"Ask Me Anything:10 Responses To Your Questions About Wood Burner Fireplace
How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace
Wood stoves, unlike traditional open electric fireplaces, are engineered to burn wood. This enables them to comply with stricter emission regulations.
Wood burning stoves offer dancing yellow flames, cosy crackling sound and that innate sensation of warmth. However the smoke they release is contaminated with carbon monoxide as well as toxic air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Efficient
Fireplaces Wood and stoves that burn wood provide a beautiful and natural heat to the home, they are also extremely efficient. A top-quality wood burner could be eco-friendly up to 77%. With the increasing cost of energy, it is important to ensure you are getting the maximum benefits from your log burner - the good news is that it's much simpler than ever!
The amount of moisture in firewood is an important factor that determines how efficient a wood-burning stove is. We recommend using only seasoned wood that has been dried for at least one year and in many cases two years. The dryer the wood is the more efficiently it burns which results in less smoke and 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. Furthermore, by buying locally-sourced firewood, you're helping to support the active management of forests which is a good thing for wildlife.
In terms of maintenance concerned, the only requirement for a wood stove is to take out and dispose of the ash. It's somewhat of a hassle but it's worth it to get the best heat from each log. If you wait for the ashes 2-3 days to completely cool, they can also be used as a non-toxic, environmentally friendly melt of ice. They can be used to polish jewelry and also absorb the odors.
A wood-burning fireplace is a timeless classic. Although they're less popular than gas fireplaces, there is no denying the charm and appeal of a roaring fire. They're great for snuggling up to on cold nights and are a perfect way to create an inviting and warm space inside your home. Make sure you invest in a high-quality wood stove and you'll be enjoying the benefits for years to be! Our expert chimney sweeps are available to assist you in getting the most value from your stove - give us a call today to learn more.
Low Carbon
Wood burners that are efficient and clean are among the most efficient ways to save the cost of logs while keeping your home warm. As an added benefit they can also assist in local woodland management, a fantastic way to support the wildlife that lives in your area.
Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves cause minimal pollution when they are properly maintained and used with dry, seasoned and dry firewood. If they aren't 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 the 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 trigger asthma attacks wheezing, coughing, and lung irritation. It can also lead to 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 true. Burning wood is a carbon neutral energy source. Through the life of a tree, it absorbs carbon dioxide and when it is burnt, the carbon absorbed is released back into the atmosphere.
The wood is produced locally, which reduces the amount of pollution emitted in the transportation process. It is important to use hardwoods that are seasoned and of high quality. They will burn longer and more evenly than softwoods.
Modern, EPA certified wood stoves and heaters (such as those manufactured by Charlton & Jenrick) have considerably lower emissions than earlier stoves. They have been tested and certified to meet 2020 EPA standards which are much more stringent than the previous emission limits.
All wood burning stoves must be fully vented to the outside of your property to ensure that they do not cause a build-up of exhaust in your house. By keeping the flames in the vicinity of the logs and ensuring that you use dry, seasoned and dry wood and all our clean burn and DEFRA exempt stoves produce very clear exhaust. They also have particulate levels 60% or more below the DEFRA limit.
A wood burning stove with a catalytic converter or a hybrid unit can offer the ultimate low-carbon solution for heating. These units re-ignite gasses and particles released from the initial combustion in a second phase by mixing them with superheated air. They then channel the remaining gasses and particulates through a catalytic combustor for an additional and final combustion, further decreasing emissions to levels well below government standards.
Clean Burn
Cleanburn wood stoves burn fuel with the highest efficiency. This results in the release of minimal particles into the air when burning wood fireplaces. The stove's air management system controls the intake and venting of gases, ensuring that the combustion process takes place in a closed, controlled environment. It also regulates the height of the flame to reduce emissions and maximize heat output.
This means your chimney and surrounding area will be cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter, also known as particle pollution, resulting from incompletely burned wood can cause respiratory issues, such as coughing and wheezing. It can also contribute to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other serious ailments. Wood burning can also contribute to poor air quality in cities.
The smoke that is emitted from poorly combusted wood is a mixture of fine particulate pollution as well as hazardous 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 which can cause discomfort, damage and even death. Dust particles from the air can also damage the surfaces in your home and give the impression of a rough surface to rooms.
It is essential to use only good quality, seasoned and dried firewood for your wood burner fireplace inserts. Hardwoods such as oak, ash, and beech are the best choice for heating. Hardwoods are dense and BTU content. They also offer more heat than softwoods.
Contact your local authority to see whether they have rules about wood burning. These may include rules regarding odors and nuisances, as well as visible emissions or smoke opacity restrictions.
If you have a wood stove with a glass door it is important to keep the glass free of dirt and deposits. You can use a dry cloth or oven cleaner spray to do this. You can also add bicarbonate soda mixed with water to the glass.
Regular maintenance is essential for your chimney and stove. Regular chimney cleaning is required to eliminate creosote, and to ensure that the flue works properly. Be sure to note dates for regular inspections in your calendar, as this will allow you to avoid costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your wood stove.
Low Maintenance
Many people choose to install wood burning fireplaces because of the warmth and natural beauty they provide. However, this type of fire requires a bit of 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, especially in winter when snowstorms can cause tree branches to fall and knock down under-hanging power lines.
If you use a wood stove to heat your home, you'll be able to reduce your carbon footprint 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 seasoned wood you use the more efficient your stove will be. You'll require less wood to get the same amount of heat.
electric fireplaces require some maintenance and care. They should be kept away from the combustible materials and have a screen in place. The air flow can be improved by keeping the grate clear of ash and other debris. This will help keep the fire burning longer and your home tidy. It is recommended that your stove and chimney cleaned at least twice per year to prevent the build-up of creosote which could create a dangerous fire hazard and obstructions that could hinder ventilation.
A wood burning stove has to be tended constantly and it could take some time for a new homeowner to learn how to light, ignite and maintain a steady fire in the fireplace. But, once you've achieved the art of creating and maintaining a fire in your wood stove, it can be a source of lasting pleasure that can provide warmth and warmth to your home every year.
Wood burning fireplaces have been in use in one form or another for more than 500 years. They've gained popularity due to their effectiveness, sustainability, and the natural warmth that comes from wood. Talk to your local Regency dealer about the benefits of wood stoves or inserts for your home if you're looking to buy an entirely new heater.