Category: Stove Advice & Maintenance

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolDec 27, 20183:51 pm

Choosing a wood-burning or multifuel stove

Once you have decided to get a wood-burning/multifuel stove, or perhaps you are upgrading your existing model, where do you start? We hear of many people who simply jump on Google and then get totally lost and confused about what they need to do. There are many different things to take into consideration when looking at a new multifuel/wood burning stove. Remember, the cost of the stove and installation can be significant so you need to make the right decision.

Different styles of stove

Historically we have had traditional and contemporary stoves but now we have what is known as a “modern traditional” stove. So, where do you start? It really depends upon the style of your home/room and your personal preference. If ever there was a case of “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” this is it. What one person might see as a very attractive contemporary stove might have zero appeal for somebody else, and vice versa. So, stick to your own guns, do not be swayed by other people and choose a style of stove that you like.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolDec 27, 20181:49 pm

Is a multi-fuel stove worth the extra money?

Simple safety tips when using a wood-burning stove

As the cold nights begin to draw in, many people will be firing up there wood-burning stove to create that deep seated heat which makes them stand out from other forms of heat. While many people will be aware of the simple safety tips associated with using a wood-burning stove, it does no harm to remind ourselves.

Maintaining a distance between the stove and surrounds

It is imperative that you maintain the appropriate distance between flammable and inflammable materials around your stove. This information will be detailed in the user guide you receive with your new wood-burning stove and should be followed to the letter of the law. Over time we have seen major problems where surrounds have dried out and eventually combusted. Whether or not you are there when it catches fire we can all imagine the potential outcome. Read the book and follow the guide!

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolDec 27, 201811:27 am

We have revamped our stove accessories section

Benefits of a wood-burning stove

Over the last couple of years we have seen politicians and environmental groups looking to tarnish the reputation of wood-burning stoves. Granted, any combustion process will release particles into the atmosphere, many of the real benefits of wood-burning stoves have been lost in recent press comment. So, we thought it might be useful to remind ourselves of the benefits of a wood-burning stove and exactly what they have to offer.

Deep seated heat

In reality, until you have experienced the deep seated heat created by a wood-burning stove, you have not lived! This is a heat which literally warms you to your bones and creates an atmosphere which is extremely relaxing. There is nothing better after a hard day at the office than coming back, kicking off your shoes and drifting off to sleep in this special kind of heat and atmosphere.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolDec 27, 201810:36 am

What are the benefits of a soapstone wood stove?

Different types of material used with wood-burning and multifuel stoves

If you ask anybody about the look of a wood-burning/multifuel stove they will have a stereotypical image in their mind of the look and material. It would likely be a big bulky body, relatively small door and heat output which is released well after the stove has burnt out. However, there are a number of materials which are used within the body of modern-day stoves which have very different characteristics.

Cast iron stove bodies

Cast iron is the stereotypical material which many people automatically associate with a wood-burning/multifuel stove. It is extremely sturdy, built to last and will never change shape even under the most intense heat. As a consequence it is perfect when looking to create a durable long-term product. However, there are also other things to take into consideration when looking at cast-iron stove bodies.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolNov 1, 20184:52 pm

Different types of material used with wood-burning and multifuel stoves

Stove enthusiasts encouraged to switch to more efficient stoves

Over the last few months there has been a concerted campaign amongst local authorities and some politicians suggesting that wood-burning stoves are causing serious air pollution. While there is no doubt that burning any fuel creates a degree of air pollution, the highly efficient wood-burning and multifuel stoves of today release relatively small amounts of pollution. They have primary, secondary and tertiary combustion stages which effectively burn the fuel, burn the excess gas and then burn the gas again. This ensures that before any gas is released into the flue pipe and up into the atmosphere it has been burnt as many times as possible. This also ensures maximum efficiency.

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

Wood-burning stoves and coal fires

We live in an era where politicians regularly introduce new environmentally friendly regulations and look to tackle air pollution. It is a little bizarre to put wood-burning stoves and coal fires in the same report when you consider their efficiency ratings. Modern day wood-burning stoves can be in excess of 80% efficient while their open coal fire counterparts are often between 20% and 30% efficient. The problem with wood-burning stoves, which is readily highlighted in the IPPR report, is created by those burning wet wood. Due to the make-up of the wood, when too moist there are more pollutants released into the atmosphere, some of which come into the PM2.5 category. However, burning dry wood on a wood-burning stove does not create anywhere near the same type of problem.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolSep 27, 20182:36 pm

Wood burners, multifuel stoves and new technology

Even though there are well in excess of 1 million wood-burning and multifuel stoves in the UK, have you ever sat back and wondered just what kind of technology is under the surface? Have you ever wondered how heat continues to seep into your room even when the fire is out? How primary, secondary and tertiary air flow systems work? Or do you just prefer to sit back, kick off your shoes and enjoy the deep seated heat that comes with the modern day wood-burning/multifuel stove?

Centuries-old stoves

The history books are littered with mention of basic stoves going back literally hundreds of years. The ability to burn wood and retain heat to keep you warm over a long period of time must have been the Holy Grail of life in the olden days. It was only in the 18th century that stove designs began to change into something similar to what we see today. Initially the stoves were seen as highly inefficient but over-time they have been reset focused and reset again to become some of the most efficient forms of heating available today.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolSep 27, 201812:29 pm

How do I stop smoke coming out of my stove?

Aside from the fact there are obvious safety aspects to consider, the efficiency of your wood-burning/multifuel stove will be impacted if smoke is not drawn properly through the flue and up the chimney. It can also lead to the buildup of potentially harmful tar which can erode your flue pipe and cause other problems with your stove. So, how do you stop smoke coming out of your stove?

Small pockets of cold air

One of the more common problems revolves around a significant drop in temperature especially during winter time. As a consequence, pockets of cold air can become trapped in your chimney/flue which has a significant impact upon the draw hence smoke is circulated in your room. Under normal circumstances, starting your fire in the morning would lead to sufficient hot air to release the trapped cold air and start the draw process. However, if you are still having problems after starting the fire with traditional fuel it may be time to look at using a fire lighter or rolled up newspaper.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolSep 20, 201812:53 pm

When should I replace stove rope?

Even though stove fire rope is just a simple piece of rope which seals doors, glass and sometimes other parts of the stove, it is very important. As soon as the fire rope begins to crack and break it is compromised and needs to be replaced. The fact it is also relatively cheap means there is no excuse for delaying this repair.

Testing to see if your stove rope needs replaced

In the vast majority of cases you should be able to see visible decay in various areas of the stove rope indicating it needs replaced. However, there is a very simple test that you can do which will tell you instantly if it needs replaced.

Take an A4 sheet of paper and place this against the area which the stove rope will lay once the stove door is closed. If you are able to pull the paper away from the stove while the door is shut then the seal has deteriorated. It sounds simple – but give it a try next time you are using your stove!

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolSep 13, 201812:33 pm

Choosing the best types of wood for your stove

We all know that seasoned hardwood with a moisture level of 20% is perfect for a wood-burning stove. It offers the optimum balance between durability, while creating significant heat, burns very slowly and has a moisture level of 20%. The next question is which types of wood offer these characteristics?

The difference between hardwood and softwood

Before we look at specific wood types, it is worth reminding ourselves of the difference between hardwood and softwood. In simple terms, hardwood is denser which means it burns relatively slowly which creates significant heat. Softwood is less dense meaning that it will burn quicker, create less heat and be ultimately more expensive to use. As the average density of softwood is around half of that associated with hardwood, it burns twice as quickly.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolAug 30, 20184:04 pm

Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from a wood burning stove?

The simple answer is yes, you can get carbon monoxide from a wood-burning stove. However, carbon monoxide poisoning is also possible with additional fuels such as gas, oil, solid minerals and biomass. Not just wood-burning and multifuel stoves. So, how can you protect yourself against carbon monoxide poisoning?

It is only faulty or badly maintained equipment which will put you at danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Therefore, there are a number of actions you can take to protect yourself.

Installing your stove

In theory anyone can install a stove as long as it is signed off by the local authority building department. In practice many people choose to use an approved fitter who can install your stove without additional paperwork. Initially, this is the best way to protect you from faulty/badly installed stoves.