Are Stove Installations Cheaper In Summer ?

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Forward planning to install a new wood burner for the next winter.

Due to the popularity of wood stoves HETAS registered fitters are busier than ever!!

This is causing long waiting lists, so if you want a new wood stove installed best act NOW!

Can they save you money??? The answer is YES!

Regular use of a wood burner can knock a third off fuel bills, providing savings of at least £600/1000 a year.

There is a huge range of stoves to choose from, ranging in price from £600 to more than £3,000. A key consideration is how much heat it will pump out.

New environmental standards for particle emissions come into force in 2022 aimed at creating a cleaner atmosphere. Already, 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 per cent compared to an open fire and 80% compared to an old stove.

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.

Professional fitting is vital for safety and insurance.

HETAS approval

Poorly installed stoves do pose very real risks from carbon monoxide poisoning to house fires and smoke inhalation, all of which can have devastating and fatal consequences.

It is recommended to use a HETAS qualified fitter to install any wood burning appliance for safety and insurance purposes.

Can we help?

If you are thinking of adding a wood burning stove to your home, please do make contact and one of our fully qualified (HETAS registered) fitters will be happy to assist.

Does My Stove Need A Service ?

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Springtime is here at last!

I am sure your stove has served you well in the winter months but now is the time to check all is ready for the next season.

Leave the stove door or the lower air vent slightly ajar to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to rust.

Check the door gaskets for wear and tear. A simple test is to close the door on a piece of paper, if you can pull it out easily, the gasket needs replacing.

Inspect the stove body for any signs of rust or cracks, addressing them promptly with a wire brush and heat-resistant paint if necessary. Lubricate hinges and moving parts with graphite powder or stove polish.

If possible, cover the stove to protect it from dust.

Store unused seasoned firewood in a dry, well-ventilated area, elevated off the ground to prevent moisture absorption and pest infestation.

Thinking of installing one in your home?

If the answer is yes, then now is a very good time to start planning and getting expert advice.

Qualified fitters are generally very busy, but this time of year there is generally a tapering off of work.

Expert advice

For your protection and safety, you should always have a fully qualified HETAS registered professional install your wood/pellet burning appliance. At Kent Stoves, we will evaluate everything for you to ensure your safety and maximise efficiency.

Can we assist?

If you are looking to install a new wood burning stove, please do make contact and one of our qualified fitters will be happy to guide you.

How Much Heat Does A Stove Produce

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How Much Heat Does A Stove Produce. Beautiful heating solution for your home and it will save you money!

Firstly, today’s wood heating appliances are designed for beauty and performance.

Regardless of your taste, there’s a stove designed for you and your budget. In fact, it’s difficult to find ugly stoves or inserts nowadays. With so many beautiful stoves to choose from and with costs reducing this does make a great heating solution.

Another great advantage of wood heating is having heat when there is no power.

When a power cut happens, you will be warm and happy around your wood stove when all the lights in the neighbourhood are out. You’ll have that pioneer feeling, as you should. You thought ahead!

The biggest advantage homeowners have with a wood burning stove is the quality of heat the burner will give off. Wood stoves operate on the principal of radiant heat, which warms an area faster and more efficiently than warm air being blown through a home’s vent system.

A professionally fitted stove (HETAS) registered will also no doubt add to the value of your property.

The powerful heat from a wood stove radiates from all sides of the unit as well as the top. Thus  sending warmth in all directions. Fitted in a central position in your home you will be amazed how the rest of your house suddenly gets a whole lot warmer.

Use the correct wood for maximum heat output

Use the right wood at the right time. Lighter wood (often called ‘softwood’) like pine is good for making kindling and getting a fire started. Once you have a good bed of coals burning, denser wood (hardwood) will burn for longer and give more heat. Ensure your wood is dry as damp wood will reduce your stoves efficiency greatly!!

How Much Heat is Essential

Quality installation is fundamental to your wood burner’s performance and safety. We recommend that you have your wood burner installed by a certified fitter (HETAS) registered.

Can we assist?

Finally if you would like to know more about heating with a wood stove, please make contact. One of our fully qualified fitters (HETAS) registered will be happy to help.

 

Does My Stove Need A Service ?

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Does My Stove Need A Service ? Spring is coming and it is time for stove maintenance!

Firstly I’m sure you are all pleased that this winter is now drawing to a close. If you are the proud owner of a wood stove no doubt it has served you and your home well over the cold months.

Now is the time to get your stove serviced and cleaned ready for the next winter. Engineers at this time of year are generally less busy and therefore easier to book.

Wood burning stove maintenance and cleaning mostly consists of regular removal of the ashes which also boosts the stove’s efficiency. Occasional cleaning of the internal surfaces with a wire brush or scraper will also improve your stoves performance.

You should always keep a close eye on potential problems. These such as holes in the ash pan, cracks, spots of rust on the finish and other unusual signs that may indicate damage.

It is also advisable to clean the glass on a regular basis. This is because the longer you postpone the cleaning the harder is gets to remove the tar deposits. Always leave your stove to cool completely before you carry out any maintenance or cleaning chores.

In addition to keeping your stove clean inside and outside, be sure to have it inspected by a registered fitter (HETAS registered) at least once a year to make sure that everything is working perfectly.

You are also highly recommended to have your chimney cleaned and checked by a chimney sweep at least once a year or more often if you use wood burning stove on a regular basis. Poorly maintained or blocked chimneys pose a serious safety risk because they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and chimney fires.

Very important tip for the summer months

Outside the heating season leave the air inlet or the door of the stove slightly open in order to prevent condensation build-up in the stove and chimney.

Need help?

If you need help with maintenance or selecting a new stove please do contact us.  One of our (HETAS) registered fitters will be happy to assist.