5 Laws Anyone Working In Wood Burner Fireplace Should Know
How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace
Wood stoves, in contrast to traditional open fireplaces, are designed to burn wood. This allows them to meet stricter emission standards.
Wood burning stoves offer glowing yellow flames, cozy crackling sound and that innate sense of warmth. The smoke that is produced is contaminated by air pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Efficient
Fireplaces and stoves that burn wood provide beautiful and natural heat to the home, they are also extremely efficient. A good quality wood burner can attain an Ecodesign rating as high as 77%. It is crucial to get the most value of your log stove particularly with the rising energy costs. The good news is that it's now easier than ever before to do!
The moisture content of wood is one of the main factors that determines the efficiency of a wood-burning stove is. This is the reason we suggest only using seasoned wood which has been dried for a minimum of one year, and more often two years. The drier the wood, the more efficiently it burns which results in less smoke and less harmful emissions.
Another great benefit of a wood burning stove is that it's an eco-friendly source of fuel, which is great for the environment. By purchasing locally sourced wood, you are also helping to promote the active management and conservation of forests. This is beneficial for wildlife.
As far as maintenance is concerned, the only requirement of a wood burner is to regularly take out and dispose of the ash. It can be quite a challenge but it's worth it to get the best heat from every log. Additionally when you wait for a couple of days until the ashes completely cool they can be used as an eco-friendly and non-toxic ice melt. They can also be used to polish jewellery and remove smells.
A fireplace with wood burning is an old-fashioned classic. Although they're not as popular than gas fireplaces but there's no denying the appeal and appeal of a roaring log fire. They're perfect for cosying up to on cold evenings and are a great way to create an inviting and warm space in the heart of your home. Choose a high-quality wood stove and you'll start enjoying the benefits for years to be! Contact us today to find out more about how our skilled chimney sweeps can help you get the most out of your stove.
Low Carbon
Wood burners that burn cleanly and efficiently are the most effective option to save money while also keeping your home warm. In addition, they also aid in local woodland management, which is a great way of supporting the wildlife that lives 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. When they are not properly maintained or when they 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 the lungs and other body organs. Carbon monoxide, air pollutants that are toxic such as formaldehyde and benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are also present. Inhaling these types of air pollution could cause irritation to the lung wheezing, coughing and asthma attacks and may even cause serious health issues like cancer, heart disease, or premature death.
Many people are concerned that using a wood burning stove can cause climate change, but this is not necessarily the case. Wood burning produces energy that is carbon-neutral. The tree absorbs carbon dioxide throughout its lifespan. When it is burned carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere.
Because the wood is harvested locally, it reduces the amount of pollutants released when it is transported. It is crucial to choose hardwoods that are 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 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 that you use dry, seasoned wood and all our clean burn and DEFRA exempt stoves are capable of producing very clear exhaust. They also have particulate levels 60 or more lower than the DEFRA limit.
A wood-burning stove that has a catalytic converter or a hybrid unit can offer the ultimate low-carbon heating solution. These units re-ignite the gases and particulates that were ignited during the initial combustion in a second stage by mixing them with superheated air. The remaining gases and particulates are transported through a catalytic combustion unit for a final and third combustion. This reduces emissions to levels far below government standards.
Clean Burn
Cleanburn wood stoves burn fuel at the highest efficiency. 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 to ensure that the combustion process takes place in a safe and controlled environment. It also regulates the flame's height to maximize the output of heat and reduce emissions.
This means that your chimney as well as the surrounding area will be much cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter, also known as particle pollution, is a result of incompletely burned wood can trigger respiratory issues, such as wheezing and coughing, and can contribute to heart disease and stroke, diabetes and other serious ailments. Wood burning also contributes to poor air quality in cities.
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 as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, and formaldehyde. These particles can get into the organs of the lungs which can cause discomfort, damage and even death. Airborne dust can also harm the surfaces in your home and 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 such as oak beech, ash and are the best for heating. Hardwoods are extremely dense and have higher BTU content than softwoods. They also have more heat.
Check with your local authority to find out whether they have any regulations about wood burning. These may include rules on odors and nuisances, as well as visible emissions or smoke opacity limits.
It is essential to keep the glass of a wood stove with glass fronts free of deposits and dirt. You can use a dry towel or oven cleaner spray to do this. You can also add bicarbonate soda mixed with water to the glass.
Regular maintenance of your stove and chimney is also crucial. Regular chimney cleaning is required to remove creosote, and also to ensure that the flue is working properly. It is also important to mark the dates of your periodic inspections on your calendar. This will help you to avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your wood burner.
Low Maintenance
Wood burning fireplaces are very popular because they offer natural warmth. However, this kind of fire requires some upkeep and maintenance. The chimney, flue, and stove are all potential sources of house fires if not maintained and cleaned regularly. Fireplaces can also be an excellent source of heat when power is out, particularly in winter when snow storms can cause branches to fall from trees and rip down power lines.
Utilizing a wood burner to heat your home will reduce your carbon footprint significantly when compared to other fossil fuel sources like gas. Modern wood stoves, inserts and fireplaces are built to conform to EPA standards (Environmental Protection Agency) which means they produce very little emissions. The more well-seasoned wood you use the more efficient your stove will be. You'll need less wood to achieve the same amount of heat.
They require some maintenance and attention, including making sure they are not in close proximity to burning materials and a screening is in place. Keeping the grate clear of ash and debris will allow airflow and prevent the fire from dying out quickly. It will also help keep your indoors clean. You should have your stove and chimney swept at least twice per year to prevent creosote build-up which could be a dangerous fire hazard and obstructions that could hinder ventilation.
It may take some time for a new homeowner to learn to ignite, light and maintain a constant fire in the fireplace. Once you've learned the art of lighting, your wood burner will be an ideal source of warmth and comfort within your home.
Wood burning fireplaces have been around in some form or another for nearly 500 years, and they've regained popularity due to their effectiveness, sustainability, and the natural warmth and aroma of real wood. Talk with your local Regency dealer about the advantages of wood stoves or inserts for your home if you're looking to purchase an upgrade to your heater.