What Size Stove Do I Need ?  Where best to fit a new wood stove

When fitting a new log burner, choosing the correct position is as important as choosing the stove itself. The best location is normally a central living area where heat can circulate into adjoining rooms. An existing fireplace and chimney often provide the most practical position, but the chimney must be inspected, swept and tested before installation. It may require a suitable flue liner.

The stove must stand on a compliant, non-combustible hearth and have the clearances specified by its manufacturer. Keep it safely away from timber, furniture, curtains, electrical fittings and other combustible materials.

The flue should take the safest, direct route upwards, with as few bends as possible. Good ventilation is essential because the fire needs a reliable air supply. Larger appliances may require a permanent air vent. A carbon-monoxide alarm must also be installed in the room.

Always use a HETAS-registered installer. The installer should assess the fireplace, hearth, chimney, ventilation and terminal position as one complete system. In a smoke-control area, wood may generally only be burned in a suitable exempt appliance, using the fuel permitted for that model.

How do I calculate the Kw I need?

To estimate the output required, measure the room’s length, width and height in metres. Multiply these figures to obtain its volume in cubic metres. A commonly used starting point for an average insulated room is:

Room volume ÷ 14 = approximate stove output in kW.

For example, a room measuring 5 metres by 4 metres with a 2.4-metre ceiling has a volume of 48 cubic metres. Dividing 48 by 14 gives approximately 3.4kW.

This calculation is only a guide. An older property with solid walls, draughts, high ceilings or large areas of glazing may need more heat. A modern, well-insulated room may need less. Open-plan layouts also affect heat distribution.

Avoid buying an oversized stove. Running a large appliance slowly can produce poor combustion, dirty glass, tar deposits and excessive smoke. A correctly sized stove operated at its intended temperature will usually be cleaner, safer and more efficient. Final sizing should be confirmed by a competent installer after a proper heat-loss assessment.

Like to discuss your stove size options?

Please do get in touch and one of our expert engineers (HETAS) registered will be happy to assist you.

 

Are Log Burners Good For The Environment ? 

Wood-burning stoves are good for the environment when they are used correctly, fitted properly, and fuelled with the right type of wood. While they still need responsible use, a modern stove is more efficient and sustainable. A great way to heat a home rather than relying only on fossil-fuel heating.

One of the main environmental benefits is that wood is a renewable fuel. Trees can be replanted and managed through sustainable forestry, meaning the supply can be renewed over time.

For example, if a household buys logs from a local supplier who uses managed woodland, the wood can come from trees that are replaced by new planting. This creates a natural cycle, rather than depending on coal, oil, or gas, which are limited resources.

Eco Log Burners Use Less Fuel

A good modern wood-burning stove is also much more efficient than an open fire. An open fire loses a large amount of heat straight up the chimney. Whereas a stove is designed to hold and release heat into the room. This means less fuel is needed to produce the same warmth. For example, one basket of properly seasoned logs in a stove may heat a living room for several hours, while an open fire may need constant feeding to achieve a similar result.

Wood-burning stoves can also help reduce a household’s reliance on central heating. During colder months, many people use a stove to warm the main room they are sitting in, instead of heating the whole house. This can reduce energy use, especially when only one or two rooms are being used.

Another benefit is that wood can be sourced locally. Local logs reduce the need for long-distance transport. This helps cut down fuel use and emissions from delivery. Using dry, seasoned wood is especially important because it burns hotter and cleaner than damp wood.

For the best environmental outcome, homeowners should use a modern efficient stove, burn only dry untreated wood. And have the chimney swept regularly, and avoid burning painted or waste timber.

Like to discuss your options?

Please do get in touch and one of our expert engineers (HETAS) registered will be happy to assist you.