Firewood and Fuel Tips by CarolJul 24, 201712:01 am

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

The environment and wood-burning stoves

As wood-burning stoves continue to become more popular across the UK there have been a number of misleading articles in the press regarding their pros and cons. There have even been insinuations that wood-burning stoves create dangerous gases above and beyond those created by traditional heating methods. We thought it worthwhile putting these issues to bed with regards to the environment, wood-burning stoves and the real situation.

Before we start

Before we start there is one thing to bear in mind, the use of a wood-burning stove takes in the quest for fuel, the actual burning and the emissions into the atmosphere. These are done before your very eyes whereas when looking at alternative fuel sources such as electric and gas the majority of the environmental damage is done prior to “receipt” of these fuels in your home. This is the element which we don’t see, which is often ignored and not taken into account when comparing and contrasting wood-burning stoves against other heating methods.

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:-

Stove Advice & Maintenance by PeterJul 18, 20178:57 am

The history of wood burning stoves

Wood burning has been around for thousands of years as it was the only form of heat source that was available to keep warm and cook food. No electricity for them unfortunately. This blog will be dedicated to the history of wood burning and the invention of the wood burning stove.

When did it start?

In the 16th Century, fire burning changed from a standard fire place to venting it through a chimney (which is where the chimney sweepers came in to play). But before that, the earliest fireplace that is known and recorded was back in 3600 BC in Malta.

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.