Spring is coming and it is time for stove maintenance!

I’m sure you are all pleased that this winter is now drawing to a close. If you are the proud owner of a wood stove no doubt it has served you and your home well over the cold months.

Now is the time to get your stove serviced and cleaned ready for the next winter. Engineers at this time of year are generally less busy and therefore easier to book.

Wood burning stove maintenance and cleaning mostly consists of regular removal of the ashes which also boosts the stove’s efficiency. Occasional cleaning of the internal surfaces with a wire brush or scraper will also improve your stoves performance.

You should always keep a close eye on potential problems such as holes in the ash pan, cracks, spots of rust on the finish and other unusual signs that may indicate damage.

It is also advisable to clean the glass on a regular basis because the longer you postpone the cleaning the harder is gets to remove the tar deposits. Always leave your stove to cool completely before you carry out any maintenance or cleaning chores.

In addition to keeping your stove clean inside and outside, be sure to have it inspected by a registered fitter (HETAS registered) at least once a year to make sure that everything is working perfectly.

You are also highly recommended to have your chimney cleaned and checked by a chimney sweep at least once a year or more often if you use 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.

Very important tip for the summer months

Outside the heating season leave the air inlet or the door of the stove slightly open in order to prevent condensation build-up in the stove and chimney.

Need help?

If you need help with maintenance or selecting a new stove please do contact us and one of our (HETAS) registered fitters will be happy to assist.

Which Stove Is Best? 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 stove, these versatile stoves can burn both wood and other solid fuels, like coal. They usually include a grate and ash pan.

Positioning

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

Inset stoves, these are built into a wall or fireplace opening, providing a more integrated look.

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.

Emissions and Efficiency

Eco-design stoves, these modern stoves adhere to stricter emission standards, making them more environmentally friendly. This is what to look for when checking which stove is best.

Catalytic vs. non-catalytic, these refer to the internal burning technology, with catalytic stoves having a catalyst to burn off exhaust gasses more completely.

Cast Iron known for heat retention, and often ornate designs. Steel tends to heat up quicker and often has a more modern look.

Understanding these distinctions will help you choose a wood-burning stove that best suits your needs and preferences.

Can we assist?

If you would like help selecting and installing a new wood burning stove, please do make contact. We have fully qualified (HETAS) fitters and advisers waiting to take your enquiry.

I want a log burner? Forward planning is a must if you want to install a new wood burner.

Due to the popularity of wood stoves HETAS registered fitters are busier than ever!!

This is causing long waiting lists, so if you want a new heating machine fitted best act NOW.

Will they save you money??? The easy answer is YES.

Regular use of a wood burner can knock a third off fuel bills, providing savings of at least £500/700 a year. There is a huge range of stoves to choose from, ranging in price from £400 to more than £2,000. A key consideration is how much heat it will pump out.

The correct wood for burning in your stove is vital

To get the best heating results from your stove hardwoods are generally better for burning than softwoods. As a rule of thumb hardwoods are produced by slow-growing deciduous trees and therefore the logs have a greater density than the faster growing softwoods from evergreen trees.

Since hardwood logs are heavier than the same sized softwood logs, they will provide you with much more heat output – up to 50%!!!

For the stove owner, using hardwood logs means having to fill the stove up less often than they would with softwood logs.

Using damp wood is just like boiling a kettle!!

• Be very hard and very slow to start.
• Be difficult to keep going or to keep burning well.
• Produce a very low heat output.
• Make the glass and firebricks dirty.
• Create excessive and rapid creosote build-up in the flue system and chimney.

Can we help?

If you would like assistance with your new or existing stove please make contact. One of our registered fitters will be happy to assist.

 

Will a log burner save me money. Wood burner costs and savings are worth investigating.

Firstly how much a stove could cut your energy bill depends on various factors. This includes how you use your stove and how often you use it, also how well your home is insulated. Also, think about how much a stove might cost to install – it could be anything between £850 and £2,000.

Many factors can affect the installation price

If you need a new chimney built or an existing one relined this will cost extra. Once you have installed your stove the savings will start. Make sure your supply of wood is of a good quality and at least 2 years matured.

Always use a (HETAS) registered installer

To ensure you get the maximum benefit from your new wood stove it is vitally important to have it fitted correctly.

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 and can self-certify that their work complies with building regulations, so it’s safe and legal.

Quality heating and far more comfortable.

So will a log burner save me money. 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. The powerful heat from a wood stove radiates from all sides of the unit as well as the top, sending warmth in all directions.

Always fit if possible in a central position in the property.

Help with fitting and servicing?

Finally If you would like assistance choosing a new stove for your home, please do make contact. One of our HETAS qualified fitters will be happy to help.

Do you have an open fireplace? If you have then fitting a new woodstove into the fireplace is going to improve your heating and what’s more reduce your bills!

Firstly please remember the most important ….

Burning wood with a moisture level of below 20% will give twice the heat output of freshly felled timber. This will also help to reduce a build-up of tar in your chimney and the environment.

To achieve this correct moisture level, the wood should be seasoned or matured for approximately two years. Storage should ideally be outside and be stacked to let the air flow around the timber, this will then dry naturally.

Alternative heat and money saving!

Wood burning stoves can be used as an excellent alternative to the main central heating system in your home. Instead of turning up the thermostat try lighting the burner. You will be able to reduce the thermostat in a cold spell.

If your home is well insulated and draught free you could even leave doors open. The log burner will heat assist all-round the house.

So, as you can see there are many benefits of installing a log burner. And not to mention the fact that a professionally fitted one could increase the value of your property.

Can we help, do you have an open fireplace?

Finally if you are considering installing a wood burning stove it is particularly important to select the correct one for your home. We have fully qualified fitters (HETAS registered). We will be able to advise you on the best stove to meet your needs so please do make contact.