Wood Burner Fireplace: 10 Things I’d Like To Have Known Sooner

How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace

Contrary to traditional open fireplaces, wood stoves are engineered and designed to burn wood. This allows them meet stricter emission standards.

Wood burning stoves create dancing yellow flames and cosy crackling noises. They also give an incredibly warm feeling. However, the smoke it creates contains carbon monoxide and toxic air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Efficient

Fireplaces and stoves that burn wood provide beautiful and natural heat source to the home, they are also incredibly efficient. A high-quality wood burner can have an Ecodesign rating up to 77 percent. With rising energy costs it is essential to ensure you’re getting the maximum value from your log stove – the good news is that it’s more simple than ever before!

The amount of moisture in wood is one of the main factors that determines the efficiency of a wood-burning stove is. We recommend using only well-seasoned wood that has been dried for at least one year, and in some cases, two years. The dryer the wood is, the more efficiently it burns which means less smoke and less harmful emissions.

Another benefit of a wood burning stove is that it’s an eco-friendly source of fuel, which is excellent for the environment. When you purchase locally-sourced wood, you can also help to promote the active conservation and management of forests. This is beneficial for wildlife.

As far as maintenance is involved, the sole requirement for a wood burner is to frequently scoop up and dispose of the ash. It can be somewhat of a hassle but it’s worth it to get the most heat out of every log. If you wait for the ashes 2-3 days to cool completely and then, they can be utilized as a non-toxic and environmentally friendly melt of ice. They can be used to polish jewelry and also absorb the odors.

A fireplace with wood burning is a timeless classic. While they may be less popular than gas fires but there’s no denying the appeal and appeal of a roaring log fire. They are ideal to snuggle to on cold winter evenings, and they create a warm and welcoming space in your home. Choose a high-quality wood burner and you’ll be benefiting for many years to come! Our chimney sweeps are here to assist you in getting the most value from your stove. Give us a call today to learn more.

Low Carbon

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

Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves create very little pollutant if they are maintained properly and are used with dry, seasoned firewood. However, if they’re not maintained properly or are using wood of poor quality the smoke that is produced by them can contain fine particles (known as particulate pollution) that can cause irritation to the lung and other organs. It also contains carbon monoxide and toxic air pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Inhaling this kind of air pollution can cause irritation to the lung wheezing, coughing and asthma attacks. It can even lead to serious health issues such as cancer, heart disease, or premature death.

Some people fear that using a wood burning stove could contribute to climate change however this isn’t necessarily the case. Wood burning produces energy that is carbon-neutral. The tree absorbs carbon dioxide over its lifespan. After burning, the carbon is released into the air.

Because the wood is harvested locally this decreases the amount of pollution that is released when it is transported. It is crucial to choose hardwoods that are well-seasoned and of top quality. They burn longer and more evenly than softwoods.

Modern wood stoves, like the ones made by Charlton & Jenrick, emit much less pollution than older stoves. They have been tested and certified to meet the 2020 EPA standards which are considerably more strict than previous emissions limits.

To avoid a build up of exhaust within your home, all wood burning stoves should be vented fully to the outside. By keeping the flames away from the logs and making sure you use dry, seasoned and dry wood, all our current clean burn and DEFRA exempt stoves produce very clear exhaust and have particulate levels that are 60 or more lower than the DEFRA limit.

A wood-burning stove equipped with a catalytic converter is the ultimate low carbon heating option. These units re-ignite gasses and particles that were ignited during the initial combustion in a subsequent phase by mixing them superheated air. They then funnel the remaining particulates and gasses through a catalytic combustor for an additional and final combustion, further decreasing emissions to levels much lower than the standards set by the government.

Clean Burn

Cleanburn wood stoves burn fuel with the highest possible efficiency. This results in a minimum amount of dust emissions into the atmosphere when burning wood. The stove’s air management system regulates the intake and venting of gases, making sure that the combustion process is conducted in a closed, controlled environment. It also regulates the height of the flame to minimize emissions and increase the heat output.

This means that your chimney and the surrounding area will be much cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter, also referred to as particle pollution, is a result of wood that is not properly burned can cause respiratory issues, like coughing and wheezing. It can also contribute to heart disease as well as stroke, diabetes and other serious illnesses. The air pollution resulting from wood combustion is an element that contributes to poor air quality in urban areas.

Smoke from poorly burned timber contains fine particulate pollutants and hazardous air pollutant such as carbon monoxide as well as other harmful air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, and formaldehyde. These particles can penetrate deep into the lung and other organs, causing damage, discomfort 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 is essential to use only good quality, seasoned and dried firewood when you use your fireplace with a wood burner. Hardwoods like oak beech, ash, and ash are the best choice for heating. Hardwoods are extremely dense and have higher BTU than softwoods. They also have more heat.

Check with your local authorities to determine whether they have rules about wood burning. These may include rules on odors and nuisances, as well as visible smoke emissions or smoke opacity limitations.

It is crucial to keep the glass of a wood stove that has a glass front free of dirt and deposits. This can be done using a dry cloth or oven cleaner spray. You can also add bicarbonate soda and water to the glass.

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

Low Maintenance

Wood burning fireplaces are very popular due to their natural warmth. This kind of fireplace needs some maintenance and upkeep. The chimney, flue, and stove can all be the cause of house fires if they are not maintained and cleaned regularly. They also provide warmth in the event of a power outage, especially during winter storms when branches of trees can fall and power lines may be knocked down.

If you use a wood stove to heat your home, you will reduce your carbon footprint when compared to other fossil fuel sources like gas. Modern wood stoves, inserts, and fireplaces are built 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 your stove will be. You’ll need less wood to achieve the same amount of heat.

These fireplaces require some maintenance and attention, such as ensuring they are positioned away from burning materials and a screening is in place. Making sure the grate is free of ash and debris will help air flow, which will prevent the fire from dying out too quickly and keep your home clean. You should have your stove and chimney cleaned every year at least two times to avoid creosote accumulation which could create a fire hazard and a blockage that can hinder ventilation.

It could take a while for homeowners who are new to the area to learn how to light, ignite and maintain a continuous fire in the fireplace. But, once you’ve achieved the art of creating and maintaining an open flame in your wood stove, it can be a source of enduring pleasure that will provide heat and warmth for your home all year long.

Wood burning fireplaces have been in use in some form or another for more than 500 years and they’ve regained popularity because of their efficiency and sustainability, as well as the natural warmth and smell of real wood. Talk with your local Regency dealer about the benefits of wood stoves or inserts for your home if you’re planning to purchase an upgrade to your heater.