With the cost of energy seemingly rising on a monthly basis it does warrant investigation as to alternative heating options. Fitting a wood stove could be the perfect solution as they are without doubt far cheaper to run especially if you can source you own fuel.

We are always being asked the best place and way to install a new wood stove appliance. Stoves basically can be installed almost anywhere in the home but as with most things some are far better than others.

When it comes to flue pipes the hard and fast rule is the straighter they are the better the air will flow. Ideally, your piping should rise directly up into a chimney located above the stove, but angles can be added as required.

Straighter or less curved runs create stronger air drafts that will promote more efficient burning and heat creation. This will also reduce the amount of creosote build-up which is far safer for your home thus reducing the risk of chimney fires. Read more

We are always asked by clients “which stove offers the best value”, well this is a very difficult question as most stoves these days have good and bad points. Steel or cast iron? Well, again this is very much down to the individual and their budget. The most important part of choosing a stove for your home is to get the correct advice, always consult a HETAS registered engineer who will be able to point you in the right direction.

Plus points of cast iron stoves

Cast iron wood stoves are a popular choice of wood stove for many reasons, among them its ability to hold up to high heat and temperature changes. Iron is a durable yet workable material that allows for panels of it to be drilled into larger, complex assemblies, like stoves.

It disperses heat nicely, conducting heat well from one part of the stove to the others.

The downside of cast iron stoves

Cast iron wood stoves can be costly. As they are put together with bolts and caulking they tend to require some degree of maintenance or repair over time, with replacement parts also costly as each individual model of cast iron stove must have its own master patterns for casting new panels and parts.

Many manufacturers of cast iron wood stoves today focus more on form, or decorative appeal than function. Read more

Things you need to think about when selecting a wood burner.

When you enter the store you will see lots of lovely looking options, now is the time to be prepared. Do your research and list down your requirements, then seek the advice of a fully qualified HETAS fitter who will point you in the right direction.

Wood only or multi-fuel

A dedicated wood burner can be the most efficient so It’s worth considering if you’re never going to want to burn other fuels.

This issue is one you will need to spend time on, ask yourself if you will ever want to burn other fuels, such as pellets? Get the opinion of the fitter as they will be able to inform you of the plus’s and minus’s, thus ensuring you make the correct choice. Read more

Sales of stoves continue to increase month on month as the UK public look for ways to reduce their heating bills. Whether you’re the proud owner of a shiny new stove, or your thinking to install one, there are a few things that you need to know to really get the most out of that heat generator in the fireplace.

I know this is basic but do read the manufacturers instruction books as efficiency is crucial to you saving money. Read more

Acting now for a warmer winter

Wood stove owners have a tendency to underestimate just how much moisture firewood contains. Nothing will cause your stove to function less efficiently than to fill it with green wood, so to avoid the problem you should begin the seasoning process in the early spring if you want your wood to be ready by the next winter. To make life a lot easier you can buy a moisture content meter to measure your woods consistency, ask locally or search the www.

If you plan to use any wood that is larger than normal, you will need to set it out to dry even earlier. Essentially, you should be harvesting your wood about 18 months in advance of when you actually plan to burn it, if you want to guarantee that it will be properly seasoned.

Summer time is a great time to season wood, just make sure the air can flow round the stacked timber for efficient drying. Read more