The wood burning stove revolution continues to increase.

Sales of wood burning stoves continue to increase month on month as the UK public look for ways to reduce their heating bills.

The figures go to prove without doubt that the British public are taking very seriously the increased costs of heating their homes. Facts are energy costs can only go upwards with the weakened pound and the turmoil surrounding the world at present.

Whether you’re the proud owner of a shiny new stove, or your thinking of installing one, there are a few things that you need to know to really get the most out of that heating monster in the fireplace.

Seek qualified advice

Before selecting a wood burning stove for your home get expert advice as to the correct model to suit your circumstances. Choosing the wrong stove will cost extra money and can be inefficient which let’s face it is just the opposite of what you are trying to achieve.

Managing the air is crucial for efficiency.

As far as your stove is concerned, air comes in two types. Primary air feeds the bed of the fire, and secondary air feeds the flames above it. Nearly all the energy from wood comes from burning gases released when it is heated – which means that secondary air is much more important than primary.

Make sure you fully understand how to control the air to your new or existing stove.

Can we help?

If you would like some assistance, please do contact us and one of our qualified fitters (HETAS registered) who will be happy to help.

Saving you money

Stoves save money. Regular use of a wood burner can knock a third off fuel bills, providing savings of at least £600/1,000 a year. There is a huge range of stoves to choose from, ranging in price from £500 to more than £2,000.

 

A key consideration is how much heat it will pump out.

 

New environmental standards for particle emissions came into force in 2022 aimed at creating a cleaner atmosphere. Stove manufacturers are rolling out eco-friendly burners with a Stove Industry Alliance Eco Design-ready stamp of approval. These reduce particle emissions by 90% compared to an open fire and 80% compared to an old stove.

 

Sourcing your wood.

 

To make sure you get the most out of your wood-burning stove, and don’t create additional pollution to the atmosphere, it’s important to use the right kind of wood.

First and foremost, you need to burn wood that is as dry as possible – it should only contain less than 20% moisture.

You can reduce the moisture content of freshly cut wood by drying it yourself, which is called seasoning. To do this, it’s best to store the wood in a dry place for at least a year, preferably two. To help you work out how dry your wood is, you can also buy a moisture meter – these cost around £20.

For the best results, the wood should be left on a dry surface protected from rain. Leave the sides exposed to air and wind, as it will speed up the drying process. You can buy dedicated wood stores to help with this.

Can we help?

Remember, compared to many heating forms, stoves save money. If you are thinking of installing a wood burning stove, please contact us and one of our fully qualified engineers will be happy to assist.