Things you need to think about when selecting a wood burner.

When you enter the store you will see lots of lovely looking options, now is the time to be prepared. Do your research and list down your requirements, then seek the advice of a fully qualified HETAS fitter who will point you in the right direction.

Wood only or multi-fuel – Get expert advice it pays!

A dedicated wood burner can be the most efficient so It’s worth considering if you’re never going to want to burn other fuels. Read more

If you have a log burning stove installed in your home you will no doubt feel the full benefit this form of heating has to offer.

Wood burning stoves are becoming more popular, sales have increased on an unprecedented scale. More households around the country are trying to reduce their heating bills and installing a stove can certainly help towards this aim.

Wood burners are a great way of bringing the comfort of a real fire into your home, even if you don’t have a vast amount of space. If you live in an urban area that is smoke controlled, you’ll need to check the stove you are buying is approved by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) or go for one that has the option of burning smokeless fuels as an alternative.

Use matured logs only for efficiency and the enviroment

Wet or unseasoned logs will leave more sooty deposits and could increase the number of sweeps you need, so it’s best to use seasoned or kiln-dried wood to cut down on maintenance (minimum 2 years old).

If you have a pellet stove, you will also need to have a yearly service, as the stove has electrical working parts. This can cost around £150-£250. It’s also a good idea to clean out the ash from the ash pan and to clean the glass regularly. Keep in mind though that leaving a layer of ash can help to start a wood fire and keep it burning longer and cheaper.

It’s best to check the manufacturer’s guide for specific instructions on how often to clean your stove. If your stove has a cool air vent that helps to stop tar building up on the glass, you may not need to clean the ash or glass as often. Some stoves also have special clean-burn or clean-heat technologies, which pull in extra air to help burn off more smoke, reducing sooty deposits.

Can we help?

For all your wood burning appliance needs please get in contact and one of our (HETAS registered) fitters will be happy to assist.

 

Wood burning stoves bring the rich scent of burning wood and the cosy crackle of a warm fire to indoor living spaces.

When shopping for a wood burning stove, you can choose from just a few common materials, including traditional cast iron and more modern steel units.

Consider factors such as maintenance, appearance, construction, and operation when comparing these materials to narrow your selection and find the right model for your home.

It is highly recommended to speak to a qualified fitter who can explain all the pros and cons of each metal.

Cast Iron

To make a cast iron stove, manufacturers pour molten iron into moulds and allow them to cool and harden. They assemble various pieces of the stove together using cement and gaskets to fill the seams.

Steel

Steel stoves on the other hand, are made by bending and welding sheets of steel to form the desired shape. The difference in how these stoves are made causes steel stoves to have a tighter overall construction than cast iron ones. This means that cast iron stoves may require more maintenance than steel ones over time.

Siting your new stove is very important!

The type of wood burning stove you choose can impact where you can safely place the stove in your home. Steel stoves often feature double-wall construction, which means they can be placed closer to a wall than other types of stoves. The double-wall construction helps to prevent heat from spreading, which protects surrounding surfaces from damage or fire.

Cast iron stoves, on the other hand, require more clearance space for safety, and should not be placed near a wall or other furnishings.

As you can see there are plenty of important decisions to make when selecting your new stove.

If you would like assistance please do contact us and one of our advisers will be happy to help. We are HETAS registered.

 

CAN I INSTALL ONE IN MY FIREPLACE?

Yes, but you need to know that a woodburning stove needs a narrower flue than an open fire so you can’t just rip out the fireplace, stick in a stove and point it up the chimney. You will have to install the right sized flue.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE A CHIMNEY?

Any member of a Competent Persons Scheme (someone who is officially registered to carry out this type of work) which is what you will need for all of this work, will advise you on this. You will have to have a chimney flue that goes up the exterior of the house and it will need to be insulated. Read more

We all know the British weather can be very damp and cold, this is when you need a wood burner the most.

A professionally fitted wood stove will also reduce your home’s carbon footprint by at least 19% as burning wood is environmentally neutral and renewable energy. Just make sure you only burn the correct wood as recommended by your supplier.

 Efficiency and exceptionally good looking!

A modern wood burner is more efficient than many central heating systems and far more appealing to look at than a traditional white radiator.

The appeal is not just about installing a fashion statement.  Read more