Annual Stove Service

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Annual Stove Service. Along with maintaining both the interior and exterior cleanliness of your stove, it is advisable to arrange an annual inspection by a certified professional (HETAS) to ensure optimal functionality.

It is vital to have your chimney cleaned and checked by a chimney sweep at least once a year or more often if you use your 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.

Heat efficiency and cost effectiveness are key elements to save money

If you follow these guidelines, it will help you reduce your energy bills. Seasoned wood burns better than green wood, because it produces more heat and less creosote build-up in the fireplace and chimney. Green or unseasoned wood, on the other hand, is hard to light and difficult to keep burning. If your wood smoulders and burns poorly with little heat, it’s probably green wood.

You can tell if wood is seasoned by looking at it. On the outside, seasoned wood probably looks grey and dusty from sitting around for a while. But on the inside, it’s often dry and white, usually lighter than on the outside. New wood, on the other hand, looks like it came fresh from the timber mill with the same colour throughout the wood.

Hardwoods are denser woods that burn hotter and longer than softwoods, but you will need to let them season for up to 2 years.  (Ash is an exception and can be burnt a bit earlier although the wood burns best when seasoned.)

Can we help?

If you require any assistance with your wood burner, please make contact.  One of our qualified fitters (HETAS) registered will be happy to assist.

Will a Log Burner Keep Me Warm ?

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Will A Log Burner Keep Me Warm? Are woodstoves good for the environment?

Compared with using fossil fuels for heat (natural gas, propane, coal, etc.) wood is eco-friendlier. It’s considered “carbon-neutral,” which means when it burns, it doesn’t add additional carbon dioxide to the environment.

This is because in its natural state as a tree, wood absorbs carbon dioxide that is in the atmosphere. During combustion, a balance is maintained.

Sales of wood stoves this year are increasing rapidly as the energy prices rise

Sales of stoves continue to increase seemingly every month as the UK public look for ways to reduce their heating bills.

When installing a new wood stove use a registered fitter it’s the only way!

The installation of a wood burner must comply with building regulations and the easiest way to do this is to use a qualified fitter.

HETAS installers work with wood, solid-fuel, and biomass heating appliances, and can self-certify their installations as safe and compliant with building regulations.

Benefits of using a registered fitter

  • Safety and guaranteed standard of installation
  • Easier to insure your home and sometimes cheaper
  • Peace of mind in the long term
  • Total burner efficiency for economical use

Efficiency is crucial if you want to save money

Open fires are only about 20% efficient, while wood burning stoves offer 70-90% efficiency, giving you a real fire’s benefits without wasting money.

Can we help?

If you would like some guidance, please do contact us. And one of our HETAS qualified fitters will be happy to help.

 

How Do I Fit A Log Burning Stove ?

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How Do I Fit A Log Burning Stove ? Thinking of installing a new wood stove, a few things to look out for!

Just a few important facts to help you select your stove

When considering a wood-burning stove, it’s helpful to understand the primary variations available. Here’s a breakdown of key distinctions.

Fuel types

Wood-only stoves, these are designed specifically for burning wood. They typically feature a flat fire bed

Multi-fuel stoves are versatile appliances capable of burning wood as well as other solid fuels, such as coal. Typically, they feature a grate and an ash pan.

Positioning

Freestanding stoves, these are the most common type, placed independently in a room.

Inset stoves are installed within a wall or fireplace for a seamless appearance.

Method of heat output 

Radiant stoves, these primarily emit heat directly outward, warming objects and people nearby.

Convection stoves, these circulate warm air throughout the room, providing more even heating.

Use the correct wood for maximum heat output

Use softwood like pine for kindling and starting fires, then switch to hardwood for longer burn and more heat. Always use dry wood; damp wood lowers stove efficiency.

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?

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