Top 10 most popular stove information/maintenance blog posts

Dovre Stoves

Over the last few years we have written many different blog post covering regulations, maintenance, new stoves and an array of different advice. The recent announcement that the UK government is to ban wet wood fuel highlighted the popularity and importance of some of our recent and historic posts. So, we thought it would be useful to put together a list of the top 10 most popular stove information/maintenance blog posts.

1.    What is a stove baffle plate and why might it need replaced?

This has been our most popular blog post by a long way and highlights the importance of stove baffle plates. The best way to describe a stove baffle plate is a shield at the top of the fire chamber which deflects heat back into the combustion chamber. This ensures that as much heat as possible builds up within your stove and is then radiated throughout your room in a controlled manner.

This blog post also covers the issue of damaged/warped baffle plates which can have a significant impact upon the efficiency of your stove. It is one of those elements which need to be replaced as soon as you start to see any damage emerging.

Link: https://www.bowlandstoves.co.uk/blog/stove-advice-and-maintenance/stove-baffle-plate-might-need-replaced/

Oxford mirror in room

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

Unfortunately, if your stove is incorrectly installed or not maintained on a regular basis then there is the potential risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is worth noting that this potentially life-threatening situation is not exclusive to wood-burning/multifuel stoves and also occurs with other fuels such as gas, oil, solid minerals and biomass.

Thankfully, we have seen a significant tightening of regulations in recent times and it is now compulsory to install a carbon monoxide alarm with every stove installation. This blog also covers the best types of fuel to use, symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and what you can do to protect yourself.

Link: https://www.bowlandstoves.co.uk/blog/stove-advice-and-maintenance/can-get-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-wood-burning-stove/

3.    Do you need planning permission for a wood-burning stove?

This is a very common question and one where there is a common misconception. Things may have been different in the past but you do not need planning permission to install a wood-burning/multifuel stove in your home. There are obviously various rules and regulations with regards to clearance, safety and installation, but you do not need planning permission.

This post covers a whole range of issues such as government guidance, building regulations, eco-friendly regulations and general advice on installing a wood-burning/multifuel stove. It is highly likely that regulations will tighten a little more going forward – indeed we recently saw the UK government announce a ban on wet wood fuel – so it is worth keeping up-to-date with events.

Link: https://www.bowlandstoves.co.uk/blog/stove-advice-and-maintenance/need-planning-permission-wood-burning-stove/

Hwam 2610 wood burning stove

4.   What are the benefits of an inset stove?

While stand-alone wood-burning/multifuel stoves tend to grab the headlines, there is no doubt that an inset stove is very easy on the eye. This blog covers issues such as what is an inset stove, what are the benefits, cost and efficiency compared to wood-burning/multifuel stoves. For many people an inset stove is as much part of the decor of your room as it is a source of heat. It is fair to say there are more than enough to choose from!

There is also a common misconception regarding the installation of inset stoves which are lot easier to install than many people would have you believe. So, thankfully we have managed to correct some of the misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding inset stoves. Take a look, you will not be disappointed!

Link: https://www.bowlandstoves.co.uk/blog/stove-advice-and-maintenance/what-are-the-benefits-of-an-inset-stove/

5.    Why does the glass on my wood-burning stove turn black?

Something such as simple as the glass on your wood-burning stove turning black can change the look and feel of your stove. For many people one of the main advantages of a wood-burning stove, aside from the heat, is the ambience this brings to your room and the ability to relax. This is something which might be in short supply if you’re viewing area is blocked in any way!

You will find some useful advice regarding steps you can take to avoid the blackening of the glass in your stove door. This will allow you to kick off your shoes, lay back and enjoy the relaxing ambience while drifting off to sleep.

Link: https://www.bowlandstoves.co.uk/blog/stove-advice-and-maintenance/stove-glass-door-go-black/

Fireangel CO-9D Digital Sealed for Life Carbon Monoxide Alarm

6.    Are you burning wet wood?

When the UK government announced plans to ban the use of wet wood as fuel for wood-burning stoves, one of our old posts from back in 2016 hit the headlines! This short but informative blog post covers the fact that while many think burning wet wood is a cost saving, they could not be further from the truth.

You will probably be aware that the use of wet wood has a significant detrimental impact on the efficiency of your stove and can cause damage to your stove and the flue pipe. If you weren’t aware then to be forewarned is to be forearmed – we strongly recommend reading this blog post.

Link: https://www.bowlandstoves.co.uk/blog/firewood-and-fuel-tips/burning-wet-wood/

7.    When should I replace stove rope?

This blog post covers a very simple but a very important subject, the replacing of stove rope around your viewing area/door. The simple rule is, as soon as you see any form of denigration in your stove rope you should replace it. These are not expensive items but if they are left to erode they will simply release heat in an uncontrolled manner and impact the efficiency of your machine.

It is fair to say this post has been very successful in highlighting a simple bit of maintenance which can make a massive difference to your stove’s efficiency. Well worth a read!

Link: https://www.bowlandstoves.co.uk/blog/stove-advice-and-maintenance/i-replace-stove-rope/

ACR Neo 3C Electric Stove
ACR Neo 3C Electric Stove

8.    Why you should regularly check the condition of your stove firebricks

When you consider that the firebricks in your stove combustion chamber are instrumental in maintaining heat in that area, it is not difficult to see how important they are. Created with a material where one side can remain cool while the other is excruciatingly hot, they should be replaced at the first sign of damage.

Every crack and chipped off piece of a fire brick means that the performance of your stove is being compromised. What is the point in buying fuel to build up the heat in your combustion chamber only for it to escape in an uncontrolled manner? If you look at just one maintenance post today, make sure it is this one!

Link: https://www.bowlandstoves.co.uk/blog/spare-parts-and-accessories/regularly-check-condition-stove-fire-bricks/

9.    Do you need planning permission for a flue?

While the whole question of whether you need planning permission to install a wood-burning/multifuel stove has been popular so has been this post regarding permission to erect a flue. There are various issues to take into consideration such as the position of the flue, listed buildings and designated areas. No doubt new regulations will emerge going forward.

The regulations are fairly flexible especially when you bear in mind it is legal to install a wood-burning stove and flue in a boat! However, if you are looking to install a wood-burning/multifuel stove then you are advised to do your research beforehand. You don’t want any nasty surprises!

Link: https://www.bowlandstoves.co.uk/blog/stove-advice-and-maintenance/need-planning-permission-flue/

Review: Firefox 8.1 Wood-Burning and Multifuel Stove
Review: Firefox 8.1 Wood-Burning and Multifuel Stove

10.    Will my stove work when the door is open?

We have spoken to numerous customers in the past who were led to believe it was more efficient to use their stove with the door open. As a consequence, we wrote a blog post detailing this action and the potential consequences. Obviously, you can use a stove with the door open but it could be up to 60% less efficient than with the door closed. Yes, 60%!

The key to maximising efficiency and use of fuel is to control the airflow as oxygen is the fuel that feeds any fire. If you overheat your stove you can damage some of the elements and waste fuel. So, to get the best out of your wood-burning/multifuel stove we recommend reading the blog post below.

Link: https://www.bowlandstoves.co.uk/blog/stove-advice-and-maintenance/will-stove-work-door-open/

Summary

Over the last few years we have seen more and more clients asking about maintenance and the most efficient way in which to use their wood-burning/multifuel stoves. This is what initially prompted us to release an array of maintenance and advisory blog posts. Thankfully, these have proved to be extremely popular over the last 12 months and will no doubt continue to be so for many years to come.