Month: July 2019

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolJul 18, 201911:29 am

Is the stove industry doing enough to combat climate change?

Why might your wood-burning grate warp or break?

It is fair to say that wood-burning and multifuel stoves are built to last, built to withstand significant heat and generally have a relatively long lifespan. However, from time to time you will come across issues where parts break or warp and sometimes you might wonder why. In this article we will look at why wood-burning grates warp or break and what you can do to stop this.

What might cause wood-burning grates to warp or break?

There are four main reasons why your grate may need replaced and while you can address the majority of these reasons, good old-fashioned wear and tear issues are part and parcel of life with a wood-burning stove.

Wear and tear

The position of the grate and the fact it has burning fuel sitting on top can over time lead to general wear and tear. This does not necessarily mean there was a fault with the part, it is just the intense heat will have an impact on the metal in the long run. The wear and tear could take literally years to become visible but you will likely see an ever reducing decline in efficiency. The good news, you can buy grates online with delivery direct to your doorstep. They are also one of the simplest spare parts to replace!

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolJul 11, 201910:45 am

What could cause your baffle plate to warp and bend?

It is safe to say that a baffle plate is situated in the most challenging and the hottest area of your stove. This piece of metal has a very tough job, deflecting and reflecting heat back into the firebox to build up the temperature. The key to a successful wood-burning/multifuel stove is the ability to maintain control of the heat and ensure that it is circulated in a controlled manner. So, what might cause your baffle plate to warp and bend?

How to spot a warped baffle plate

In some cases the bend/warp of a baffle plate might be relatively small and not always visible to the naked eye. However, once you take your baffle plate out to clean and then replace it, you might spot some tell-tale signs. These might include:-

•   A hole on the baffle plate itself
•   Difficulty refitting the baffle plate
•   An unevenness when moving the baffle plate

It is neither difficult nor expensive to replace a baffle plate but obviously you want to ensure that your spending on spares is minimal and you get the best value for money. So, what might cause a baffle plate to warp and bend?

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolJul 4, 201910:06 am

Differences between a wood-burning and multifuel stove

Those with an interest in wood-burning and multifuel stoves obviously know there is a difference but what are the specific differences. This is probably one of those stove related questions you would like to ask but it may be sound so simple that you don’t want to.

Basic difference between multifuel and wood-burning stoves

The most obvious difference is in the name, multifuel indicates you can use more than one type of fuel while a wood-burning stove denotes you can only burn wood. There are subtle differences in the make-up of the different types of stove and it is also worth noting that the multifuel stove can burn wood. So, in theory, a multifuel stove offers the best of both worlds?

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolJul 3, 20197:00 pm

Process of replacing broken stove door glass

While the body of each individual stove can be very different, in recent times we have seen spare parts applicable for many different stoves under the same brand. In order to maximise customer experience the process of fixing issues such as broken stove door glass is very simple. Even though many people will still utilise the skills of a qualified installer, a little bit of confidence and you can do this yourself.

Removing excess ash and dirt from the door

Before you even begin the process of removing the broken glass it is advisable to clean the inside and outside of your stove door (obviously waiting until the stove is cold). You will notice that the inside of the stove will have accumulated a fair amount of ash and potentially tar. In order to maximise efficiency going forward it is vital that these substances are removed. The best way to do this is by using a simple brush. There is no need to be overly vigourous during this process.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolJul 3, 20196:14 pm

Narrowboats and solid fuel stoves

At first glance the idea of installing a wood-burning/multifuel stove on a canal boat/narrowboat may seem bizarre. Where is the space? Is it safe? Well, this type of location has been extremely popular amongst stove enthusiasts for many years. We will now take a look at some of the main matters to consider when looking at a wood-burning/multifuel stove for your narrowboat.

British standards for narrowboat stove installations

It will be no surprise to learn that historically, prior to the introduction of specific regulations for narrowboats, there were a number of fatalities amongst those using wood-burning/multifuel stoves on canal boats. There are obviously many issues to consider such as air circulation, carbon monoxide poisoning and the array of dangers associated with fire. Thankfully these standards are now appreciated by the vast majority of canal boat owners and those who install stoves in these unique locations.