Wood-burners have become a sought-after design statement during the past 10 years or so.

They can provide a sense of charm and ambiance to a property. Modern wood-burning stoves give your home that warm heart as you sit around with friends and family on winter evenings.

Increased property value

A professionally installed burner can increase the value of your property, estate agents around the Country will tell you that a home with a certified log burner is very sought after.

Rising fuel bills are on the way 

Due to rising fuel bills, homeowners are seeking different cost-effective heating options. Wood burning stoves are a very real alternative. These days wood burners offer an impressive range of options to meet your home’s needs. Long gone are the days when wood burners were seen as an ugly and dirty heating source. Read more

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