20 Myths About Wood Burner Fireplace: Dispelled

How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace

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

Wood burning stoves are renowned for their glowing yellow flames, cozy crackling sound and that innate sensation of warmth. The smoke that is produced contains toxic air pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Efficient

Fireplaces and stoves that burn wood offer a stunning and natural heat to the home, but they are also incredibly efficient. A top-quality wood stove can have an Ecodesign rating of up to 77 percent. It is crucial to get the most value of your log burner particularly with the increasing energy costs. The good thing is that it’s now easier than ever before to do!

A key factor in the efficiency of a wood burning stove is will be the water content of the wood. This is why we suggest only using wood that is seasoned, that has been dried for a minimum of one year, and often two years. The more dry the wood more dry, the better it burns. This means lesser smoke and fewer harmful emissions.

Another advantage of a wood-burning stove is that it’s an eco-friendly source of fuel, which is fantastic for the environment. When you purchase locally-sourced wood, you can also help to support the active conservation and management of woodlands. This is great for wildlife.

The only thing that a wood burning stove requires in terms maintenance is to regularly remove and dispose of ash. It’s quite a challenge, but it is worth it to get the maximum heat from every log. Furthermore that if you wait a couple of days for the ashes to completely cool they can be used as an eco-friendly and non-toxic ice melt. They can be used to polish jewelry and absorb smells.

A fireplace made of wood is a timeless classic. Although they’re less well-known than gas Fireplaces And Stove, the allure and ambiance of a fire that is roaring can’t be disregarded. They’re perfect for cosying up to on cold nights and are a perfect way to create a warm and inviting space within your home. Choose a high-quality wood stove and you’ll start enjoying the benefits for years to come! Contact us today to learn more about how our skilled chimney sweeps can assist you in getting the most out of your stove.

Low Carbon

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

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

Some people fear 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 wood absorbs carbon dioxide throughout its life. When it is burned carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere.

The wood is sourced locally, which reduces the amount of pollution emitted in the transportation process. It is crucial to choose hardwoods that are seasoned and of top 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 significantly lower emissions than older stoves. They are certified to meet 2020 EPA standards, which are considerably more strict than previous emission limits.

All wood-burning stoves must be fully vented to the outside of your property to ensure that they don’t create a haze of exhaust inside your home. By keeping the flames in the vicinity of the logs and ensuring that you use dry, seasoned wood, all our current clean burn and DEFRA exempt stoves can produce very clear exhaust. They also have particulate levels that are 60% or more below the DEFRA limit.

A wood-burning stove with a catalytic converter is the most efficient low carbon heating option. These units re-ignite gasses and particles from the initial combustion in a second phase by mixing them with superheated air. They then funnel the remaining gasses and particulates through a catalytic combustor to create an additional and final combustion, further reducing emissions to a level well below government standards.

Clean Burn

Cleanburn wood stoves are made to burn fuel with the greatest efficiency that is achievable. This results in the emission of a small amount of particles into the air when burning wood. The air management system of the stove controls the intake and exhaust of gases to ensure that the combustion process takes place in a sealed and controlled environment. It also regulates the flame’s height to maximize heat output and minimise emissions.

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

Smoke from poorly combusted wood is a source of fine particulate pollutants as well as hazardous air pollutant such as carbon monoxide, as well as other dangerous air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and 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 contaminate the surfaces of your home, and can give the impression of a rough surface to rooms.

It is essential to use only high-quality, seasoned and dried firewood when using your wood burner fireplace. The most effective woods for heating are hardwoods like beech, oak and ash. Hardwoods are dense and have a higher BTU than softwoods. They also provide more heat.

Contact your local authority to see whether they have rules regarding wood burning. These may include nuisance/odor rules and visible emissions or opacity limits for smoke.

It is essential to keep the glass of a wood stove that has glass fronts free of dirt and deposits. You can make use of a dry towel or oven cleaner spray for this. You can also add bicarbonate soda mixed with water to the glass.

Regular maintenance is also important 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 for periodic inspections on your calendar. This will allow you to avoid costly repairs and prolong your wood burner’s life.

Low Maintenance

Many people choose to install wood burning fireplaces because of the natural warmth they create. This kind of fireplace requires some maintenance and upkeep. If it is not maintained and cleaned regularly the chimney, flue, and stove could be fire hazards within your home. These fireplaces also provide heat in the event of power outage, particularly during winter storms when tree branches can fall and power lines could be knocked down.

When you use a wood stove to heat your home, you’ll be able to reduce your carbon footprint compared to other fossil fuel sources like gas. Modern wood stoves and inserts have been designed to meet EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards which mean they emit very little carbon dioxide. The more well-seasoned wood that you use the more efficient your stove will be. You’ll require less wood to achieve the same amount of heat.

These fireplaces require some upkeep and attention, such as ensuring they are positioned away from burning materials and a screening is installed. Keeping the grate clear of debris and ash will allow airflow, which will prevent the fire from dying out quickly. It will also help keep your home clean. It is recommended that your chimney and stove swept at least two times per year to avoid creosote accumulation that could create a fire hazard or clog and restrict ventilation.

It could take a while for a new homeowner to master the art of to ignite, light and maintain a continuous fire in the fireplace. However, once you have achieved the art of creating and maintaining the fire in your wood stove, it can be a source of lasting pleasure that can provide heat and warmth for your home year after year.

Wood burning fireplaces have been around in one form or another for more than 500 years. They’ve gained popularity because of their efficiency, 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 planning to buy a new heater.