Wood stoves, unlike traditional open fireplaces, are designed to use wood for combustion. This enables them to comply with stricter emission regulations.Wood burning stoves create glowing yellow flames that dance and warm crackling noises. They also give an incredibly warm feeling. However the smoke they release is contaminated with carbon monoxide as well as toxic air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene 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 quality wood stove can be able to achieve an Ecodesign rating as high as 77%. It is crucial to get the most benefit of your log stove, especially with increasing energy costs. The good news is that it's much easier than ever to do!
One of the most important factors in the efficiency of a wood burning stove is in the water content of the wood. This is why we suggest only using seasoned wood, that has been dried for at least one year, but more often two years. The dryer the wood is, the more efficiently it burns, which results in less smoke and harmful emissions.
A wood burning stove offers the advantage of being a low-carbon fuel source, which is beneficial to 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 needs in terms of maintenance is to regularly remove and dispose of the ash. This can be a bit of a nuisance, but it is worth it in order to ensure you get the maximum heat from each and every log. In addition when you wait for a couple of days for the ashes to fully cool and then reuse them as a non-toxic and eco-friendly ice melt. They can also be used to polish jewellery and remove odors.
A fireplace made of wood is a timeless classic. Although they're less well-known than gas fireplaces, their appeal and charm of a roaring fire cannot be disregarded. They're perfect for cosying up to on cold nights and are an ideal way to create a warm and inviting space in the heart of your home. Invest in a quality wood stove and you'll be enjoying the benefits for years to come! Our chimney sweeps are on hand to assist you in getting the most out of your stove. Give us a call now to learn more.
Low Carbon
Wood burners that burn efficiently and cleanly are the most effective method to save money while keeping your house warm. They also help local woodland management. This is an excellent way to support wildlife in your local area.
Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves create minimal pollution when they are maintained properly and are used with dry, seasoned and dry firewood. However, if they're not well maintained or used with poor quality wood, the smoke produced by them is contaminated with fine particles (known as particulate pollution) which can cause irritation to the lungs and other organs. Carbon monoxide, air pollutants that are toxic like formaldehyde and benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are also present. Inhaling this kind of air pollution could cause irritation of the lungs as well as wheezing, coughing, and asthma attacks and may even cause serious health issues like heart disease, cancer, or premature death.
Some people are worried that wood-burning stoves contribute to climate change however this isn't true. Burning wood produces energy that is carbon neutral. In the course of the life of a tree, it absorbs carbon dioxide, and when it is burned, the carbon absorbed is released back into the atmosphere.
As the wood is sourced locally, this reduces the amount of pollutants released in the process of transportation. It is also important to use high quality, seasoned hardwoods as these will give a longer and more even burn than softwoods.
Modern, EPA certified wood stoves and heaters (such as those made by Charlton & Jenrick) have considerably lower emissions than earlier stoves. They have been tested and certified to meet the 2020 EPA standards which are much more stringent than the previous emission limits.
To avoid the buildup of exhaust in your home, all wood burning stoves should be vented to the outside. By keeping the flames away from the logs and making sure you use dry, seasoned wood, all our current clean burn and DEFRA exempt stoves can produce very clear exhaust and have particle levels of 60 percent or less below the DEFRA limit.
A wood burning stove equipped with an acatalytic converter or hybrid unit can offer the ultimate low-carbon heating solution. These units ignite gasses and particles released from the initial burning in a second phase by mixing them superheated air. The remaining gasses and particulates are transported through a catalytic combustion unit to create a final and third combustion. This further reduces emissions to levels that are below government standards.
Clean Burn
Cleanburn wood stoves are engineered to burn fuel with the highest efficiency possible. This results in a minimum amount of particles emitted into the atmosphere when burning wood. The stove's air management system regulates the intake and exhausting of gases, making sure that the combustion process is conducted in a closed, controlled environment. It also regulates the flame's height to maximize heat output and minimize emissions.
This means that your chimney and the surrounding area will be cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter, also referred to as particle pollution, is a result of incompletely burned wood can trigger respiratory problems, such as coughing and wheezing, and contribute to heart diseases and stroke, diabetes and other serious conditions. Wood burning also contributes to poor air quality in cities.
The smoke from poorly combusted wood contains fine particulate pollution and hazardous air pollutants like carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, benzene, formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These particles can get into the lungs, and other organs, causing discomfort, damage and even death. Airborne dust can also harm the surfaces in your home and give an unpleasant sludge-like feel to rooms.
If you're using a fireplace with wood burning it is important to make use of high-quality firewood that has been properly seasoned and dried. Hardwoods such as oak, ash, and beech are the best choice for heating. Hardwoods are dense and have a higher BTU content than softwoods. They also have more heat.
Contact your local authority to determine whether they have any regulations regarding wood burning. These rules could include rules regarding odors or nuisances, as well as visible emissions or smoke opacity limits.
If you have a wood stove with a glass door it is important to keep the glass clear of dirt and deposits. This can be done with a dry cloth or oven cleaner spray. You can also add bicarbonate of soda with a little water to the glass.
Regular maintenance of your chimney and stove is also crucial. Regular chimney cleaning is required to eliminate creosote, and ensure that the flue is working properly. Also be sure to mark dates for periodic inspections in your calendar, as this will help you avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your wood burner.
Low Maintenance
Wood burning fireplaces are very popular because they provide a natural warmth. However, this type of fire requires a bit of upkeep and maintenance. The chimney, flue and stove are all possible sources of house fires, if they're not maintained and cleaned regularly. Fireplaces can also be an excellent source of warmth when the power goes out, particularly in winter, when snow storms could cause branches of trees to fall and rip up power lines.
Utilizing a wood burner for heating will reduce your carbon footprint substantially compared to other fossil fuel sources such as gas. Modern wood stoves, inserts, and fireplaces are built to comply with EPA standards (Environmental Protection Agency) which means that 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 achieve the same amount of heat.
They require some maintenance and attention, including making sure they are placed away from burning materials and a screening is installed. Cleaning the grate of ash and debris will allow airflow and will stop the fire from dying out too quickly. Also, it will keep your home clean. You should have your chimney and stove cleaned at least twice per year to prevent the accumulation of creosote which could cause an fire hazard or blockage and restrict the airflow.
A wood-burning stove has to be maintained on a regular basis and it can take a while for a beginner 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 burner will be an excellent source of warmth and comfort in your home.
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 energy efficiency, sustainability and the natural warmth of wood. If you're thinking about buying a new heater, talk with your local certified Regency dealer to learn more about the benefits of a wood stove or an insert for your home.
