Category: Stove News

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Are wood stoves safe?

Why do people buy wood-burning stoves?

Wood-burning stove sales in the UK now top 170,000 per annum and there is no doubt the trend towards wood-burning, and multifuel, stoves is gathering pace. With more and more people contemplating the purchase of a wood-burning stove, it is interesting to ask the question, why do people buy wood-burning stoves?

Cost benefits

For many people the cost benefits of a wood-burning stove are not the main purchase driver. The potential cost savings will depend upon the way in which the stove is utilised and the cost of wood fuel. Those with natural supplies of wood on their doorstep will obviously have the greatest potential for cost savings although the long-term benefits are there for all to see. So, if cost benefits are not the major pulling power towards wood-burning stoves, what are?

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Broseley Hotspur 5 woodburning stove

Facts and figures regarding UK stoves and carbon reduction

A report by the Stove Industry Alliance has cast a very interesting light on the UK stove industry offering a greater insight into the potential to reduce carbon emissions and encourage sustainable energy sources. There are some very interesting facts and figures regarding the UK stove industry which include:

UK government’s carbon reduction targets

Official estimates suggest that wood-burning stoves could actually account for around 10% of the UK government’s carbon reduction targets by 2020. This ties in perfectly with the government’s aim to fulfil 25% of domestic heat energy requirements via renewable sources by 2020. While current sales of wood-burning stoves are running at around 175,000 units per annum, with more than 1 million homes already using wood-burning stoves and fireplaces, there is still scope for further growth.

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DEFRA approved stoves are very popular

Why the political witch hunt against wood-burning stoves is fatally flawed

Over the last few months we have seen a political witch hunt against wood-burning stoves, by politicians in England and Scotland. Amid vague talk regarding concerns about the 1993 Clean Air Act, this seems to be a political will to tighten regulations surrounding wood-burning stoves and the smoke which they release. On the surface, concerns about the release of microscopic particles into the atmosphere seems fair, suggestions that the illnesses such as asthma are increasing seems justified, but what happens when you begin to dig under the surface?

Ignoring new technology

Even the most ardent of critics acknowledge that the increase in popularity of wood-burning stoves over the last few years has not led to an increase in air pollution rates. In fact, some reports suggest that pollution blamed on the use of wood-burning stoves is actually falling. When you bear in mind that a well-structured and well manufactured wood-burning stove, with a cast-iron body, can last decades, is it fair to consider stoves housing the latest combustion technology against those of years gone by?

List of the 10 most popular stove brands

While trends continue to change and develop in the UK stove market there is a high degree of brand loyalty when it comes to quality, durability and value for money. We cover a wide range of different stove brands, together with an even wider range of spare parts, and during 2017/18 we noticed that a number of stove brands were proving to be extremely popular. We will now take a look at each individual brand and consider why they are so popular and what they have to offer stove enthusiasts.

Hwam Stoves

There is no doubt that Hwam stoves have their own particular style and shape and while not the cheapest stoves in the market they have proven to be extremely popular over the years. While they offer a limited range of traditional stoves and inset stoves, it is the tall cylindrical style which is more associated with the company. We have those with extended front viewing areas, to watch the flickering flames and the burning embers, and those which also have side viewing areas. Many people fail to realise but the side viewing areas not only allow you to watch the flames and the burning embers but they also emit light into your room.

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Wood-burning stoves, maximising heat output

Should the UK government incentivise the use of wood-burning stoves?

Whether or not you believe the UK government should further incentivise the use of wood-burning stoves, this is certainly a growing industry. The difference between traditional energy costs and fuel for wood-burning stoves (and multifuel stoves) continues to grow. However, there is a growing opinion that the UK government should do more to incentivise the use of wood-burning stoves.

Wood fuel subsidy

Before we begin to look at potential ways the UK government could help the wood-burning stove industry, it is worth noting that wood for stoves attracts a reduced VAT rate of just 5%. Historically there have also been tax advantages for those maintaining forestry although these are nowhere near as generous today as they were in years gone by. So, the UK government is doing something to assist the wood-burning stove industry but surely more could be done?

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Five must have items if you own a wood-burning stove

Stoves and the European Ecodesign Directive

In the future you will likely see mention of the European Ecodesign Directive when looking at stoves. Even though it has not been heavily publicised in the UK this is a directive from the European Union which covers a whole array of products and includes electric and fossil fuelled heating equipment.

At this moment in time the Ecodesign Directive is not firmly in place but is more of a consultation arrangement with the industry. In simple terms it sets out mandatory (eventually) ecological requirements for energy using and energy related products sold across all 28 EU member states. The aim is to reduce energy consumption as well as the impact of various pieces of equipment on the environment. There will come a day when all stoves will need to comply with the Ecodesign Directive assuming this comes in before the UK leaves the European Union.

Impact on the environment

As we have mentioned on numerous occasions, the modern day wood-burning stove is a highly efficient heating machine. Aside from the fact we have primary, secondary and tertiary combustion systems available, in a worst-case scenario burning wood will only release the same amount of CO2 that a tree ingests in its lifetime. So, from a pure burning wood point of view there is little more in the way of improvement required from the combustion system.