Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolDec 7, 201712:34 pm

Getting the most out of your wood-burning stove

The cost of a wood-burning stove today varies widely depending upon the type of model you are after and the brand. When you also add in the installation cost it can start to add up although there are significant long-term benefits. It is therefore essential that you get the most out of your wood-burning stove to increase output, reduce fuel costs and avoid the cost of repairs and replacement parts for as long as possible. So, what simple actions can you take to get the most out of your wood-burning stove and maximise efficiency?

Burn the right fuel

As we have mentioned on numerous occasions, while it might be tempting to use old wood which may have the remnants of paint or other materials, this is not worthwhile. Aside from the fact that the remnants of the paint or other materials could create toxic fumes when burned, the efficiency of this particular type of fuel is significantly less than well-seasoned wood which has a moisture level of less than 20%. There is also the fact that wood which contains other substances, such as paint, will likely create a tar like substance which will reduce the efficiency of your stove and also potentially damage the flue.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolDec 7, 201710:55 am

Wood-burning stoves, maximising heat output

How to replace cracked glass in your stove door

Whether you have a wood-burning stove or a multi-fuel stove at some point it is likely that the glass in the stove door will need replaced. While we often take these things for granted, we can only imagine the pressure and heat which this glass is exposed to on a daily basis. The constant heating and cooling process will eventually weaken the glass and on rare occasions accidental damage will occur. However, if you start to see cracks emerging in the glass then you should replace it as soon as possible.

Once the cracks start to emerge then it is only a matter of time before the stove door glass will need to be replaced. While it is sometimes tempting to put off replacement of the glass when they are relatively small cracks, not only will these eventually enlarge but during that period your stove will become less efficient. This is simply because of the fact the heat will not be retained within the stove to the same degree which means it will be radiated in an uncontrolled manner – likely leading to an eventual increase in fuel costs. So, what is the safest way to replace glass in your multi-fuel or wood-burning stove door?

Firewood and Fuel Tips by CarolNov 30, 20171:03 pm

Environmentally friendly heating systems well-positioned for the future

There is no doubt that when looking at the cost of wood-burning stoves and traditional gas/electric heating systems, wood-burning stoves win hands down. A number of research programmes have shown that at worst the burning of wood is carbon neutral with trees absorbing as much carbon dioxide in their lifetime as they emit when burnt. Again, this is a worst-case scenario and simply replacing a mature tree ready to be converted into fuel with a sapling will continue the carbon neutral cycle.

Cost savings

It is fair to say that stove cost and installation fees can be significant depending upon the type of system you are looking to purchase. In many ways the cost tends to be upfront top-heavy with very little in the way of maintenance required once your stove is installed. Even though the cost of gas and electric continues to rise, you can work on a minimum average saving of £300 a year against the cost of wood for the average household with a wood-burning stove. In reality it is probably significantly more than this but will depend upon gas and electricity prices and how much you use your stove.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolNov 30, 201711:06 am

Using a stove thermometer to avoid overfiring

While enjoying the deep seated heat provided by the modern day wood-burning and multifuel stove it is tempting to continue piling fuel as high as possible to maintain the warmth. Believe it or not, there is a very common occurrence with stoves which is overfiring. So, what is overfiring and what damage can it do to your stove and your pocket?

Operating your stove at too high a temperature

In simple terms, overfiring is when you operate your stove at too high a temperature which can cause all kinds of issues. Whether you are piling the fuel too high or allowing too much air to flow through the system it can have a major impact.

Gas and Electric Stoves by CarolNov 16, 201712:20 pm

Broseley Hereford Electric Inset Stove

The Broseley Hereford Electric Inset Stove is a prime example of an electric fire which takes in the latest technology and is attracting attention from consumers. While many people still think of an electric fire in old terms, the traditional two or three bar electric fire, things have changed dramatically since then. The Broseley Hereford Electric Inset Stove perfectly epitomises the new modern day electric fire which looks and feels like a coal/wood burning stove but is available at the flick of a switch.

The fact this is an inset electric stove means that it fits perfectly into a fireplace or other similar wall space with minimal impact on free space around your room. So, what do you get with a Broseley Hereford Electric Inset Stove?

Gas and Electric Stoves by CarolNov 16, 201711:15 am

Broseley Endure Gas Stove

While the mass media suggest there is growing interest in gas stoves, the reality is that gas stoves have always been popular with consumers but if anything, they are more in demand today than ever. The technology associated with products such as the Broseley Endure Gas Stove has improved dramatically over the years hopefully separating the modern-day gas stove from its compatriot of years gone by. That’s not to say that gas stoves of years gone by were not the leading lights of their time, but technology and durability have improved greatly.

The look of the Broseley Endure Gas Stove

As you will see from any image of the Broseley Endure Gas Stove this is the type of stove which is at home in both contemporary and traditional environments. It has the look and feel of a wood-burning stove but powered by gas it is literary ready at the flick of a button. The steel construction has a nominal heat output of 3.3 kW and comes in a matt black finish. The Broseley Endure Gas Stove has an efficiency rating of 86% and is perfect for small to medium-sized rooms. For many it is the realistic coal fuelled bed effect which adds the finishing touch allowing you to sit back and watch the burning flames while you relax. While this is a manual control gas stove it is worth noting that it does not require a chimney.

Latest Stoves by CarolNov 10, 20174:35 pm

ACR Solis Multifuel Stove

While traditional style wood-burning and multifuel stoves continue to grow in popularity we have seen growing attention paid towards the more contemporary multifuel stove market. This is perhaps why the long-awaited ACR Solis Multifuel Stove appears to be capturing headlines for a variety of reasons. We know that ACR has a reputation for producing quality, durable and eye-catching wood-burning and multifuel stoves but the ACR Solis Multifuel Stove must be one of the best yet. So, what do you get with an ACR Solis Multifuel Stove and why is it proving so popular?

The look of an ACR Solis Multifuel Stove

It is fair to say this particular stove is contemporary in style and contemporary in look. It is the cylindrical shape of the front of the stove which makes it blend in with any area of your room. We also have the eye-catching expanded viewing area which allows you to enjoy the flickering flames and the burning embers. The small storage cupboard below the stove is a perfect way to keep your stove bits and pieces out of sight and also houses the airflow control. This really is the kind of stove which will be at home in any room, sit perfectly with any design and would be a great conversation starter for any visitors.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolNov 10, 20173:10 pm

Stove glossary and terminology

As the popularity of wood-burning and multifuel stoves continues to grow, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to clarify some of the stove glossary and terminology you will come across. Even though modern day wood-burning stoves offer an array of different add-ons, the basic glossary and terminology is the same.

Airwash

You will hear the term airwash with the vast majority of stove glossary listings today, in conjunction with maintaining clear glass across the viewing area. This is quite simply a system which allows air to flow from a vent on the top of the stove down over the glass viewing area. Thankfully this prevents the buildup of tar and soot thereby ensuring that the flickering flames and the burning embers are visible at all times.

Latest Stoves by CarolNov 6, 20174:54 pm

Tiger Stoves offer great value for money

Entry level stoves and value for money

In years gone by there were serious concerns about the quality of “cheap” wood-burning and multifuel stoves from places such as China. It is fair to say that over the last 10 years the quality of relatively cheap entry level stoves (both wood-burning and multifuel stoves) from overseas has increased dramatically. We have the Firefox range and the Tiger selection of stoves both of which are going down extremely well with level entry consumers.

Solid and reliable

If we look at the Firefox range of stoves they offer a heat output of between 5 kW and 12 kW. Prices range from just over £400 to just under £800 offering excellent value for money and surprising reliability. The Tiger range of stoves tends to focus on the mid-range heat capacity of between 4 kW and 6 kW. Like the Firefox range, while they may be imported from China they are solid machines and built to last.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolNov 2, 20172:35 pm

What are the benefits of hardwood over softwood?

What is secondary and tertiary burning?

The modern day wood-burning stove is an extremely efficient machine which may look unchanged from decades ago on the outside but inside it is awash with the latest technology. Two such developments which often attract questions and uncertainty are the subjects of secondary and tertiary burning. What are they? What do they do?

Burning fuel

Whether a multifuel or a wood-burning stove, the firebox is the area in which the most activity occurs and the appropriate fuel is burnt. The initial burn process is fairly simple, the fuel is ignited, the airflow controlled and heat created. It is the ability to retain this heat within the firebox which is the central attraction of any stove. However, this initial burning process does create waste fuel and gases.