Wood burning stove questions answered!

The first question you might ask is “Why would I want to install and use a stove in the first place?”

Using a wood stove for home heating has several potential advantages. Wood is considered a renewable resource and burning it may produce less particulate matter compared to some gas-powered options.

Another primary advantage is cost efficiency, as wood may be less expensive than electricity or gas, particularly if you obtain wood at minimal cost. Additionally, a professionally installed stove can increase a property’s value, which is often considered a selling point by estate agents.

Heating a home with a wood-fuelled stove offers several supplementary advantages. Wood burning stoves may serve as additional cooking surfaces, which can be utilised for preparing beverages or food during colder months. Additionally, their use has the potential to reduce expenditures on other utilities, such as electricity.

There’s a certain appeal to a wood stove as well, a timeless charm that brings back special memories. Nothing is cosier than to come home to after a long day spent outside in the cold.

Heat output

One of the most desirable features and benefits of a wood burner is the heat output it produces. A wood burning stove provides a powerful heat source for your home, meaning that the room or rooms get warm very quickly and effectively.

Installing a stove

When installing a stove, it is recommended to have it fitted by a company registered with HETAS. A qualified installer can advise on the appropriate burner size needed to heat the room efficiently.

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.

How Much Does A Stove Cost To Install ? Wood burner costs and savings you could make this coming winter

The amount a stove can reduce your energy bill depends on several factors, such as usage frequency, usage habits, and the level of home insulation. As such installation costs for a stove typically range from £2000 to £3,000.

Many factors can determine the installation price.

Building a new chimney or relining an existing one incurs additional costs.  And after installing your stove, savings begin. Just ensure you use high-quality hard wood matured for at least two years.

Most important:

Dried, fully seasoned chopped wood logs with a moisture content below 20% are typically used. Suppliers can provide information about when the wood was cut and its drying duration, which is generally at least 1.5–2 years.

Well-seasoned wood often produces a ‘clack’ sound when knocked together and may be lighter than unseasoned logs. Additional signs of seasoning include bark that peels away and visible cracks and splits on the outer surface. Logs are commonly stacked off the ground with spaces between them to promote air circulation and covered at the top to protect against rain and snow.

Using damp wood will…

• 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.

Always use a registered installer

Proper installation of a wood stove is necessary for optimal performance. The installation must comply with building regulations. Thus one recommended method is to use a qualified fitter who is (HETAS) registered.

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.

Help with fitting and servicing.

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

How Do Air Controls On Stove’s Work ? Control the air to your stove correctly for efficiency

After starting the fire and closing the door, adjust the air vents on the wood stove to control airflow. If the vents are completely or partially closed, oxygen supply may be insufficient, which could cause the fire to extinguish.

The vents should remain open unless intentionally putting out the fire. Opening the vents fully increases airflow and causes the wood to burn at a faster rate.

Once the fire is established, the primary or bottom vents are typically closed without extinguishing the fire. The secondary or top vents can then regulate oxygen flow; these may be gradually reduced as the fire burns to optimize heat output while conserving wood.

Closing down the air vents too soon into the fire can cause the fire to go out.

The adjustment of stove vents varies according to the specific model in use; typically, the bottom vents can be closed while the top vents are utilized to regulate the combustion rate of the wood.

It is important to note that closing these vents prematurely during a fire may extinguish it. As each wood burning stove operates differently, it requires careful observation and experience to master effective vent management.

Expert Advice

For safety and efficiency, have a HETAS-registered professional install your wood or pellet stove. Certified fitters assess your chimney, floor protection, and help you choose the most efficient stove for your home.

Can we assist?

If you’re considering buying a new stove for your home, please do make contact. One of our HETAS qualified fitters will be happy to assist.

Will A New Stove Save Me Money ?

Using a wood burner regularly can reduce fuel bills by about one-third.  And with estimated annual savings between £500 and £700. Wood-burning stoves are available in a wide price range. From £400 to over £2,000. An important factor when selecting a stove is its heat output.

Environmental standards for particle emissions will take effect in 2022, intended to improve air quality. Stove manufacturers have begun producing burners with the Stove Industry Alliance Eco Design-ready approval. These are designed to lower particle emissions by 90% compared to open fires and by 80% compared to older stoves.

Investing in a new stove for your home is a significant decision; therefore, it is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified professional (HETAS registered) to ensure the chosen appliance meets your specific requirements.

Pointers to look out for when selecting your new stove

A stove that is undersized for a room may not provide sufficient heat. While a stove that is oversized can require frequent adjustments to prevent overheating. This can lead to incomplete combustion and the accumulation of soot on both the glass and within the chimney.

Therefore, when determining the necessary stove output, it is advisable to consider a slightly higher capacity (by no more than 1.5kW). Thus to accommodate increased heating demands during colder months.

What should you burn on My Wood Stove?

Wood is considered a more environmentally sustainable fuel compared to oil, gas, and electricity, and its pricing tends to be more stable.

Freshly cut wood has a high moisture content and should be properly dried (seasoned) before use. As such a process which may take up to two years. Seasoned wood can be purchased or prepared personally by storing logs in a well-ventilated log store to ensure adequate air circulation.

Burning wet or unseasoned wood is strongly discouraged, as it can lead to significant soot accumulation in the chimney and reduce the efficiency and cleanliness of the burner.

Can we help?

If you are thinking of adding a wood burning stove to your home, please do make contact. One of our fully qualified (HETAS registered) fitters will be happy to assist.

Are Stoves Environmentally Friendly ? Wood stoves gaining ground every day

The wood burning stove market is growing each year, with significant progress made on environmental challenges. Interest typically rises in colder months, but last year demand remained steady all year. So are stoves environmentally friendly ?

Due to rising fuel bills homeowners are seeking alternative cost-effective heating options.

Wood burning stoves now offer a variety of options and are an attractive, practical alternative for home heating.

Advantages of a wood burning stove.

• The net fuel cost is cheaper than heating oil, natural gas, and electricity.
• Wood sourced locally can be free
• Fuel in the form of logs, wood chips, brush clippings is renewable, and sustainable.
• Wood supply prices are relatively stable and have been for years.
• Professionally installed stove will add value to your property

If you combine these advantages with the elegance a wood burner brings to your home its worth considering without a doubt.

Seasoning your wood is essential for efficiency.

For best results, dry wood should be stacked in a sunny, breezy spot under cover. Storage in sheds, garages, or shady areas slows seasoning. Pre-seasoned wood can be kept in any dry location.

Can we help?

For new wood stove installations, seek expert advice to ensure correct fitting and prevent extra costs. Contact us for support from a qualified HETAS-registered fitter.