How to Get the Most From a Wood Burner electric fireplace
Contrary to traditional open fireplaces, wood stoves are specifically designed and optimized to burn wood. This allows them to meet stricter emission standards.
Wood burning stoves emit sparkling yellow flames and soft crackling sounds. They also provide an incredibly warm feeling. However, the smoke it creates contains carbon monoxide and toxic air pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Efficient
Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces are not only beautiful, but also extremely efficient. A high-quality wood burner can achieve an Ecodesign rating of up to 77 percent. With the rising cost of energy, it is crucial to make sure you get the most benefits from your log burner – the good news is that it’s much easier than ever!
The amount of moisture in wood is one of the main factors that determines how efficient a wood-burning stove is. We recommend using only well-seasoned wood that has been dried for at least one year and in many cases two years. The drier the wood, the more efficiently it burns which results in less smoke and less harmful emissions.
A wood burning stove also is an eco-friendly fuel source which is good for the environment. Furthermore, by buying locally-sourced firewood, you’re aiding in the active management of forests which is a wonderful option for wildlife.
In terms of maintenance involved, the sole requirement for a wood burner is to take out and dispose of the ash. It can be quite a challenge however it is worth it to get the most heat from each log. If you allow the ashes 2-3 days to cool completely and then, they can be utilized as a non-toxic and green ice melt. They can be used to polish jewelry and absorb smells.
A fireplace with wood burning is an old-fashioned classic. Although they’re less popular than gas fires but there’s no denying the beauty and allure of a roaring log fire. They are ideal for snuggling in on cold winter nights, and make a warm and inviting space in your home. Make sure you invest in a high-quality wood burner and you’ll be benefiting for many years to come! Contact us today to learn more about how our skilled chimney sweeps can help you get the most out of your stove.
Low Carbon
Wood burners that are clean and efficient are among the best ways to save money on logs and keep your home warm. In addition, they can also assist in local woodland management, which is a great way of supporting 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 firewood. However, when they are not maintained properly or are made of poor quality wood, the smoke produced by them is contaminated with fine particles (known as particulate pollution) that can irritate the lung and other organs. It also contains carbon monoxide as well as toxic air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Inhaling air pollution can cause lung irritation and cause asthma attacks wheezing, coughing, and irritation of the lungs. It could also cause cancer, heart disease or premature death.
Many people are concerned that using a wood-burning stove will contribute to climate change however this isn’t necessarily the case. Burning wood is a carbon neutral energy source. Through the life of a tree, it absorbs carbon dioxide, and when it is burned, the absorbed carbon is released back into the atmosphere.
As the wood is sourced locally, it reduces the amount of pollution emitted when it is transported. It is also important to select top quality well-seasoned hardwoods, as they will provide an extended and even burn than softwoods.
Modern, EPA certified wood stoves and heaters (such as those manufactured by Charlton & Jenrick) have much lower emissions than older stoves. They are certified to meet 2020 EPA standards which are significantly more strict than previous emission limits.
To avoid the buildup of exhaust in your home, all wood burning stoves must be vented completely to the outside. All of our current DEFRA-exempt, clean burn stoves can produce very clear exhaust by keeping the flames above the wood logs and by using dry well-seasoned, clean firewood.
A wood burning stove with an acatalytic converter or hybrid unit could provide the most efficient low-carbon solution for heating. These units re-ignite gases and particles from the initial combustion in a second phase by mixing them superheated air. The remaining gases and particulates are then transferred to a catalytic unit for a final third combustion. This further reduces emissions to levels far below the government standards.
Clean Burn
Cleanburn wood stoves burn fuel at the highest efficiency possible. This means that there are fewer dust emissions into the atmosphere when burning wood. The stove’s air management system regulates the intake and venting of gases, ensuring that the combustion process takes place in a closed, controlled atmosphere. It also regulates flame height to maximise the output of heat and reduce emissions.
This means that your chimney and the surrounding area will be much cleaner than older stoves. Particulate matter (also called particle pollution) from wood that is not fully combusted causes respiratory issues like wheezing and coughing and contributes to the development of heart diseases, stroke, diabetes and other serious health problems. Wood burning is also a contributor to poor air quality in cities.
The smoke that is emitted 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 penetrate deep into the lungs and other organs, causing discomfort and injury, and even death. Airborne dust can also contaminate the surfaces in your home and create the impression of a rough surface to rooms.
It is essential to use only top quality, seasoned, and dried firewood when you use your wood burner fireplace. Hardwoods like oak, ash, and beech are the best choice for heating. Hardwoods have a higher density and BTU content, and they offer more heat than softwoods.
You should also check whether your local authority has any regulations regarding wood burning. These could include nuisance/odor regulations and visible emissions or opacity limits for smoke.
It is important to keep the glass of a wood stove that has an open front that is free of deposits and dirt. You can use a dry towel or oven cleaner spray to do this. You can also add bicarbonate soda and water to the glass.
Regular maintenance of your chimney and stove is also crucial. Regular chimney cleanings are required to remove creosote, and also to ensure that the flue works properly. It is also recommended to note the dates for periodic inspections on your calendar. This will help you avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your wood stove.
Low Maintenance
Many people opt to install wood-burning fireplaces due to the natural warmth they generate. However, this kind of fire requires a bit of upkeep and maintenance. If it is not maintained and cleaned regularly the chimney, flue, and stove could be potential sources of British fires in your home. Fireplaces are also an excellent source of warmth when the power goes out, especially in winter, when snow storms could cause branches of trees to fall and rip down power lines.
Using 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 constructed to comply with EPA standards (Environmental Protection Agency) which means they emit very little 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.
They require some maintenance and care, including ensuring they are positioned away from combustible materials and a screen is installed. The flow of air will be improved by keeping the grate clear of ash and other debris. This will help keep the fire burning longer and your home clean. It is important to have your stove and chimney swept at least twice per year to prevent the accumulation of creosote that could create an fire hazard or blockage and limit the airflow.
A wood-burning stove has to be maintained on a regular basis and it could take some time for a novice homeowner to understand how to ignite, light, and maintain a steady fire in the fireplace. Once you’ve learned the art of lighting, your wood burning stove will be a source for warmth and comfort in your home.
Wood-burning fireplaces have been around in some form or another for more than 500 years and they’ve gained a new following due to their energy efficiency, sustainability, and the natural warmth and smell of real wood. Talk to your local Regency dealer about the benefits of wood stoves or inserts for your home if you’re looking to purchase an upgrade to your heater.
