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 to comply with stricter emission regulations.

Wood burning stoves are renowned for their dancing yellow flames, cosy crackling sound and that innate sensation of warmth. The smoke produced is contaminated by 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 good quality wood burner can attain an Ecodesign rating of up to 77%. It is vital to get the most value of your wood burner, especially with rising 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 how efficient a stove that burns wood is. This is why we suggest only using wood that is seasoned, which has been dried for a minimum of one year, and often two years. The more dry the wood, the better it burns. This results in lesser smoke and fewer harmful emissions.

A wood-burning stove also has the benefit of being an eco-friendly fuel source which is good for the environment. If you buy locally-sourced wood, you are also helping to contribute to the active conservation and management of woodlands. This is great for wildlife.

The only thing a wood-burning stove needs in terms of maintenance is to take away and get rid of ash. It's quite a challenge but it's worth it to get the best heat from each log. In addition when you wait for a couple of days for the ashes to fully cool they can be used as a non-toxic and eco-friendly ice melt. They can be used to polish jewelry and absorb the odors.

A wood burner fireplace is a truly timeless classic. Although they are less popular than gas fireplaces, their appeal and ambiance of a fire that is roaring can't be ignored. They're great for snuggling with on cold winter nights and are an ideal method of creating an inviting and warm space inside your home. Investing in a high-quality wood burner will pay off for many years. Call us today to learn more about how our experienced chimney sweeps can help you get the best out of your stove.

Low Carbon

Wood burners that are clean and efficient are one of the best ways to save money on logs and keep your home warm. Additionally, they also help to support local woodland management, a great way of supporting the wildlife that lives in your local area.

If properly maintained wood-burning stoves and fireplaces emit little or no pollution when they are used with seasoned and dry firewood. If they are not properly maintained or use wood that is of poor quality, the smoke that is produced contains fine particles also known as particulate pollutants that can cause irritation to the lungs and other organs of the body. It also contains carbon monoxide and harmful air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Inhaling air pollution can cause lung irritation and cause asthma attacks, wheezing, coughing and lung irritation. It may also cause heart disease, cancer or premature death.

Some people are concerned that wood-burning stoves contribute to climate change however this isn't true. Wood burning is a carbon neutral energy source. The tree absorbs carbon dioxide over its lifespan. When it is burned carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere.

The wood is sourced locally, which reduces the amount pollution that is emitted in the transportation process. It is also essential to use high quality well-seasoned hardwoods, as they will give an extended and even burn than softwoods.

Modern wood stoves, including the ones made by Charlton & Jenrick, emit less carbon dioxide than older stoves. They are certified to meet 2020 EPA standards that are significantly stricter than earlier emission limits.

To avoid a build up of exhaust inside your home, all wood burning stoves should be vented fully to the outside. By keeping flames above the logs and making sure you use dry, seasoned wood and all our clean burn and DEFRA exempt stoves are capable of producing very clear exhaust and have particulate levels that are 60 percent or electric firesuite less below the DEFRA limit.

A wood-burning stove that has a catalytic converter or hybrid unit can provide the best low-carbon option for heating. These units re-ignite gasses and particles that were ignited during the initial burning in a subsequent phase by mixing them with superheated air. The remaining gases and particulates are then transferred to a catalytic unit for a final third combustion. This further reduces emissions to levels that are below the standards set by the government.

Clean Burn

Cleanburn wood stoves burn fuel with the highest possible efficiency. This means that there are fewer dust emissions into the atmosphere when burning wood. The stove's air management system controls the intake and exhausting of gases, making sure that the combustion process occurs in a sealed, controlled environment. It also regulates the flame height to minimise emissions and maximise the heat output.

This means that your chimney and surrounding area will be much cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter (also called particle pollution) caused by incomplete combustion of wood causes respiratory issues like coughing and wheezing in people and can contribute to the development of heart diseases, stroke, diabetes and other serious health conditions. Wood burning can also contribute to poor air quality in cities.

The smoke from poorly combusted wood contains fine particulate pollution and hazardous air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, benzene, formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These particles can be absorbed into the lungs, as well as other organs, causing discomfort, injury, and even death. Airborne dust can also contaminate the surfaces in your home and create a gritty feel to rooms.

It is essential to use only good quality, seasoned and dried firewood when using your Tabletop Fireplace with a wood burner. Hardwoods such as oak beech, ash and are the best choice for heating. Hardwoods have a high density and BTU content and they offer more heat than softwoods.

Check with your local authority to determine if they have any rules about wood burning. These could include nuisance/odor regulations and visible emissions, or opacity limits for smoke.

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

Regular maintenance is essential for your chimney and stove. This includes regular chimney cleanings that remove creosote and ensure proper functioning of your flue. Also be sure to mark dates for periodic inspections in your calendar, as this will help you avoid expensive repairs and prolong the life of your wood burner.

Low Maintenance

Many people opt to install wood-burning fireplaces due to the natural warmth they create. This type of electric fireplace requires a bit of maintenance and upkeep. The chimney, flue, and stove are all possible sources of house fires if not cleaned and maintained regularly. Fireplaces are also a great source of heat when power is out, particularly in winter, when snow storms could cause branches to fall from trees and rip up power lines.

If you use a wood stove to heat your home, you can reduce your carbon footprint compared to other fossil sources of energy like gas. Modern wood stoves and inserts have been designed to comply with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards, which means that they produce very low emissions. The more seasoned the wood is, the more efficient it will be which means you'll burn less of it to produce the same amount of heat.

They require some maintenance and care, including ensuring they are not in close proximity to combustible materials and a screen is installed. The air flow can be improved by keeping the grate clean of ash and debris. This will keep the fire burning longer and your home tidy. It is important to have your chimney and stove swept at least twice per year to prevent creosote accumulation, which can cause an fire hazard or blockage and limit the airflow.

It may take some time for a new homeowner to master the art of how to light, ignite and maintain a steady fire in the fireplace. Once you've learned the art of lighting, your wood stove will become a source for warmth and comfort within your home.

Wood burning fireplaces have been in use in some form or another for more than 500 years. They've gained a lot of attention due to their energy efficiency, sustainability and the natural warmth of real wood. If you're considering a new heater, talk with your local Regency certified dealer to find out more about the advantages of a wood stove or an insert for your home.