How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner freestanding fireplace

Unlike traditional open fireplaces wooden wood stoves are designed and optimised to burn wood. This allows them to meet the stricter emission requirements.

Wood burning stoves emit sparkling yellow flames and soft crackling noises. They also provide a primal feeling 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 made of wood provide a beautiful and natural heat to your home, and they are extremely efficient. A top-quality wood burner could have an Ecodesign rating of up to 77%. With rising energy costs it is essential to ensure you are getting the maximum benefit from your log burner The good news is that this is more simple 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 for at least one year, and in some cases, two years. The more dry the wood, the better it burns. This means less smoke and less harmful emissions.

A wood-burning stove also offers the advantage of being an eco-friendly fuel source which is good for the environment. When you purchase locally-sourced wood, you 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 of maintenance is to remove and eliminate ash. It can be quite a challenge but it's worth it to get the most heat from each log. If you allow the ashes 2-3 days to completely cool, they can also be used as a non-toxic and eco-friendly melting ice. They can also be used to polish jewellery and remove smells.

A fireplace made of wood is a timeless classic. Although they're less popular than gas fires however, there's no denying the appeal and allure of a roaring log fire. They're perfect for cosying up to on cold evenings and are a great way to create an inviting and warm space in the heart of your home. Choose a high-quality wood stove and you'll be reaping the benefits for many years to come! Our chimney sweeps are on hand to help you get the most from your stove. Give us a call now to find out more.

Low Carbon

Wood burners that burn cleanly and efficiently are the best method to save money while keeping your home warm. As an added benefit they also aid in the local woodland management. It's a fantastic way to support the wildlife in your local area.

When properly maintained, wood-burning fireplaces and stoves emit very little pollutant when they are operated with dry and seasoned wood fireplaces. If they aren't maintained properly or use wood that is of poor quality the smoke produced contains fine particles also known as particulate pollutants that can cause irritation to lung organs and other body organs. It also contains carbon monoxide and toxic air pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Inhaling this kind of air pollution can cause irritation to the lung as well as wheezing, coughing, and asthma attacks. It can even cause serious health conditions such as cancer, heart disease or premature death.

Many are concerned that wood-burning stoves can cause climate change however this isn't true. Burning wood is a carbon neutral energy source. The wood absorbs carbon dioxide throughout its lifespan. When burned the carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere.

Since the wood is sourced locally this decreases the amount of pollution that is released when it is transported. It is essential to select hardwoods that are seasoned and of high quality. They will burn longer and more evenly than softwoods.

Modern wood stoves, such as the ones manufactured by Charlton & Jenrick, emit significantly less pollutant than older stoves. They have been certified to meet 2020 EPA standards which are significantly more stringent than the earlier emission limits.

To prevent a build-up of exhaust in your home, all wood-burning stoves should be vented to the outside. All our current DEFRA-exempt and clean-burn stoves produce very clear exhaust by keeping the flames in the vicinity of the wood logs and by using dry well-seasoned, clean firewood.

A wood-burning stove that has an acatalytic converter or hybrid unit could provide the most efficient low-carbon heating solution. These units re-ignite the gasses and particulates from the initial combustion in a second stage by mixing them with superheated air. The remaining gasses and particulates are transferred to a catalytic unit for a final and 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 best efficiency that is possible. This results in the emission of very small particles into air when burning wood. The air management system of the stove controls the intake and exhaust of gases to ensure that the combustion process is conducted in a controlled and sealed environment. It also regulates flame height to maximise the output of heat and reduce emissions.

This means your chimney and the surrounding area will be much cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter, also known as particle pollution, is a result of wood that is not properly burned can cause respiratory problems, such as wheezing and coughing, and can contribute to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other serious conditions. Wood burning is also a contributor to poor air quality in cities.

Smoke from poorly burned timber is a source of fine particulate pollutants as well as dangerous air pollutants like carbon monoxide, as well as other dangerous air pollutants like nitrogen oxides as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as benzene and formaldehyde. These particles can get into the lungs, and other organs, causing discomfort and harm, and even death. Airborne dust can also harm the surfaces in your home and create the impression of a rough surface to rooms.

It's important to use only top quality, seasoned, and dried firewood when you use your fireplace insert with a wood burner. Hardwoods such as oak, ash, and beech are the best for heating. Hardwoods are dense and BTU content, and they offer more heat than softwoods.

You should also determine if your local authority has rules regarding wood burning. These may include nuisance/odor rules and visible emissions, or opacity limits for smoke.

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

Regular maintenance is also important for your chimney and stove. Regular chimney cleaning is required to remove creosote, and also to ensure that the flue is operating properly. Also be sure to mark dates for regular inspections in your diary, as this will allow you to avoid costly repairs and extend the longevity of your wood burner.

Low Maintenance

Many people opt to install wood burning fireplaces due to the natural warmth they generate. However, this type of fire requires a bit of upkeep and maintenance. If not cleaned and maintained regularly, the chimney, flue, and stove could be fire hazards within your home. These fireplaces are also an excellent source of heat when the power goes out, particularly in winter, when snow storms could cause branches of trees to fall and rip down power lines.

Using a wood stove to heat your home can reduce your carbon footprint substantially in comparison 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 they emit very little emissions. The more seasoned wood you use the more efficient the stove will be. You'll need less wood to get the same heat.

These wooden fireplaces require some maintenance and attention, such as ensuring they are placed away from burning materials and a screening is installed. The flow of air will be improved by keeping the grate free of ash and debris. This will ensure that the fire is burning longer and your home in good order. It is important to have your chimney and stove swept at least twice per year to prevent creosote accumulation that could create a fire hazard or clog and hinder circulation.

It may take some time for a new homeowner to master the art of to ignite, light and maintain a steady fire in the freestanding fireplace. But, once you've learned the art of creating and maintaining the fire in your wood burner, it will be a source of enduring enjoyment that provides heat and warmth for your home every year.

Wood-burning fireplaces have been around in some form or another for more than 500 years and they've gained a new following because of their efficiency as well as their sustainability and natural warmth and scent of real wood. If you're thinking about buying installing a new heater, speak with your local certified Regency dealer to find out more about the benefits of a wood stove or insert for your home.