20 Myths About Wood Burner Fireplace: Dispelled
How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace
Contrary to traditional open fireplaces, wood stoves are specifically designed and optimized to burn firewood. This allows them meet stricter emission standards.
Wood burning stoves provide glowing yellow flames, cozy crackling sound and that innate sensation of warmth. However the smoke that it produces includes carbon monoxide and harmful air pollutants, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Efficient
Fireplaces and stoves that burn wood provide beautiful and natural heat source to the home, they are also incredibly efficient. A quality wood stove can be able to achieve an Ecodesign rating as high as 77 percent. It is essential to get the most value of your log stove particularly with the increasing energy costs. The good news is it's now easier than ever before to do!
The moisture content of firewood is a key factor that determines how efficient a stove that burns wood is. We recommend using only seasoned wood that has been dried for at least one year, and in some cases, two years. The more dry the wood is, the better it burns. This means lesser smoke and fewer harmful emissions.
A wood burning stove offers the advantage of being a low-carbon fuel source, which is great for the environment. Additionally, by purchasing locally sourced firewood you are helping to support the management of woodlands which is a good thing for wildlife.
The only thing a wood-burning stove requires in terms of maintenance is to remove and dispose of ash. It's quite a challenge but it's worth it to get the maximum heat from every log. If you wait for the ashes to cool completely and then, they can be used as a non-toxic and green melt of ice. They can be used to polish jewelry and also absorb smells.
A fireplace with wood burning is an old-fashioned classic. Although they're not as popular than gas fireplaces however, there's no denying the appeal and enthralling sound of a roaring fire. They're perfect for cosying with on cold winter evenings and are a great way to create an inviting and warm space within your home. Make sure you invest in a high-quality wood burner and you'll be reaping the benefits for many years to be! Contact us today to find out more about how our experienced chimney sweeps can help you get the best out of your stove.
Low Carbon
Wood burners that are efficient and clean are the most effective way to save money while keeping your house warm. They also aid local woodland management. This is an excellent method to support wildlife in your area.
Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves create very little pollution if they are maintained properly and are used with dry, seasoned firewood. If they aren't maintained properly or use wood 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 body organs. Carbon monoxide, toxic air pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are also found in. Inhaling these types of air pollution could cause lung irritation as well as wheezing, coughing, and asthma attacks. It could even cause serious health issues such as heart disease, cancer, or premature death.
Some people are concerned that wood-burning stoves can cause climate change however this isn't true. Burning wood is a carbon neutral energy source. The tree absorbs carbon dioxide throughout its lifetime. When burned carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere.
Because the wood is harvested locally, this reduces the amount of pollution emitted when it is transported. It is also essential to select high-quality, seasoned hardwoods as these will have an extended and more consistent burning time than softwoods.
Modern wood stoves, including the ones made by Charlton & Jenrick, emit significantly less pollutant than older stoves. They have been tested and certified to meet the 2020 EPA standards, which are significantly more stringent than the previous emission limits.
To avoid a build up of exhaust inside your home, all wood burning stoves should be vented fully to the outside. All of our DEFRA-exempt and clean burn stoves can produce very clear exhaust by keeping the flames in the vicinity of the logs of wood and using dry and seasoned firewood.
A wood-burning stove with an integrated unit or catalytic converter is the most efficient low carbon solution for heating. These units re-ignite gasses and particles from the initial combustion in a second phase by mixing them superheated air. They then funnel the remaining gases and particulates through a catalytic combustor for a third and final combustion, further decreasing emissions to levels much lower than the standards set by the government.
Clean Burn
Cleanburn wood stoves are engineered to burn fuel with the best efficiency possible. This results in minimal dust emissions into the atmosphere when burning wood. The stove's air management system regulates the intake and venting of gases, making sure that the combustion process takes place in a controlled, sealed environment. It also regulates the flame's height to maximise 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) from wood that is not fully combusted can cause respiratory problems like coughing and wheezing in people and can lead to the development of heart disease such as stroke, diabetes, and other serious health problems. Air pollution from wood burning is also an element that contributes to poor urban air quality.
The smoke that is emitted from poorly combusted wood is a mixture of fine particulate pollution as well as hazardous air pollutants such as carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, benzene formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and other organs, causing damage, discomfort and even death. Airborne dust can also contaminate surfaces within your home with a smudge-like feeling.
It is essential to use only high-quality, seasoned and dried firewood for your wood burner fireplace. The most efficient woods for heating are hardwoods such as beech, ash, and oak. Hardwoods are dense and BTU content. They also provide more heat than softwoods.
Contact your local authority to see whether they have any regulations concerning wood burning. These rules may include rules on odors and nuisances, as well as visible emissions or smoke opacity limitations.
If you have a wood burner with a glass door it is essential to keep the glass clean of deposits and grime. You can make use of a dry towel or oven cleaner spray for this. Alternatively, you can mix bicarbonate of a soda with a bit of water to the glass.
Regular maintenance is essential for your stove and chimney. This includes regular chimney cleanings that remove creosote and ensure the proper functioning of your flue. It is also important to mark the dates of your periodic inspections on your calendar. This will help you to prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your wood burner.
Low Maintenance
Wood burning fireplaces are popular because they provide a natural warmth. However, this kind of fire requires some care and maintenance. If not cleaned and maintained regularly the chimney, flue, and stove could all be fire hazards within your home. Fireplaces are also a great source of heat when the power goes out, especially in winter when snowstorms can cause branches of trees to fall and knock down under-hanging power lines.
By using a wood stove to heat your home, you can reduce your carbon footprint as compared to other fossil sources of energy like gas. Modern wood stoves, inserts, and fireplaces are constructed to comply with EPA standards (Environmental Protection Agency) which means they produce very little emissions. The more seasoned wood you use, the more efficient the stove will be. You'll require less wood to achieve the same amount of heat.
These fireplaces require some upkeep and attention, including making sure they are placed away from burning materials and a screening is in place. The air flow can be improved by keeping the grate clean of ash and debris. This will ensure that the fire is burning longer and your home tidy. You should have your chimney and stove cleaned at least twice a year to avoid creosote accumulation, which can cause an fire hazard or blockage and restrict the airflow.
A wood-burning stove needs to be kept in good order and it could take some time for a new homeowner to learn how to light, ignite, and maintain a steady fire in the fireplace. However, once you have achieved the art of creating and maintaining a fire in your wood stove, it can be a source of constant pleasure that can provide warmth and warmth to your home year after year.
Wood burning fireplaces have been in use in some form or another for more than 500 years and they've gained a new following because of their energy efficiency, sustainability, and the natural warmth and smell of real wood. If you're thinking about buying a new heater, talk with your local certified Regency dealer to find out more about the benefits of a wood stove or insert for your home.