The Most Prevalent Issues In Wood Burner Fireplace
How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace
Wood stoves, in contrast to traditional open fireplaces, are engineered to burn wood. This allows them to meet stricter emission regulations.
Wood burning stoves provide glowing yellow flames, cozy crackling sounds and that primal feeling of warmth. The smoke produced is filled with harmful air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, 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 have an Ecodesign rating of up to 77%. With the increasing cost of energy, it is essential to make sure you're getting the maximum benefits from your log burner - the good thing is that this is much easier than ever!
The amount of moisture in firewood is a key factor that determines how efficient a stove that burns wood is. This is why we recommend only using wood that is seasoned, which has been dried for at least one year, but more often two years. The more dry the wood, the better it burns. This 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 fantastic for the environment. If you buy locally-sourced wood, you also help to contribute to the active management and conservation of woodlands. This is beneficial for wildlife.
The only thing a wood burning stove requires in terms maintenance is that you regularly remove and eliminate the ash. This can be a little bit of a hassle, but it's worth it to ensure you get most heat from every log. Additionally that if you wait a couple of days for the ashes to fully cool, they can be reused as an eco-friendly and non-toxic ice melt. They can be used to polish jewelry and also absorb the odors.
A wood-burning fireplace is an old-fashioned classic. While they're not as popular than gas fireplaces, the appeal and charm of a roaring fire cannot be ignored. These fires are great to snuggle up with on cold nights, and they create a warm and welcoming space within your home. Making the investment in a top-quality wood burner will pay for itself for many years. Our chimney sweeps are here to help you get the most from your stove - give us a call now to find out more.
Low Carbon
Wood burners that burn clean and efficiently are among the most efficient ways to save money on logs and keep your home warm. As an added benefit they also help to support the local woodland management. It's a excellent way to help the wildlife that lives in your area.
Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves create minimal pollution when they are maintained properly and operated with dry, seasoned firewood. If they are not properly maintained or use wood that is of poor quality the smoke produced contains fine particles, commonly referred to as particulate pollution that can cause irritation to the the lungs and other organs of the body. Carbon monoxide, toxic air pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are also present. Inhaling air pollution can cause irritation to the lungs and lead to asthma attacks wheezing, coughing, and irritation of the lungs. It may also cause cancer, heart disease or premature death.
Some people are concerned that wood-burning stoves can cause climate change However, this isn't true. Wood burning produces energy that is carbon neutral. In the course of the life of a tree, it absorbs carbon dioxide, and when burned the carbon absorbed is released back into the atmosphere.
The wood is local, which decreases the amount of pollution emitted in the transportation process. It is essential to select 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 made by Charlton & Jenrick) have significantly lower emissions than older stoves. They have been certified to meet 2020 EPA standards which are significantly stricter than earlier emission limits.
All wood-burning stoves must be fully vented to the outside of your property to ensure that they do not create a haze of exhaust in your house. All our current DEFRA-exempt and clean burn stoves can create clear exhaust when keeping the flames at a distance from the wood logs and using dry, seasoned firewood.
A wood-burning stove equipped with an integrated unit or catalytic converter is the best low carbon heating option. These units re-ignite the particulates and gases from the initial combustion in a subsequent stage by mixing them with superheated air. The remaining gases and particulates are transferred to a catalytic unit to create a final and third combustion. This further reduces emissions to levels well below the standards set by the government.
Clean Burn
Cleanburn wood stoves are engineered to burn fuel with the highest efficiency that is achievable. This means that there are fewer particles emitted into the atmosphere when burning wood. The air management system of the stove controls the intake and exhaust of gases to ensure the combustion process is conducted in a sealed and controlled environment. It also regulates the height of the flame to reduce emissions and maximize the heat output.
This means that your chimney and surrounding area will be cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter, also referred to as particle pollution, from incompletely burned wood can cause respiratory issues, like coughing and wheezing, and can contribute to heart disease and stroke, diabetes and other serious conditions. Air pollution from wood combustion is a contributory factor in poor urban air quality.
Smoke from poorly burned timber has fine particulate pollution and hazardous air pollutant such as carbon monoxide, as well as other dangerous air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as benzene and formaldehyde. These particles can reach deep into the lung and other organs, causing damage, discomfort and even death. Airborne dust can also contaminate the surfaces in your home and create an unpleasant sludge-like feel to rooms.
It is essential to use only high-quality, seasoned and dried firewood for your wood burner fireplace. The most valuable woods for heating are hardwoods, such as beech, oak and ash. Hardwoods are extremely dense and have higher BTU than softwoods. They also have more heat.
Contact your local authority to find out whether they have rules concerning wood burning. They could include rules for nuisance or odor and visible emissions, or smoke opacity limits.
If you have a wood stove with a glass door it is essential to keep the glass clear of dirt and deposits. You can use a dry towel or oven cleaner spray to do this. You can also add bicarbonate soda and water to the glass.
Regular maintenance of your stove and chimney is also crucial. This includes regular chimney cleanings to eliminate creosote as well as ensure proper operation of the flue. It is also recommended to note the dates of periodic inspections on your calendar. This will allow you to prevent costly repairs and extend your wood burner's life.
Low Maintenance
Many people opt to install wood burning fireplaces due to the warmth and natural beauty they provide. This type of fireplace requires a bit of maintenance and upkeep. If not cleaned and maintained regularly, the chimney, flue, and stove could all have the potential to cause fires within your home. They also provide warmth in the event of a power outage, particularly during winter storms, when branches of trees may fall and power lines could be ripped down.
When you use a wood stove to heat your home, you can reduce your carbon footprint as compared to other fossil sources of fuel like gas. Modern wood stoves, inserts and fireplaces are constructed to conform to EPA standards (Environmental Protection Agency), which means they emit very little emissions. The more well-seasoned wood you use, the more efficient the stove will be. You'll require less wood to get the same amount of heat.
The Fireplaces And Stove require some care and maintenance. They must be kept clear of combustible material and have a screen. Air flow will be improved by keeping the grate clean of ash and other debris. This will keep the fire burning longer and your home in good order. You should have your chimney and stove cleaned at least two times per year to prevent creosote accumulation which could cause an fire hazard or blockage and limit circulation.
A wood burning stove needs to be tended constantly and it could take some time for a beginner homeowner to learn how to ignite, light and maintain a constant fire in the fireplace. But, once you've learned the art of creating and maintaining a fire in your wood burner, it can be a source of lasting pleasure that will provide heat and warmth for your home year after year.
Wood burning fireplaces have been in use in some form or another for more than 500 years. They've gained a lot of attention because of their effectiveness, sustainability, and the natural warmth of wood. Talk with 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.