Sales of stoves continue to increase month on month as the UK public look for ways to reduce their heating bills.
Whether you are the proud owner of a shiny new stove, or you’re thinking to install one, there are a few things that you need to know to really get the most out of that heating machine in the fireplace.
Do not burn damp wood. Read more
To enjoy using a log burner safely and responsibly, it is important to do your research. Think first about the size of area that needs to be heated and the style of burner you would like.
It is a particularly good idea to check the size and cost of logs you’ll need and whether you can buy them locally. Please also remember you will require an area to store your logs, preferably outdoors and dry.
Damp logs are simply no good for your burner and need to be air dried for at least 2 years, damp logs will cause soot build up and create extra cleaning. Read more
As well as making sure your new stove will physically fit into its new home, it is important to consider that the stove’s output is sufficient for the room. You should also ensure that it is not too large for the room, as this can cause just as many problems as a stove that is too small.
A stove that is too small for the room will not be powerful enough to heat the room adequately, on the other hand, if you have a stove that is too large it will need constant attention to keep the temperature down.
A result of this is the combustion within the stove will not be complete and you will quickly have a build-up of soot not just on the glass, but up the chimney as well.
With this in mind, when calculating the required output, a slightly greater output should be considered (no more than 1.5kW), as there will be a greater need for rapid heating in the long dark cold months of winter. 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 are the proud owner of a shiny new stove, or you’re 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.
Most important only burn fully matured timber.
This is the most fundamental thing to get right when you’re burning wood. It might be surprising, but green wood is around 45% water. That means that for every kg of green wood you add to the fire, you’re effectively adding around 500ml (a pint) of water. This means that you will need to make sure that your fuel has been dried properly. Read more
A modern wood burner is more efficient than many central heating systems and far more appealing to look at than a traditional white radiator.
The appeal is not just about installing a fashion statement.
According to reports, regular use of a wood burner can knock a third off fuel bills, providing savings of at least £650 a year.
There is a huge range of stoves to choose from, ranging in price from £500 to more than £2,000.
A key consideration is how much heat it will pump out. Years ago you had to live in the countryside to enjoy a wood burner, but technological improvements mean they can also provide a great heating solution in many town and city homes. 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.
Do you want to burn 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.
Air wash
If you want to see the flames, which no doubt you do, the stove needs a window that stays clean. So you want an Air wash model. This pulls air into the stove that blows across the glass so when it’s working right the soot and tar doesn’t reach the glass.
Clean burning
Yes please no doubt!! Of course, the cleaner the better. “clean burning” is a marketing term it is not a quantifiable standard. It refers to a system where additional air is introduced to the gasses above the fire, allowing more combustion. This burns off more of the gasses that would have gone up the chimney. So it should give a higher heat output for the same amount of wood.
Help required?
If you would like help choosing or fitting a new wood burner please do make contact and one of our fully qualified HETAS registered engineers will be happy to help.
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 and 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 and the log burner will heat assist all-round the house.
So, as you can see there are many benefits of installing a log burner not to mention the fact that a professionally fitted one could increase the value of your property.
Safety & Efficiency
A professionally fitted wood burning stove can save you hundreds on annual fuel bills but do make sure your new burner is suitable for your home. Read more
A professionally fitted wood burning stove can save you hundreds on annual fuel bills but do make sure your new burner is suitable for your home.
One thing is for sure if you have a stove fitted and you are selling your property the buyer is likely to want to see a certified certificate for the installation of the stove.
Homes with a certified fitted boiler can be worth a lot more money when selling, also bear in mind some insurance companies will not accept the risk unless the stove has been professionally fitted.
Wood stoves and the environment
The last 12 months has seen more people installing wood stoves than ever before. Mainly due to the cost savings they can provide. One question our fitters are always asked is how environmentally friendly are they? Read more
In these hard and strange times the need to save money on our heating bills becomes ever more important.
Time for change in 2021?
There is little doubt the winter period increases our outgoings considerably. Perhaps this is the time to look at what you spend heating your property in the cold months, it is likely you will be shocked.
We all know heating costs are forever rising, do take a little time out to investigate if a wood burner could save you money. Initial costs can be prohibitive but in the long run you will save an awful lot of money as wood is fairly constant in price. Read more
There is nothing better on a cold winter’s night than breaking out the logs and cranking up the wood burner.
Stoves come in all shapes and sizes these days and there is sure to be one to match your wishes. Energy prices are on the rise so installing a wood burning stove could be an answer to keeping them under control.
Here are a few things you should know before you get one. Read more
