. When they are not maintained properly or use wood that is of poor quality, the smoke that is produced contains fine particles commonly referred to as particulate pollution that can cause irritation to lungs and other body 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 of the lung and cause asthma attacks wheezing, coughing, and lung irritation. 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 true. Wood burning produces energy that is carbon-neutral. The tree absorbs carbon dioxide throughout its lifespan. After burning the carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere.

The wood is produced locally, which reduces the amount pollution that is released during transportation. It is important to use hardwoods that are seasoned and of top quality. They burn longer and more evenly than softwoods.

Modern, EPA certified wood stoves and heaters (such as those made by Charlton & Jenrick) have significantly lower emissions than older stoves. They are certified to meet 2020 EPA standards which are significantly stricter than previous emission limits.

To avoid the buildup of exhaust within your home, all wood-burning stoves should be vented fully to the outside. All our current DEFRA-exempt and clean burn stoves can produce very clear exhaust by keeping the flames above the wood logs and using dry and seasoned firewood.

A wood-burning stove that has a catalytic converter can provide the best low carbon solution for heating. These units ignite gasses and particles released from the initial combustion in a second stage by mixing them with superheated air. The remaining gases and particulates are then pumped through a catalytic combustion unit for a final third combustion. This reduces emissions to levels well below government standards.

Clean Burn

Cleanburn wood stoves are engineered to burn fuel with the best efficiency that is achievable. This results in the release of minimal particles into the air when burning wood. The air management system of the stove regulates the intake and venting of gases, ensuring that the combustion process occurs in a safe and controlled environment. It also regulates the height of the flame to maximize heat output and minimise emissions.

This means your chimney and its surroundings will be cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter, also referred to as particle pollution, resulting from wood that is not properly burned can cause respiratory issues, like wheezing and coughing, and contribute to heart disease and stroke, diabetes and other serious ailments. Air pollution from wood combustion is an important factor in poor urban air quality.

Smoke from poorly burned timber has fine particulate pollution and dangerous air pollutants like carbon monoxide and other hazardous air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as benzene and formaldehyde. These particles can get into the lung and other organs which can cause discomfort, damage and even death. Dust particles from the air can also damage the surfaces in your home, and can give the impression of a rough surface to rooms.

It is important to select high-quality, seasoned and dried firewood when using your wood burner fireplace. Hardwoods such as oak beech, ash, and ash are the best choice for heating. Hardwoods have a high density and BTU content. They also provide more heat than softwoods.

You should also determine if your local authority has rules regarding wood burning. They could include rules for nuisance or odor and visible emissions, or smoke opacity limits.

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

Regular maintenance of your chimney and stove is also vital. Regular chimney cleanings are necessary to get rid of creosote and also to ensure that the flue is operating correctly. Also be sure to mark dates for periodic inspections in your diary, as this will help you avoid expensive repairs and prolong the lifespan of your wood stove.

Low Maintenance

Wood burning fireplaces are popular because they provide a natural warmth. This type of fireplace needs some maintenance and upkeep. The chimney, flue and stove can all be the cause of house fires, if they’re not cleaned and maintained regularly. These fireplaces also provide heat in the event of power outage, particularly during winter storms where branches of trees may fall and power lines could be ripped down.

When 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 comply with 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 achieve the same heat.

The fireplaces need some maintenance and care. They should be placed away from combustible material and have a screen installed. Cleaning the grate of ash and debris will allow airflow, which will prevent the fire from dying too quickly. Also, it will keep your home clean. You should have your stove and chimney cleaned every year at least two times to prevent the build-up of creosote, which can be a fire hazard and obstructions that could hinder the flow of air.

A wood burning stove will need to be tended constantly and it could take some time for a new 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 an open flame in your wood burner, it will be a source of constant pleasure that can provide heat and warmth for your home all year long.

Wood burning fireplaces have been around in some form or another for nearly 500 years, and have rediscovered their popularity because of their efficiency, sustainability, and the natural warmth and smell of real wood. Talk to your local Regency dealer about the benefits of wood stoves or inserts for your home if you’re planning to purchase a new heater.