In contrast to traditional open fireplaces, wood stoves are designed and optimised to burn wood. This allows them to meet stricter emission standards.
Wood burning stoves provide dancing yellow flames, cosy crackling sound and that innate sense of warmth. However the smoke they release includes carbon monoxide and harmful air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Efficient
Fireplaces and stoves that burn wood provide beautiful and natural heat to your home, and they are incredibly efficient. A high-quality wood burner can have an Ecodesign rating up to 77%. It is vital to get the most benefit of your log stove, especially with increasing energy costs. The good thing is that it's easier than ever to do!
A key factor in the effectiveness of the wood-burning stove is is the water content of the wood. This is why we recommend only using seasoned wood which has been dried for at least one year, and more often two years. The more dry the wood the more efficiently it burns which 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 excellent for the environment. By purchasing locally sourced wood, you can also help to support the active conservation and management of woodlands. This is great for wildlife.
In terms of maintenance concerned, the only requirement for a wood stove is to remove and scoop up the ash. It can be a bit of a nuisance, but it is worth it in order to ensure that you get the most heat from each log. Additionally, if you wait 2-3 days for the ashes to fully cool they can be used to make an eco-friendly and non-toxic ice melt. They can also be used to polish jewellery and absorb odors.
A wood burner fireplace is a truly timeless classic. Although they're less well-known than gas fireplaces, the allure and appeal of a fire that is roaring can't be ignored. They are ideal to snuggle to on cold winter evenings, and they make a warm and inviting space in your home. Invest in a quality wood stove and you'll start reaping the benefits for many years to come! Call us today to learn more about how our experienced chimney sweeps can help you get the best out of your stove.
Low Carbon
Burners that are clean and efficient are one of the best ways to save money on logs while keeping your home warm. In addition, they also help to support the local woodland management. It's a fantastic way to support the wildlife that lives in your local environment.
Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves create very little pollution if they are properly maintained and are used with dry, seasoned firewood. When they are not properly maintained or when they use wood that is of poor quality, the smoke that is produced contains fine particles, often referred to as particulate pollutants that can cause irritation to the lung organs and other body organs. Carbon monoxide, air pollutants that are toxic such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are also present. Inhaling air pollution can cause irritation of the lung and lead to asthma attacks, wheezing, coughing and irritation of the lungs. It can also lead to heart disease, cancer or premature death.
Many are concerned that wood-burning stoves can contribute to climate change However, this isn't true. Burning wood produces energy that is carbon neutral. Through 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 pollution that is emitted in the transportation process. It is also essential to select top quality well-seasoned hardwoods, as they will provide an extended and even burning time 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 more stringent than the previous emission limits.
All wood burning stoves should be fully vented to the outside of your property to ensure they do not create a build-up of exhaust in your house. All of our current DEFRA-exempt, clean-burn stoves produce clear exhaust when keeping the flames in the vicinity of the wood logs and by using dry and seasoned firewood.
A wood burning stove with a catalytic converter or hybrid unit can provide the best low-carbon solution for heating. These units ignite the gases and particulates that were ignited during the initial combustion in a second stage by mixing them with superheated air. The remaining gases and particulates are then pumped through a catalytic combustion unit for a final third combustion. This reduces emissions to levels well below the standards set by the government.
Clean Burn
Cleanburn wood stoves are designed to burn fuel with the greatest efficiency that is possible. This means that there are fewer emissions of particles into the air when burning wood. The air management system of the stove controls the intake and ventilation of gases to ensure that the combustion process is conducted in a sealed and controlled environment. It also regulates the height of the flame to minimise emissions and maximise the heat output.
This means that your chimney and the surrounding area will be cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter, also known as particle pollution, resulting from incompletely burned wood can trigger respiratory problems, such as coughing and wheezing. It can also can contribute to heart disease and stroke, diabetes and other serious illnesses. Wood burning is also a contributor to poor air quality in cities.
The smoke from poorly combusted wood contains fine particulate matter and dangerous air pollutants, including carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds nitrogen oxides, benzene, formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These particles can reach deep into the lungs and other organs which can cause discomfort, damage and even death. Airborne dust can also contaminate the surfaces of your home and give the impression of a rough surface to rooms.
It is essential to use only top quality, seasoned, and dried firewood when using your wood burner fireplace. Hardwoods like oak beech, ash, and ash are the best for heating. Hardwoods are dense and have a higher BTU content than softwoods. They also have more heat.
Contact your local authority to determine if they have any rules concerning wood burning. They could include rules for nuisance or odor and visible emissions or opacity limits for smoke.
It is important to keep the glass of a stove with an open front that is free of grime and deposits. You can use a dry towel or oven cleaner spray to do this. You can also add bicarbonate soda mixed with water to the glass.
Regular maintenance is also important for your chimney and stove. Regular chimney cleanings are required to eliminate creosote, and also to ensure that the flue works properly. You should also mark the dates of your periodic inspections on your calendar. This will allow you to avoid costly repairs and prolong the life of your wood burner.
Low Maintenance
Wood burning fireplaces and stove are popular due to their natural warmth. This type of fireplace needs some maintenance and upkeep. The chimney, flue, and stove can all be the cause of house fires if they are not cleaned and maintained regularly. They also provide warmth in the event of a power outage, especially during winter storms when tree branches can fall and power lines can be damaged.
If 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 and inserts have been designed to conform to EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards, which means that they produce very low emissions. The more seasoned the wood is, the more efficient it will be and you'll use less of it to produce the same amount of heat.
These fireplaces require some maintenance and attention, such as ensuring they are placed away from burning materials and a screening is in place. Making sure the grate is free of ash and debris will aid in the flow of air and will stop the fire from dying too quickly. Also, it will keep your home clean. It is important to have your stove and chimney swept at least two times per year to prevent creosote accumulation which could cause an fire hazard or blockage and restrict ventilation.
A wood-burning stove has to be maintained on a regular basis and it can take a while for a new homeowner to master the art of how to light, ignite and maintain a steady fire in the fireplace. Once you've mastered the art of lighting, your wood burning stove will be an ideal source of warmth and comfort in your home.
Wood burning fireplaces have been around in one form or another for over 500 years. They've gained popularity because of their effectiveness, sustainability, and the natural warmth of wood. If you're considering a new heater, talk with your local certified Regency dealer to learn more about the advantages of a wood stove or insert for your home.
