Wood Burning Stoves

Wood Burning StovesCONTINUED OVER THE PAGEFollowing on from the rise in heating bills this winter a lot of people are looking for alternative sources of heat.

A wood burning stove is an ideal option for those looking to heat their home this winter. Using a new Ecodesign model of stove reduces particle emissions while ensuring high efficiencies, easy and controllable operation with a superior flame picture. This is in addition to the carbon-neutral benefits of wood burning as we seek to control and reduce global CO2 levels.

Below are some hints and tips for choosing a wood or multi fuel stove this winter.

Wood Vs Multi Fuel Wood burning stoves combust fuel using oxygen from above and burn on their own bed of ash on a flat base with no ash pan. Multi fuel stoves combust fuel using oxygen from below and burn on a grate that allow the air to get underneath the smokeless coal and allows the ash to fall into an ash pan at the bottom. Depending on the grate design a lot of wood burners will usually combust wood more efficiently than that of a multi fuel stove.

Fuel Choices Wood should be seasoned to under 20% for burning on a stove. Wood should be clean and free from paints and preservatives. Look for the Ready to burn logo when purchasing your wood. Ready to burn is a DEFRA certification scheme that came into force in 2020 for regulating the sale of wood to ensure wood is not too wet to burn. This has been an excellent step in the right direction for cutting down on pollutions from the burning of wet wood.

Smokeless zones Many areas are classed as a smokeless zone. By purchasing a DEFRA approved model of stove, you are able to burn wood in a smokeless zone. These stoves complete the combustion process and ensures minimal wood smoke is emitted from the chimney.

Sizing your stove It is important not to rush out and buy the biggest stove you can find. Customers enjoy the larger windows available on most modern stoves. You want to be able to heat the room efficiently but also burn the stove at its optimum running temperature. The general rule of thumb is to purchase a slightly smaller stove and run it hotter than a bigger stove and run it too cold. A stove too big for the room will overheat the room and as a result homeowners will turn them down too much to compensate. They then begin to incomplete the combustion process, tar the glass and the flue and create more smoke. Always seek advice from a professional registered installer prior to purchasing your stove.

Manufacturers There are many brands of wood burning stoves on the market. Where possible it is

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL DECORATORS IN DROITWICH SPA

Spa Decorators Limited, based in Droitwich Spa was established in 1993 and has serviced the local community for over 25 years. • Decorating • Building Work • Carpentry • Plastering • Kitchen Fitting • Fire Door Installation, Maintenance & Stopping

nice to support British manufacturing and as a country, we do make some very good stoves! There are lots of British manufactured stoves from the likes of Charnwood, Chilli Penguin, Woodwarm, Clock Woodburners to name but a few. A stove is a big purchase and from experience it is always best to avoid the cheaper end of the market. Parts are not readily available and the backup and aftercare from bigger manufacturers is simply not there. A stove purchase is an investment and it is worth getting the right stove for your property and lifestyle.

What to do if you have no chimney? Whilst a lot of properties have a chimney that can be used for a stove installation a lot of properties do not. There is an option of an insulated flue system which in effect creates a chimney using an insulated pipe that you will usually find up the side of a house or through an extension roof. This works in the same way as a brick chimney but allows stoves to be fitted in various places from newer build properties, extensions and even garden out buildings.

Installation advice It is important to seek an installer that is part of a competent person’s scheme for installing solid fuel appliances. The most industry recognised scheme is HETAS. A stove can be a dangerous appliance when not installed correctly. Always seek a registered person to offer advice and guidance and to install your currently to building regulations Doc J. A registered installer will provide a certificate of compliance similar to that as you would get with a new boiler or a new window installation. This is to be presented to future purchasers of your property when you come to sell. n

www.cosystovecompany.co.uk

We are the largest independent shop of its kind in Bromsgrove

DISCOVER SIEMENS AT CHAPMANS

FOR INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY, BRILLIANTLY ENGINEERED

Full product ranges available in our showrooms in Bromsgrove and Cradley Heath Full fitting and installation service carried out by our own engineers. Chapmans - experts in everything electrical for nearly 100 years

Chapmans 112-119 Reddal Hill Road Cradley Heath B64 5JN Tel: 01384 566497 Bromsgrove Domestic Appliances 124 Worcester Road Bromsgrove B61 7AG Tel: 01527 871478