Should I Buy A Log Burner Now ?

/in /by

Time to do your research

Sales of wooding burning stoves are going to reach record levels this fiscal year and the future looks very bright and very warm indeed.

Log burners make great focal points for interiors and come in all shapes and sizes, they are cleaner and more efficient than open fireplaces and will save you money on your heating bills.

If you’re dreaming of installing one, you’re in good company – over 200,000 are installed each year in the UK.

To enjoy using a log burner safely and responsibly, it’s important to do your research. Think first about the size of area that needs to be heated, as a rule of thumb, 1kW of heat output for every 14 cubic metres of space is needed to make your room 21C when it’s 1C outside.

Burn only mature logs for optimal heat and efficiency.

Wood is a far more environmentally friendly fuel than oil, gas and electricity – and subject to far less price rises. Freshly cut wood contains a lot of water, so you should dry it out before you can burn it. This can take as long as 18-24 months.

It is very unwise to burn wet or unseasoned wood as this will cause a soot build up in your chimney and make your burner very dirty.

Expert advice

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

Can we assist?

If you are looking to install a new wood burning stove, please do make contact and one of our qualified fitters (HETAS registered) will be happy to guide you.

 

I Want A Log Burner !

/in /by

I want a Log Burner ! Heating bills set to increase yet again!!!

It is being muted that fuel bills are set to rise significantly yet again

The price rises are expected to be in the region of between 7% and 16%, at least for electricity. Which means your energy bills could take a definite hit.

The impact on a typical household bill could be an extra £250-£600 plus a year.

Research shows that an average family are spending over £200 per month just heating a 3-bedroomed house. Just imagine this increasing by 10% and how that will affect your family budget.

Now is the time to explore the alternatives and save money!!

A wood burning stove could be the answer to reducing these potential rises, stove sales are at the highest we have ever seen for this time of year as homeowners prepare for the future.

A wood burning stove is a highly efficient source of heat delivering over 80% economy in many cases.

Reasons To Want A Log Burner

The new generation of stoves are clean and extremely easy to use making them a must for the majority of homes. A wood burner can be up to 75% cheaper to run than an electric heater and 29% cheaper than a gas effect fire.

Only burn mature logs – Vital for heat and efficiency.

Wood is a far more environmentally friendly fuel than oil, gas and electricity. And subject to far less price rises. Freshly cut wood contains a lot of water, so you should dry it out before you can burn it. This can take as long as 18-24 months.

It is very unwise to burn wet or unseasoned wood as this will cause a soot build up in your chimney and make your burner very dirty.

Expert advice

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

Can we assist?

If you are looking to install a new wood burning appliance, please do make contact. One of our qualified fitters (HETAS registered) will be happy to guide you.

 

local stove installers kent stoves

Is Summer Best For Buying A Stove ?

/in /by

Is Summer Best For Buying A Stove? Wood stoves – what’s on offer?

Style, elegance and economical

As well as giving you a wonderful source of heat which is ideal during those colder months, wood burning stoves also look great.

When you add one to your room, you will find that the wood burner becomes a new focal point. Thus adding character and style to the living space.

The heat output is exceptional

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.

There are wood burners available in a range of sizes and with varying energy output levels, (make sure you check what heat output your room requires) so you can choose a model that is appropriate for the size of the area you wish to heat. It is recommended to seek professional advice (HETAS registered) fitter in choosing as selecting the wrong stove could very costly.

Wood burner costs and more important the savings!

How much a stove could cut your energy bill depends on various factors, including how you use your stove and how often you use it. Plus how well your home is insulated. Also, think about how much a stove might cost to install – it could be anything between £750 and £2,000.

A lot of factors can affect the installation price. For example, if you need a new chimney built or an existing one relined.

If it’s at all possible to install your new wood burning stove in the centre of your house this without doubt is the favoured option.

Can we help?

If you are thinking of installing a wood burning stove, please contact us.  One of our fully qualified (HETAS Registered) advisers will be happy to assist.

log burner are stove installations cheaper in summer

Are Stove Installations Cheaper In Summer ?

/in /by

Are Stove Installations Cheaper In Summer? Forward planning to install a new wood burner for the next winter.

So, are stove installations cheaper ins ummer? 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 wood stove installed best act NOW!

Can they save you money??? The answer is YES!

Regular use of a wood burner can knock a third off fuel bills, providing savings of at least £600/1000 a year.

There is a huge range of stoves to choose from, ranging in price from £600 to more than £3,000. A key consideration is how much heat it will pump out.

New environmental standards for particle emissions come into force in 2022 aimed at creating a cleaner atmosphere. Already, stove manufacturers are rolling out eco-friendly burners with a Stove Industry Alliance Eco Design-ready stamp of approval. These reduce particle emissions by 90 per cent compared to an open fire and 80% compared to an old stove.

Efficiency and exceptionally good looking!

A modern wood burner is more efficient than many central heating systems and far more appealing to look at than a traditional white radiator.

Professional fitting is vital for safety and insurance.

HETAS approval

Poorly installed stoves do pose very real risks from carbon monoxide poisoning to house fires and smoke inhalation, all of which can have devastating and fatal consequences.

It is recommended to use a HETAS qualified fitter to install any wood burning appliance for safety and insurance purposes.

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.

does mt stove need a service

Does My Stove Need A Service ?

/in /by

Does My Stove Need A Service? Springtime is here at last!

I am sure your stove has served you well in the winter months but now is the time to check all is ready for the next season.

So does my stove need a service? Leave the stove door or the lower air vent slightly ajar to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to rust.

Check the door gaskets for wear and tear. A simple test is to close the door on a piece of paper, if you can pull it out easily, the gasket needs replacing.

Inspect the stove body for any signs of rust or cracks, addressing them promptly with a wire brush and heat-resistant paint if necessary. Lubricate hinges and moving parts with graphite powder or stove polish.

If possible, cover the stove to protect it from dust.

Store unused seasoned firewood in a dry, well-ventilated area, elevated off the ground to prevent moisture absorption and pest infestation.

Thinking of installing one in your home?

If the answer is yes, then now is a very good time to start planning and getting expert advice.

Qualified fitters are generally very busy, but this time of year there is generally a tapering off of work.

Expert advice

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

Can we assist?

If you are looking to install a new wood burning stove, please do make contact. One of our qualified fitters will be happy to guide you.

How Much Heat Does A Stove Produce

/in /by

How Much Heat Does A Stove Produce. Beautiful heating solution for your home and it will save you money!

Firstly, today’s wood heating appliances are designed for beauty and performance.

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. With so many beautiful stoves to choose from and with costs reducing this does make a great heating solution.

Another great advantage of wood heating is having heat when there is no power.

When a power cut happens, you will be warm and happy around your wood stove when all the lights in the neighbourhood are out. You’ll have that pioneer feeling, as you should. You thought ahead!

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.

A professionally fitted stove (HETAS) registered will also no doubt add to the value of your property.

The powerful heat from a wood stove radiates from all sides of the unit as well as the top. Thus  sending warmth in all directions. Fitted in a central position in your home you will be amazed how the rest of your house suddenly gets a whole lot warmer.

Use the correct wood for maximum heat output

Use the right wood at the right time. Lighter wood (often called ‘softwood’) like pine is good for making kindling and getting a fire started. Once you have a good bed of coals burning, denser wood (hardwood) will burn for longer and give more heat. Ensure your wood is dry as damp wood will reduce your stoves efficiency greatly!!

How Much Heat is Essential

Quality installation is fundamental to your wood burner’s performance and safety. We recommend that you have your wood burner installed by a certified fitter (HETAS) registered.

Can we assist?

Finally if you would like to know more about heating with a wood stove, please make contact. One of our fully qualified fitters (HETAS) registered will be happy to help.

 

Does My Stove Need A Service ?

/in /by

Does My Stove Need A Service ? Spring is coming and it is time for stove maintenance!

Firstly 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. These 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. This is 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.  One of our (HETAS) registered fitters will be happy to assist.

Does a Log Burner Produce Enough Heat ?

/in /by

Does a Log Burner Produce Enough Heat ? The Quality of Heat Generated from a Wood Stove is second to none

The heat generated from a wood stove carries a unique and comforting quality. Unlike the dry heat emitted by electric heaters, the warmth from a wood stove is enveloping. Thus providing a cozy ambiance that permeates throughout the room. This radiant heat is not only effective at warming the air but also the objects. Heating surfaces within the space, creating a consistent and long-lasting warmth.

Wood stoves operate by burning wood, which releases heat in the form of radiation and convection. The radiant heat is particularly beneficial as it mimics the natural warmth of the sun, providing a soothing and gentle heat that warms the body directly. This makes wood stoves ideal for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in a home.

Additionally, the heat from a wood stove has a certain rustic charm that appeals to those looking for a more traditional and sustainable heating option.

The crackling of the wood and the glow of the fire add to the sensory experience. Thus making it more than just a source of heat, but a focal point for relaxation and gatherings.

Moreover, wood stoves are designed to provide a steady and controllable heat output. By adjusting the amount of wood and the airflow, users can regulate the temperature to their preference, ensuring a comfortable environment.

This control is especially useful during the colder months when consistent and reliable heating is crucial.

In summary, the quality of heat generated from a wood stove is distinguished by its radiant warmth, sensory appeal, and controllable output. It creates a holistic heating experience that is both effective and enjoyable.

Can we help?

Finally if you would like assistance selecting and installing your new log burner, please get in touch. One of our qualified fitters (HETAS reg) will be happy to help.

which stoves is best wood burner new model

Which Stove Is Best

/in /by

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.

save money on your heating kent stoves

Save Money on your Heating

/in /by

Save money on your heating. Make noticeable savings if you follow these rules.

Installing a wood burner in your home could save you in the long term a great deal of money. The savings will depend on how efficient your new stove is and the fuel you use!

Vital – Burning wood with 20% or less moisture will minimise pollutants and increase efficiency. Kiln-dried wood has less than 20% moisture but is more expensive than seasoned logs. Most stove owners burn seasoned logs, and 23% of the owners told us they collect free wood from local resources.

Just imagine the savings you could make if you could source your own wood to burn free. 

A higher-efficiency stove should save you more and potentially cut pollution. New efficient stoves reduce potentially harmful particle emissions by more than 80%, compared with stoves from 10 years ago. This according to the Stove Industry Alliance and will help you save money.

Expert advice and fitting are vital for safety and efficiency.

For safety and to maximise efficiency you should always have a professional (HETAS Registered) install your wood or pellet burning appliance. A fully qualified fitter will carefully evaluate everything from your chimney to your floor protection.

A certified fitter can also assist you in making the correct choice of stove to heat your home to maximum efficiency.

In the summer months most homeowners try to forget the cold times and those large fuel bills. But this is the time to act as there are many very good offers available due to fitting engineers are far less busy as the winter months.

Installing a wood burning stove in your home will

  • Reduce energy bills.
  • Likely increase the value of your property.
  • Give you more control heating your home.
  • Heating during power cuts.

Can we assist?

Finally 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.