Author: Carol

Firewood and Fuel Tips by CarolJul 20, 201712:01 am

Save a fortune seasoning your own wood

We all know about the potential cost savings and benefits to the environmental associated with the modern day wood-burning stove. There has been significant press coverage about the pros and cons of wood-burning stoves and while we all have our own idea of how to use them, how many of us are actually maximising our time and the efficiency of our stoves?

When looking at any machine it is worth considering where efficiencies and cost savings can the made with regards to the type of fuel used. In this instance we will take a look at how you can acquire the cheapest good quality wood fuel and the drying out process.

Seasoning your own wood

Even though it is possible to save money in the longer term by buying in seasoned wood for your wood-burning stove, there are even greater cost savings if you can season the wood yourself. It is essential that the wood is properly seasoned before use so you can get the best burn and the greatest heat. There are three main stages of seasoning your own wood which include:-

Spare Parts & Accessories by CarolJul 17, 201712:01 am

Why you should regularly check the condition of your stove fire bricks

As you can imagine, the intense heat created by the modern day wood-burning and multifuel stove can in the long-term impact certain components such as fire bricks. It is therefore essential that fire bricks are checked on a regular basis to ensure there is no damage, no cracks and they are in full working order. You will find that many stove manufacturers class firebricks as “consumables” therefore they may not covered by the standard warranty. This is because of the general wear and tear they will experience over the years – although they will not need replaced too regularly, it is worth monitoring their condition.

If you would like to contact us directly feel free to call on 01706 813393 or email us at sales@bowlandstoves.co.uk

Types of stove fire brick

While the heat reflective vermiculite firebricks/panels are the most commonplace today because of their cost and their performance, they are just one of three types of fire brick. There is also the traditional clay firebrick as well as steel/cast-iron fire “cheeks” which are still commonplace today but not as popular as vermiculite. The main reason for firebricks is to ensure that as much of the heat created is contained within the stove to be circulated in a controlled manner. The firebricks also ensure that the outer casing is not subjected to prolonged and excessive heat which could cause cracking and warping.

Firewood and Fuel Tips by CarolJul 13, 201711:15 am

Wood-burning stoves helping government to reach carbon reduction targets

A review by the Stove Industry Alliance has cast a very interesting light on the UK carbon reduction and renewable heat energy markets. While some people see wood-burning stoves as novelty items the reality is that they do positively impact carbon reduction and renewable heat energy targets. At this moment in time it is believed that wood-burning stoves account for some 10% of the UK’s carbon reduction targets which need to be hit by 2020. If the forecasts are correct then this could increase to around 25% by 2020 which would be a phenomenal figure.

Growing popularity of wood-burning stoves

It is no surprise to learn that wood-burning stoves have become extremely popular over the last decade with figures suggesting that more than 1 million homes in the UK currently use a wood-burning stove. Annual sales are in the region of 175,000 units and we only need to look at the stove spare parts market to see how popular that has become. If there are more than 1 million homes currently using a wood-burning stove and around 175,000 units sold per year, this figure could increase dramatically in a relatively short space of time.

Gas and Electric Stoves by CarolJul 6, 20174:28 pm

The beauty of a log effect gas fire

There has been a growing trend over the last few years as more people switch onto the gas fire market which has changed dramatically. Whether you are looking for an inset gas fire, chair fireplace gas fire or the stand-alone gas fires which are available today, there is something for every occasion and every room. So, what do you get with a modern day log effect gas fire?

Heat

At first glance log effect gas fires can look very similar to log effect electric fires which are in themselves proving to be very popular. The main difference is the heat output which is minimal with electric fires but can be anywhere up to 7 kW plus with a log effect gas fire. So, not only do you get the look and feel of a log effect fire, with the flickering flames and burning embers, your room is actually heated. Even the relatively small gas fires create enough heat to take the chill off any room.

Spare Parts & Accessories by CarolJun 28, 201710:06 am

Find spare parts for Hunter Stoves

The Hunter Stoves Group has been around for more than 40 years providing cutting-edge woodburning and multifuel stoves to the UK. This is a company which has seen all of the highs and lows of the UK market, understands exactly what consumers require and has the expertise to manufacture quality, durable and much sought-after stoves. The company now boasts an array of popular brands which include Herald, HS Gas, Di Lusso, Avalon, Cleanburn, Eco-ideal and Parkray. As you would expect from a leading UK stove company thankfully there is easy access to any spare/replacement parts you may require. We have access to the full range of Hunter Stoves spares and can advise you on any issues you may be experiencing.

Herald stove spare parts

The Herald stove range is an integral part of the Hunter Stoves Group and includes the likes of the Hawk, Kestrel, Compact, Slimline and the Inglenook. If you have ever come across one of these stoves you will be well aware they are traditional in style but this traditional style hides the latest stove combustion technology. As you would expect from a modern-day stove they are durable and built to last but from time to time you will require replacement parts. Whether it is firebricks, replacement doors, baffle plates or any other part, we have access to them all.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolJun 21, 20174:56 pm

Choosing a stove to fit your decor

In years gone by there was very little in the way of choice in the UK stove market, it was literally traditional wood-burning stoves or nothing at all. Over the last 20 years or so the situation has changed dramatically and not only do we have an array of wood-burning and multifuel stoves but there are traditional and contemporary stoves as far as the eye can see. So, whatever type of decor, whatever style of room, there will be a stove for you.

Traditional stoves

While many contemporary styles come and go, the traditional wood-burning and multifuel stove continues to sell consistently. The beauty is that traditional stoves can fit in with a traditional decor or something a little more contemporary. The traditional stove slides in perfectly with traditional decor and with contemporary decor it can tone down the “brightness”. Stovax have an extremely attractive range of traditional stoves including the Dovre range amongst others. However, do not assume that a traditional stove does not include the latest stove technology under the lid!

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolJun 19, 201710:26 pm

Wood-burning stoves now appeal to all areas of the population

In years gone by it is fair to say that wood-burning stoves were seen as a “middle class” product which could be fairly expensive to acquire and required access to the correct would fuel. The situation has changed over the last 20 years and wood-burning stoves now appeal to the masses and the price range now appeals to all budgets. It is now possible to acquire stoves for as little as £400 or you can go up to the thousands of pounds for some of the more luxury products.

Traditional wood-burning stoves

While contemporary wood-burning stoves are gaining popularity there has been consistent demand for traditional style wood-burning stoves for many years. The stereotypical smaller wood-burning stove is now seen in many homes across the country offering more than enough heat to take the chill out of a room. Many people would say that until you have sampled the deep heat created by a wood-burning stove it is impossible to realise what you are missing!

Spare Parts & Accessories by CarolJun 17, 201710:06 pm

Why you should avoid cheap stove spare parts

The old adage, if it looks too good to be true then it probably is too good to be true fits many areas of everyday life. It is also applicable when looking for stove replacement parts because sometimes you will come across cheap products which do look too good to be true. So, why should you avoid cheap stove spare parts and what are the potential consequences?

Built for your specific machine

There is no doubt that from time to time you will come across adverts promoting stove spare parts which fit specific machines even though they are not from the officially licensed spare parts range. In order to catch your attention these companies will undercut the official price of the spare part to save you a few pounds. We’re not suggesting that all companies who offer alternative spare parts are making untrue claims but the fact is that the only spare part you can trust is the one made by those who manufacture the stove.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolJun 15, 201711:12 am

Cleaning the glass door of your wood burning stove

You might wonder why you need advice about cleaning the glass door of your wood-burning stove when it seems so simple. When cleaning the door of your wood-burning stove it is imperative that you do it correctly otherwise it will smudge and the acid in any soot could start to eat away at printed glass doors. We have put together a step-by-step guide to cleaning the glass door of your wood-burning stove in order to guarantee longevity and durability.

Never clean your stove when it is hot

Once you have decided that your wood-burning stove glass door needs cleaning it is tempting to simply jump in, there and then. It is imperative that you wait until the glass has cooled before you attempt to clean it for your own safety and to protect the glass. Many people assume that if they clean the glass when it is hot and the cleaning fluid is steaming then this is doing some good. This is not the case!

Gas and Electric Stoves by CarolJun 14, 20173:34 pm

Why are electric inset stoves becoming so popular?

In years gone by an electric stove/electric fire had a certain stigma about it which was difficult to shake off. If somebody was to suggest looking at an electric fire today you might automatically think of the old four bar electric fires. Looking back these fires were potentially dangerous and not much use when looking to maintain a constant temperature in a room. However, the electric fire/electric stove which you see today is very different to that of years gone by!

Stylish and eye-catching

Perhaps the most stylish and eye-catching of the electric stoves available today are the inset machines which literally fit into a relatively small hole in your wall. They are extremely easy to install and immediately they will become the focal point of any room. You can buy an array of different electric fires which vary in length depending upon your requirements. However, these are not just flick a switch and you have one setting, they have many options!