Over the years we have seen various stove scrappage schemes discussed and implemented although not always nationwide. There has been particular focus on boiler stoves, where great strides have been made in terms of new technology, but perhaps it is time to look at stoves in general?

New technology versus durability

It is something of a double edged sword when you bear in mind that the vast majority of new and old stoves are built to last. Relatively minor maintenance and the replacement of less durable parts can see a stove last 10 or 20 years. So, unless there is an incentive for those with older, perhaps less efficient, stoves to replace them why would they commit themselves to what can be a significant financial outlay?

Primary, secondary and tertiary combustion

Those who follow the wood-burning and multifuel stove market will be well aware of great advances in technology. We now have many stoves offering net efficiency ratings in excess of 80% and the number of stoves authorised by DEFRA has increased significantly. Technology such has improved primary, secondary and tertiary combustion processes meaning that more fuel, gas and emissions are burnt and burnt again to maximise heat output. This also minimises the emission of excess gases and particles into the atmosphere, something which the UK government is focusing on at the moment.

There are many relatively simple elements of a wood-burning/multifuel stove which make a massive difference to the efficiency and the durability of the stove in question. You will likely hear people discussing baffle plates on a regular basis but what is a baffle plate and what exactly does it do?

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

What does a baffle plate do?

The simplest way to describe a baffle plate, which is placed at the top of the fire chamber, is a deflector shield which reflects heat back into the combustion chamber. This ensures that as much heat as possible is retained in the stove and emitted into the room in a controlled manner. If there was no baffle plate, which is simply a curved part made of cast iron, heavy steel, stainless steel or vermiculite, then heat would be lost through the flue system and not circulated around the room.

If you asked individual wood-burning stove users how they maximise the efficiency of their stove you will likely get an array of different tips and advice. The truth is there are very simple ways in which you can maximise the efficiency of any wood-burning stove and reduce emissions. As the cost of energy continues to rise and emission regulations tighten it is extremely important to maximise the efficiency of your machine. We have listed eight tips below which you should follow to get the best out of your wood-burning stove:

Aim for 20% moisture content in wood fuel

Whether you are drying your own wood or buying in wood fuel it is vital that the moisture content is no more than 20%. This is the limit at which your wood will burn to maximum efficiency as well as eliminating the creation of potentially dangerous and damaging tar-like material. It also ensures that the missions from your wood-burning stove are kept as low as possible therefore having limited impact on the environment.

If you have had your stove fitted and installed by a trained professional and you follow all the correct instructions when operating the stove, you shouldn’t come across any or very few difficulties. Fortunately, in […]