Stoves in Smoke Free Zones. Wood stoves, what does the future hold?

An increased awareness of environmental issues, together with rocketing fuel prices, has led to a dramatic uptake in demand for wood burning domestic heating systems.

More than one and a quarter million UK homes are already using wood burning stoves. Additionally this could be set to rise dramatically over the next few years.

The installation of wood burning, and multi-fuel stoves is “monitored” under Building Regulations.  As well as the relining or installation of flues and chimneys associated with such heat producing appliances.

Should you live in an urban area that is smoke-controlled, you’ll need to check the stove you are buying is approved. Approval 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.

It is highly recommended that stove installation work is carried out by a HETAS registered installer. The reality is that many stoves get put in unprofessionally.

Incorrectly installed stoves can be dangerous both to health and a can be fire hazards.

Expert advice

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

Help?

If you require some assistance with your current or new stove, please do make contact and one of our fully trained fitters (HETAS Registered) will be pleased to guide you.

Fueling The Revolution, The Wood Stove Revolution Continues….

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

 As we all know the cost of traditional methods of heating our homes has increased over the last two or three years and it shows no signs of stopping!!

Installing a wood stove really warrants consideration, many people who have already installed a stove including myself are reaping the rewards. As such, fueling the revolution. A correctly installed stove will save you money in the long term and enhance the value of your property.

Seek qualified advice (HETAS registered)

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.

Do not burn damp wood!

 This is the most fundamental thing to get right when you’re burning wood. It might be surprising, but green wood is over 50% water. Therefore that means that for every kg of green wood you add to the fire, you are effectively adding around 500ml (a pint) of water.

Make sure that your fuel has been dried properly.

Hardwood is a must for efficiency and the environment.

 Seasoning your 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 would like assistance in planning, please do contact us.  One of our qualified (HETAS) registered fitters will be happy to help.

Hetas Registered Installers.

Thinking of joining the crowd soon? If you are thinking of installing a wood burner in your home like so many others, here are a few things you should know.

If you have a new stove installed it’s likely to increase the value of your property. This is due to the current demand but remember it must be fitted by a registered installer.

Efficiency

As great as open fires are they are not energy efficient and only give approximately 20% output. As such Wood burning stoves are much more efficient. At around 70-90%, so you get all the benefits of a real fire without most of your money going up the chimney!

Use a registered installer (HETAS) registered.

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-registered installers deal with wood, solid-fuel and biomass domestic heating appliances. In addition they can self-certify that their work complies with building regulations, so it’s safe and legal.

Chimney

The chimney may need to be lined before the wood burner can be installed.

Homes dating from the mid-1960s onwards should have had a concrete or clay chimney liner fitted when they were built. However ask a qualified installer to check out the chimney, whatever the age of your home. This is a service that we offer at Kent Stoves.

There are lots of benefits to having a chimney lined, including better energy efficiency.

Can we help?

If you would like advice concerning your new or existing wood stove, please make contact and one of our fully qualified fitters (HETAS) registered will be happy to assist.

 

Log Burning Stoves.

A very elegant heating solution for your home.

Today’s wood heating appliances are designed for beauty and economic performance. Log burning stoves can be the focal point of any room.

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 whether they be ultra-modern or traditional.

With so many beautiful stoves to choose from and the costs coming down this does make a great heating solution and saves money in the long term.

One of 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 for example.

Environmentally friendly as well!

If you compare 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’s in the atmosphere. During combustion, a balance is maintained.

Like to have a chat about your options?

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

Keep Warm For Less Money

Double bonus – keep warmer and save money!

With the colder weather hitting the UK in the next week or so, how do you stay warm? I am sure you will be like the majority and turn up the thermostat on the central heating system. However, a growing number of people are opting for renewable heating sources instead such as wood burning stoves.

Log burners claim to not only be good for the environment but also a way to cut the cost of your energy bills, also as a bonus they could add value to your property.

So far in 2023/24 the stove industry is reporting record sales and installations of the traditional log burner. Sales this year are up a massive 26% on the same period last year and HETAS registered fitters around the country are very busy trying to keep pace with the upsurge.

After purchase and fitting can you really make savings?

 A lot of experts estimate after installation and purchase costs households will start to see savings within 3 years.

A stove is a highly efficient source of heat – delivering more than 80% efficiency in many cases. The current generation of stoves are clean and very easy to use and control.

Estimated savings using a wood stove

• 77% cheaper to run than an electric fire.
• 29% cheaper per kw than a gas effect fire.
• 51% cheaper than oil filled heater.

It is very important to note you must always only burn fully dried wood logs and these should have matured for 18-24 months.

Can we help?

If you would like to know more, please do contact us and one of our fully qualified fitters (HETAS) registered who will be happy to assist.