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Wood Burner Fireplace: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner Fireplace
Wood stoves, unlike traditional open fireplaces, are designed to burn wood. This enables them to comply with stricter emission regulations.
(image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/2044/6969/vonhaus-electric-stove-heater-1500w-electric-fireplace-indoor-log-wood-burner-effect-freestanding-fire-portable-led-flame-2-heat-settings-adjustable-thermostat-black-h45-x-w41-x-d24c.jpg)Wood burning stoves provide dancing yellow flames, cosy crackling sound and that innate sensation of warmth. However the smoke that it produces contains carbon monoxide and toxic air pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Efficient
Fireplaces and stoves that burn wood provide beautiful and natural heat to the home, but they are also extremely efficient. A quality wood stove can achieve an Ecodesign rating of as high as 77 percent. With rising energy costs it is essential to ensure you get the most benefit from your log burner The good news is that it's much simpler than ever!
One of the main factors that determines the effectiveness of the wood-burning stove is in the moisture content of the firewood. We recommend using only well-seasoned wood that has been dried over a period of at least one year and in some cases, two years. The dryer the wood is, the more efficiently it burns, which results in less smoke and less harmful emissions.
A wood burning stove also offers the advantage of being an environmentally friendly fuel source, which is good for the environment. When you purchase locally-sourced wood, you can also help to contribute to the active conservation and management of forests. This is beneficial for wildlife.
The only thing a wood burning stove requires in terms maintenance is to remove and dispose of ash. It can be somewhat of a hassle but it's worth it to get the maximum heat out of every log. Additionally when you wait for a couple of days for the ashes to completely cool, they can be reused as an eco-friendly and non-toxic ice melt. They can be used to polish jewelry or absorb the odors.
A wood burner fireplace is a truly timeless classic. Although they are less popular than gas fireplaces, the appeal and charm of a fire that is roaring can't be disregarded. These fires are perfect to cuddle to on cold winter nights, and make a warm and inviting area in your home. A high-quality wood burner will pay off for a long time. Our chimney sweeps are available to assist you in getting the most value from your stove - give us a call today to find out more.
Low Carbon
Burners that burn clean and efficiently are one of the best ways to save the cost of logs while keeping your home warm. In addition, they also aid in the local woodland management. It's a fantastic way to support 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. However, if they're not well maintained or using wood of poor quality the smoke generated by them is contaminated with fine particles (known as particulate pollution) which can cause irritation to the lung and other organs. It also contains carbon monoxide and toxic air pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Inhaling these types of air pollution can cause irritation to the lung, coughing, wheezing and asthma attacks. It can even lead to serious health issues like 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. 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 dioxide absorbed is released back into the atmosphere.
As the wood is sourced locally, it reduces the amount of pollution that is released during transportation. It is also essential to select high-quality, seasoned hardwoods as these will have an extended and more consistent burn 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 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 home to ensure they do not create a build-up of exhaust within your home. By keeping flames above 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 percent or less below the DEFRA limit.
A wood-burning stove equipped with a hybrid unit or catalytic converter is the best low carbon heating solution. These units ignite the gasses and particulates from 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 third combustion. This further reduces emissions to levels that are 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 results in the release of minimal particles into the air when burning wood. The stove's air management system controls the intake and exhausting of gases, ensuring that the combustion process occurs in a closed, controlled atmosphere. It also regulates the height of the flame to maximize the output of heat and reduce emissions.
This means that your chimney as well as the surrounding area will be a lot cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter (also known as particle pollution) from wood that is not fully combusted can cause respiratory problems like wheezing and coughing and contributes to the development of heart diseases as well as stroke, diabetes, and other serious health problems. The smoke caused by wood burning is an element that contributes to poor urban air quality.
Smoke from poorly burned timber contains fine particulate pollutants and harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and other hazardous air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, and formaldehyde. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, as well as other organs causing discomfort, harm, and even death. Airborne dust can also harm the surfaces of your home and create a gritty feel to rooms.
It's important to use only good quality, seasoned and dried firewood for your fireplace with a wood burner. The most valuable woods for heating are hardwoods such as oak, ash and beech. Hardwoods are extremely dense and have more BTU than softwoods. They also have more heat.
It is also important to determine if your local authority has rules regarding wood burning. These may include rules regarding odors and nuisances and visible smoke emissions or smoke opacity limitations.
If you have a wood stove with glass doors it is important to keep the glass clear of deposits and grime. 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 of your stove and chimney is also vital. Regular chimney cleaning is required to remove creosote, and to ensure that the flue is operating properly. Also be sure to mark dates for regular inspections in your calendar, since this will allow you to avoid expensive repairs and prolong the life of your wood burner.
Low Maintenance
Wood burning fireplaces are very popular because they provide a natural warmth. This kind of fireplace needs some maintenance and upkeep. The chimney, flue and stove can all be the cause of house fires if they are not maintained and cleaned regularly. These fireplaces are also an excellent source of warmth when power is out, especially during winter when snowstorms can cause branches of trees to fall and knock down under-hanging power lines.
Using a wood burner to heat your home will reduce your carbon footprint significantly when compared to other fossil fuel sources, such as gas. Modern wood stoves and inserts are designed to meet EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards, which means that they produce very low emissions. The more well-seasoned wood you use the more efficient your stove will be. You'll require less wood to achieve the same heat.
The fireplaces require some maintenance and care. They should be kept away from materials that ignite and have a screen. The air flow can be improved by keeping the grate free of ash and debris. This will ensure that the fire is burning longer and your home tidy. It is important to have your chimney and stove cleaned at least twice per year to prevent creosote accumulation that could create a fire hazard or clog and restrict circulation.
It could take a while for a new homeowner to master the art of how to light, ignite and maintain a continuous fire in the fireplace. Once you've mastered the art of burning, your wood stove will become an excellent source of warmth and comfort in your home.
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 of real wood. If you're considering the purchase of a new heater, consult with your local certified Regency dealer to learn more about the advantages of an insert or stove made of wood for your home.
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