Here at Stonehouse Fireplaces, we design and build custom Feature walls and Media walls. Below are some examples of the designs that we have carried out.
Fireplace feature walls & media walls are a great way to not just update a home’s look, but to add some practical usefulness to a room. They’re the perfect marriage of style and functionality.
Fireplace feature walls create a home showpiece!
A fireplace changes the look and feel of any room. Along with the cosy warmth it provides, the look of the flames also add an appealing aesthetic that livens up a space.
Surrounding that fireplace with a stylish feature wall only enhances its attributes. Feature walls can elevate a room’s dull design by adding a different aesthetic in one part of the room. When done right, this design choice won’t clash with your existing décor, it will complement and harmonise with it.
Fireplace feature walls can be more than just the focal point of a room, too. In the hands of a skilled designer, a fireplace feature wall can become a stunning home showpiece.
Most of use would envisage a feature wall as something best suited for the living room or family room. But because fireplace feature walls and media walls are able to be designed in a wide variety of layouts and sizes, they can be added to a number of different rooms. Highlighting a wall in either a big or small way with a beautiful fireplace feature wall is one way to take your room’s look to the next level.
We create stunning centrepieces that can have electric, gas or solid fuel appliances incorporated. These can be single sided, double sided, corner or triple sided.
We can create the area for the TV, soundbar and any peripherals, such as a Sky box, and build this to your own specifications. All cables and power supplies will be concealed and we can even create additional storage spaces with LED lighting if required.
Our own factory can manufacture tops and backs in Marble or Dekton for added effect. Call or e-mail us for a FREE home survey here.
12 Uses for Fireplace Ashes That Are Suitable for Your Home.
Instead of discarding wood burner ashes, use them in one of these clever ways around your home and garden.
Remember to let the wood ashes cool completely, then scoop them up and repurpose them for a free way to deodorize musty spaces, remove excessive moisture from the air, clean a variety of materials, and boost growth in your garden.
Not only is it a great way to save money, but it’s also a sustainable recycling method that has many surprising benefits.
Before you throw out a big pile of ashes, scroll through these 12 uses for wood burner ashes that are suitable for your home and garden.
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Alter Soil pH
Since wood ashes are alkaline, they can be used to alter soil pH. If you want to plant certain flowers or shrubs and you have tested your soil’s pH only to find that it’s not conducive to the plants’ healthy growth, you can balance out the acidic pH with a sprinkling of ashes.
Mix ashes in with the soil, then test the pH again to monitor whether you have sprinkled enough in to make a difference.
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Eliminate a Foul Odour
A small bowl of ashes on a shelf in the fridge has the same effect as baking soda. It naturally deodorizes the refrigerator’s interior, absorbing the extra moisture that’s in the air and eliminating foul odours.
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Polish Silver
For a natural way to polish silver and other metals, mix ashes with water to create a paste with a thick but spreadable consistency. Dip a non-abrasive rag in the paste and gently rub it into the silver, then rinse and wipe it clean.
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Add It to the Compost Pile
Every time you add scraps to your compost pile or indoor bucket, sprinkle a layer of wood ashes with it. This will add extra nutrients to the compost and boost plant growth.
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Remove Driveway Oil Stains
If you have noticed oil stains on your drive or pavement, sprinkle wood ashes directly on the stain and let them sit for several hours. The ashes will absorb the oil to lift the stain and once you see the chemical reaction has taken place, just grab an outdoor broom to remove the ashes.
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Repel Pests From Flower Beds
Sprinkle flower and vegetable beds with a thin layer of ashes to keep pests such as snails and slugs away. Ash is a natural drying agent that repels these slimy creatures that have a high water content.
It’s also effective in eliminating other pests such as cockroaches, mice, and rats from basements when generously sprinkled near doors and walls.
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Clean Glass
Clean glass containers or the glass on the stove door with a sprinkling of ashes and a damp rag or non-abrasive sponge. Gently rub the ashes into the glass, forming a thin paste when the damp material hits the ashes and restoring shine and sparkle to the glass.
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Fertilize Grass
Fertilize your lawn for free with wood ashes instead of purchasing pricey fertilisers. The alkaline nature of the ashes balances out an acidic soil pH and increases the grass’ growth and fertility.
Make sure to use it in moderation and water the grass after sprinkling the cold ashes.
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Get Rid of a Musty Smell
Because wood ashes are high in alkaline and similarly to baking soda they absorb moisture well, they are effective in getting rid of musty smells in spaces with little ventilation.
Place a small bowl or tray of ashes in a closet, utility room, bathroom, or basement to remove unwanted odours without spending money on expensive deodorisers.
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Absorb Humidity
Place a bowl of wood ashes in a small space that’s excessively humid, such as a small bathroom or a basement and it will draw out the moisture from the air and absorb the humidity.
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Make Your Own Soap
Try your hand at making your own soap and incorporate ashes to create lye when you add water. This is a key ingredient in making soap, and instead of adding a chemical, wood ashes generate it naturally.
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Melt Snow and Ice
You can melt a thin layer of snow and ice by sprinkling ashes on it. This will create traction and minimize the risk of slipping on a slick driveway or path in the garden.
🔴 Increased levels of carbon monoxide and particulates
🔴 Increased likelihood of condensation within the chimney
These problems will contribute to a risk of corrosion, ultimately reducing the lifespan of your liner.
Slumber mode is when an appliance is purposely set at a low or minimum output normally for overnight burning to be revived in the morning without the need for relighting. Some mineral fuel burning appliances are designed to operate in a slumbering mode and would be CE type tested to show that they are safe to operate in this manner.
User Beware When Slumbering a Stove
Users should however be aware that there are particular problems associated with using an appliance for extended periods at low output especially if the appliance is not designed to operate in this way. Similarly, these problems occur if the appliance has not been sized according to the heating load applied to it so that it must be turned down to low output in order for the living space to be comfortable.
Problems with Slumbering a Stove
Running appliances at low output can lead to incomplete combustion, especially when burning a high volatile content fuel such as wood logs. This will lead to the formation of sooty and/or dry deposits on the flue lining as well as increased levels of carbon monoxide and particulates in the products of combustion. In addition, when appliances are used at low output for extended periods of time the temperature of the chimney reduces and there is a tendency for the products of combustion to also be lower in temperature – which will lead to an increased likelihood of condensation forming in the chimney.
The presence of condensation together with flue deposits that may contain acidic compounds will present a risk of corrosion where metallic components are used for the flue lining. If the intended use of the appliance is for slumbering on a regular basis then it is wise, whenever it is necessary to reline the chimney, to choose a lining system that does not have metallic components. See ‘flexible liners’ below.
Even when an appliance is designed for slumbering it is necessary to adopt certain practices in order to reduce the negative effects of operating at low outputs. Usually this involves running the appliance at high output following slumbering to hopefully burn away any flue deposits and to ensure the chimney warms up sufficiently to provide a good draught and reduce the risk of condensation. Never overload an appliance.
Flexible Liners and Slumbering
Flexible liners, whilst being easier to install and replace, are not designed to last the life of the building, but may (when using the appliance correctly) last in excess of 10 years. Long periods of slumbering and/or infrequent chimney sweeping can cause corrosion damage which has been known to reduce the expected life of a flexible metal flue liner to less than five years.
The efficiency and life expectancy of any chimney is dependent upon correct use and maintenance. Masonry and pre-cast chimney products – whilst usually offering long life and high resistance to risk of corrosion – tend to involve more installation work when compared with metallic chimney systems.
Metal liners and insulated metal chimneys offer fast and convenient installation. However, they can be less resistant to damage by corrosion, particularly if subjected to abuse or inadequate cleaning. Allowing soot or condensate deposits to accumulate in metal lined chimneys and also prolonged periods of burning in slumbering conditions, particularly on closed appliances, can cause high concentrations of corrosive condensates to build up and attack the metal liner. This situation can not only considerably reduce the life of the flue lining, but can also invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty.
Carbon Monoxide, Particulates and Slumbering
It is important not to allow the appliance to repeatedly remain in slumber mode for long periods; this practice ultimately starves the appliance of air giving rise to an increase of carbon monoxide and particulates. CoGDEM advise that many of the calls on their helpline surround consumers slumbering a stove and leaving the door open to get extra heat into the room, increasing further the risk of CO.
Users aren’t always aware of the dangers of doing this. If they don’t want to put another log on the stove at the end of the evening, they often open the doors in an effort to extract the last bit of heat from the stove. However, the heat-recovery design of the stove normally causes the products of combustion to take a tortuous route around the stove to the flue, but when the stove cools there is not enough energy to drive the products in this way.
So the embers, which are still producing quantities of CO, have insufficient heat energy to drive the products to the flue in the normal way, so the products take the easier route and spill into the room through the open door. Fortunately, the cases HETAS get to hear about are those where a nearby CO alarm has reacted appropriately.
It is not easy to choose a stove or fire. Will you go for a wood burning stove, gas fire or electric fire? Personal taste, budget and convenience play important roles. You also want to know whether the stove or fire fits your home and whether the purchase is a responsible investment. In this blog we will provide answers to all these questions.
After going through these 5 steps, you will know which stove or fireplace is best for you:
What is the difference between a fire and a stove?
What is your taste, budget, and expectation?
Will your fireplace comply with the latest guidelines?
Will a fire or stove fit in my home?
I want to buy a stove or fire, what comes next?
Sometimes it is more informative to see a stove or fire in real life, together with a specialist who can answer all your questions. Make an appointment with Stonehouse Fireplaces to see the available choices.
1. What is the difference between a fire and a stove?
The terms ‘fire’ and ‘stove’ are often used interchangeably, although they sometimes mean the same thing. But what is the difference? If you know this, you will continue your search for one of the two in a more informed way.
The difference is mainly in the functionality:
With a fire, visual appeal comes first, and warmth comes second.
With a stove, warmth comes first, and visual appeal comes second.
In addition to the difference in functionality, a fire is generally referred to as a built-in appliance and a stove as a freestanding appliance.
Differences in efficiency.
In recent years the differences in efficiency between gas fires and gas stoves, and wood fires and wood burning stoves, has become increasingly smaller. This means there is hardly any difference in performance between our DRU wood burning fires and wood burning stoves. Our gas stoves and wood stoves have a beautiful fire view which, in addition to warmth, also adds atmosphere to your living space.
All our stoves comply with the Ecodesign 2022 directive. This means that the combustion is efficient and clean. With an open fire this is different; a lot of heat is lost directly through the chimney. The temperature of the fire does not get very high, with the result that the wood is not burned optimally and a lot of fine dust is released, about 50 times more than from a closed combustion fire or stove.
2. What is your taste, budget and expectation?
Your choice largely depends on your taste, budget, and requirements:
What is your taste?
There is no accounting for taste. To discover your preference, ask yourself the following questions:
Do you like the look, sound, and smell of real burning wood? Then your choice should be a wood burning stove.
Or are you more into sleek, modern designs, with a fire that you can control at the touch of a button? Then perhaps a gas or electric fire is a better choice. In short, decide which type suits your home and lifestyle.
What is your budget?
The cost of a fire or stove depends partly on the one-off purchase price and partly on the monthly running costs. The difference in purchase price depends on the quality of the appliance and the cost of installation:
Are you opting for a freestanding stove? In which case the installation will probably be simple.
Do you want a built-in fire or stove? This requires a more complex operation, usually involving the construction of a false chimney breast sometimes incorporating an integral TV above the fire.
Not only do the purchase costs differ – so do the monthly running costs:
Can you chop your own wood? Then a wood-burning stove is for you.
Do you prefer a gas fire? Then you should know that the Eco Wave Flame, with its realistic fire effect, consumes less energy but still provides optimum warmth. Read all about the consumption and output of a gas fire or stove in our blog.
The amount you pay monthly is entirely dependent on energy consumption. Do you want a purely decorative fire or stove, or do you want it as a primary source of heat? The answer will determine your final choice.
How important to you is ease of use?
Everybody likes the look of real flames, but convenience is also an important factor. It takes longer and more effort to light a wood burning stove or fire than a gas or electric fire.
Gas and electric fires
With a gas or electric fire or stove, all you need is the touch of a button, and the flames will burn for as long as you want. You can also control the strength and height of the flames.
Going to bed? With one touch of a button, the fire is turned off. So, your fire or stove will perfectly align with your daily routine.
Wood Burning stove
A wood stove takes more time and effort to light. You will need perfectly seasoned, dry wood, to light the fire yourself and to keep it burning. A wood stove is all about the experience. Gather and store the wood yourself, light it and keep adding logs to the fire. The time you spend on it is all part of the experience.
Each type of stove requires different maintenance:
There is more to maintaining a wood stove. Besides the removal of the ashes, you will need to have the chimney swept by a qualified chimney sweep regularly.
An electric fire requires virtually no maintenance.
A gas fire needs little maintenance, but there may be a need to replace components occasionally.
3. Do fires and stoves still comply with environmental guidelines?
Is buying a fire or stove still a responsible investment now that we are slowly moving away from gas and emitting less nitrogen?
Gas fire
For now, natural gas is and remains an excellent choice for a fireplace: It is functional, efficient, and visually appealing. More on the benefits of a gas fire here.
Would you still like the convenience of gas in a new build home? Then you can choose a clean variant of bottled gas such as propane or biogas.
Wood burning
Our government has recently announced that there will be no ban on wood burning. Everyone can continue to enjoy a real wood burning fire. However, there are stricter requirements for harmful emissions. With the right appliance and installation by a qualified engineer you can easily meet these requirements.
Our wood stoves comply with all regulations. In addition, we keep a close eye on all new developments.
Electric fires
For an electric fire you only need a mains connection, no chimney or flue. You can locate it almost anywhere in the house where electricity is available, you do not have to follow any special guidelines.
4.. Will a fire or stove fit in my home?
Good news! A fire or stove fits in almost any home. Depending on your situation you will discover what suits your home best.
Are you selecting a wood burning stove? Then you usually need a flue that goes straight up to the highest point of the roof.
Is your choice a gas fire? Then you will need a flue system as well as a gas supply. The flue does not have to be installed vertically, so you can often install the fire in many locations around the home.
Do you no longer have a main gas connection? If you want to be ready for the future, you can have your DRU or Global gas fire converted from natural gas to propane
With an electric fire it is not necessary to have a flue, so it’s a very practical option!
5. I want to buy a stove or fire, what comes next?
Are you keen to choose a fireplace for your home? Come to DRU Inspiration Shops for inspiration, advice, and a great selection. To decide on your purchase, you can visit your nearest DRU dealer – us!
With soaring gas and electric prices now a certainty, more and more people will be switching to wood burners this winter so here are some tips to keep the home fires burning this winter.
Ensure that you have the chimney swept prior to the heating season. The demand for chimney sweeps is soaring, and many are already reporting long waiting lists – so we strongly advise you book yours as soon as possible.
Play safe and order your logs as early as possible. There are some concerns that due to increased demand and other factors , supplies of wood may start running low. By stocking up now, you can actually help wood sellers as they can prepare their orders earlier from their suppliers.
Make sure that you know how to work the air controls to get the best efficiency and heat. Many customers don’t actually have a clue how to use their appliance’s air controls properly. This knowledge is invaluable for ensuring you’re getting the most amount of heat for your money, and also keeping the flue as soot-free as possible. Check the instruction manual for your stove, or if you don’t have one, search online. If you’re struggling to identify the make of your stove, your sweep should be able to assist.
Letting a fire burn slowly overnight is tempting. However, there are some issues you need to be aware of. Firstly, you’ll produce massive amounts of smoke, and therefore pollution. That smoke condenses in your chimney and, at best, turns into soot. At worst, it can turn into tar and creosote – great ingredients for a chimney fire! It will definitely reduce the longevity of the flue liner.
We would always advise letting the fire die out naturally and then relighting in the morning. It takes just a few minutes to get the fire burning hot. Overnight burning was normal a few years ago, but these days, with the newer appliances and chimney systems, it is not recommended.
Check your Carbon Monoxide Detector. If anything goes wrong and your appliance starts emitting carbon monoxide, you want to be able to act quickly. The issue is that Carbon Monoxide is a ‘silent killer’ – you can’t see it, smell it or taste it. So a Carbon Monoxide alarm is essential! Ensure that it’s not only working, but that it’s placed in the correct position.
Across the UK, millions of chimneys are now currently lying dormant. The reduction of solid fuel as a primary heat source means the majority of flues in homes aren’t used at all!
Sometimes the damp is near the ceiling. Other times it is near the floor. On the odd occasion, it is in the middle.
Naturally, when people think of damp, they think of water… so they will call a roofer who will then look for leaks. And when they can’t find one (or do some minor works and it still doesn’t solve the matter) they call in a chimney sweep.
Although rainwater can get into a chimney, it rarely manifests itself as damp patches on the internal walls.
So if it’s not water from outside, what actually causes it? To understand this, you have to look at the history of your home.
If it is Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian or in fact, any sort of home built up until the 1970s, then your home was built to ‘breathe’. Most had very little insulation. Double glazing or cavity wall insulation was still decades away.
These older homes were draughty – as the open fires which used to warm each room (even bedrooms) relied on these draughts to keep the fires working properly.
Over the years though, we have sought to be more ‘energy efficient’ – in short cutting draughts and keeping the heat ‘in’. Hermetically sealing our homes which, remember, were built to breathe!
Along with other factors such as tumble dryers, central heating and so on, we are now expelling more moisture into the air than ever before.
And whereas previously the moisture would simply be absorbed by the natural draughts and materials of an older house, it now has nowhere to go, so it has to condense on cold surfaces – and something like a chimney breast is perfect!
The recent trend in wood burning stoves has allowed a lot of these properties to ‘breathe’ again, as the fireplaces are re-opened. When closing off a chimney, for example, when installing an electric fire, make sure that it is swept beforehand and kept well ventilated using a vented chimney cap on the chimney pot and ideally a vent in the breast.
A flue that is not swept can harbour moisture and damp.
There is another major factor which stops a house breathing – the type of plaster used. Years ago, homes were built with lime mortar and plaster and, again, this would allow the property to breathe. Lime mortar works via a process called the lime cycle. Limestone – calcium carbonate – is burned and turns to calcium oxide. When water is added to calcium oxide it turns to calcium hydroxide. Calcium hydroxide can be added to an aggregate and used as a lime mortar.
At this point carbon dioxide forces out the water to turn the lime mortar back to calcium carbonate. This allows buildings to breathe and helps keep the building warm and dry.
The Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) show how cooking meat or making a fried breakfast gives off more Particulate Matter (PM) than using a modern wood burning stove!
A literature review looking at studies into the contribution from wood burning stoves to indoor particulate matter (PM) in the developed world, has found no scientific evidence for adverse health effects.
Among the key findings of the Literature review: report on indoor air quality associated with wood burning by Dr Amanda Lea-Langton, senior lecturer in Bioenergy Engineering at the University of Manchester, were:
• No scientific evidence found for adverse health impacts from exposure to the indoor air typically associated with modern, enclosed wood burning stoves
• No association shown between exposure to indoor wood burning and risk of asthma in developed countries
• Use of modern wood burning stoves may help to improve air quality inside the home due to the natural draught created during wood stove operation that pulls air from the room into the appliance and from outside
• Other sources of particulate matter in the home, such as cooking, can release much higher levels of PM compared to modern, enclosed wood burning stoves, and could therefore have greater health risk potential
• In one study, oil-based cooking, such as frying food or grilling meat, had peak value PM concentrations significantly higher than the WHO recommended average 24hr exposure limit
• In the same study the Ecodesign wood burning stove indoor air quality averages during operation were below the WHO recommended limits.
The review, which has been commissioned by the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA), looked at evidence from over 35 different studies into the impact on indoor air quality in the developed world from solid fuel combustion, including the 2020 study by Chakraborty et al, Indoor Air Pollution from Residential Stoves: Examining the Flooding of Particulate Matter into Homes during Real-World Use.
Commenting on the review, James Verlaque, technical manager of the SIA, noted:
“It is vital that we fully understand the impact that the quality of the air inside our homes can have on our health. There has been a common misconception that the use of wood burning stoves is detrimental to our health by their contribution to indoor air quality. The findings of this review do not
support this assertion and highlight some important areas for further research.
One broad literature review by a public body indicated that there was no association shown between exposure to indoor wood burning and the risk of asthma in developed countries.”
“The Review rightly points out that modern stoves should not be compared with less sophisticated solid fuel combustion practices common in the developing world. Furthermore, there exist studies which present data that indicates cooking and transport are greater contributors to human exposure
to PM.”
A Manchester University study conducted in 2021 found that candles, incense, and hairspray all gave higher PM10 and PM2.5 readings than the use of a modern Ecodesign stove. Most staggering however, was the indoor air quality impact of cooking a fried breakfast, which gave PM readings over 20 times higher than the WHO recommended limit.
Indoor PM exposure for wood burning stove users was seen to peak during refuelling and during ash removal, a common finding across several studies. However, this is something that can be easily mitigated through better awareness among stove users.
Andy Hill, chair of the SIA, advises:
“When refuelling a wood burning stove it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Refuel when the fire-bed has become glowing embers. Never simply swing the door open as this will lead to a rapid change in pressure within the appliance and may trigger some small escape of fumes
(what was described as “flooding” in the 2021 Chakraborty study). Instead, by releasing the door catch and opening the door very slightly the air pressure will settle within a few seconds, then the door can be opened fully and more logs added. Similarly, with a little care any dust escape can be minimised during ash removal.”
Andy concluded:
“This review is an important step forward in better understanding how a range of everyday activities can influence the quality of the air inside our homes. Crucially, it highlights that there is no scientific evidence linking adverse health impacts from exposure to PMs in indoor air and the use of modern wood burning stoves. The review also makes some important recommendations for test protocols and measurement methodology to help further our understanding in this area and the SIA will be working with its members and the wider industry to explore these further.”
SIA Editor’s Notes: • The Stove Industry Alliance was formed in 2008 and is a trade association of stove manufacturers, distributors and retailers, wood fuel suppliers, flue and component manufacturers and other interested industry bodies. • With over 40 manufacturing members and over 60 retail members, the SIA represents the stove industry in discussion with government departments such as Defra and BEIS, Welsh Government, Scottish Government, and the Greater London Authority. • The SIA represents the UK in CEFACD, the European Committee of Manufacturers of Domestic Heating and Cooking Appliances and engages openly with all stakeholders. • Please contact Erica Malkin SIA Communications Manager on 07891 097842 or [email protected] for further comment on this press release. • Further information on the work of the SIA can be found at www.stoveindustryalliance.com
Do bring the stove to operating temperature quickly and try to keep it there for a cleaner, more efficient burn.
Use dry wood – seasoned or kiln dried with 20% moisture or less.
Sweep your chimney regularly. A professional sweep will ensure that the stove is in perfect condition as well as the flue.
Store and stack your logs so they are well ventilated, especially if they are seasoned logs.
Use a stove pipe thermometer, a moisture meter for the logs and a stove fan to help improve efficiency.
Do fit a Carbon Monoxide alarm. This has nothing to do with how the fire burns, it’s just common sense and if installed by a HETAS engineer, should have been provided at the point of installation.
If you have an older or inefficient stove or one that’s too powerful, consider replacing it with a modern 2022 Eco-design efficient model. You’ll instantly begin to save money and burn cleaner.
Don’t shut off the air to slumber the fuel for long periods or overnight and turn the air up when refuelling for a few minutes.
Don’t use extremely large logs – 4 to 6 inch (100 to 150mm) diameter is best.
Don’t burn wood or coal on open fires in Smoke Control Areas. It is illegal!
Unless you have just lit or just refuelled the fire, don’t allow smoke to come from the top of the chimney
Don’t buy a stove which is too big (too powerful) for the room. You’ll get too hot and will constantly be turning the air control down. The burning temperature will drop, fuel is wasted and pollution is increased
Don’t be tempted to fit or alter any part of a solid fuel system yourself – it’s far too easy to get something wrong! You will also need to call the Local Building Control to inspect the installation.
Don’t mix smokeless fuel and wood, you won’t get the best from either fuel and it is potentially dangerous creating Carbon Monoxide and Nitrous Oxide (which rots steel).
Don’t burn plastic waste or any treated wood. It’s toxic and leaves tar deposits in the flue.
There are several benefits to having a wood-burning stove in your home, both as a centrepiece and as an essential source of heat. In fact, it is reported that as many as 8% of UK households use their indoor appliances, with that number growing fast. If you didn’t own a wood burner in 2021, then that lingering cold frost or those hiked gas or electricity bills might spur you on to buy one this year!
Here are some of the benefits of getting a wood a burner in 2022
1. Reduce Your Heating Bills
Turning up the radiators isn’t necessary when you’ve got an efficient stove in its place. When you spend most of your time in the area where your appliance is situated, you can turn off the heating completely throughout certain periods of the day. As a result, you’ll be saving energy – and therefore money! This also means you’ll prevent the need for any expensive boiler repairs that can occur when the heating system is overworked – so you’ll only be paying for those yearly sweeps and check-ups. What’s more, gas and electricity bills are going to increase this year as demand for fuel increases, so it’s time to think ahead.
2. Bring Back the Art of Building a Fire
Long ago, fires were the main source of energy for everyone. What was once a simple and essential part of people’s daily routine is now seen as too time-consuming and holds less importance in the modern household. If you’re the type of person who likes to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures in life, owning and tending to a log burner is a rewarding routine. Selecting your logs and building the fire, piece by piece, can be a meaningful and satisfying experience – one that you can share with others too. Plus, wood burning stoves don’t require daily cleaning!
3. Controllable Supply
No one can predict or control a power cut – even with gas central heating the boiler itself relies on electricity to operate. But as long as you’re stocked up on wood, you’ll have a backup source to provide you with both warmth and light. Firewood can be bought in bulk and stored away in the warmer months until you’re ready to use it, giving you control over your supply. You may not have the power supply, but you can still have the power!
4. Better Alternative to Coal-fired Electricity
Wood-burners are highly efficient and use up less energy to produce the same heat as your radiator. They also have a lower carbon output; much less energy is needed to harvest wood in comparison to mining deep for fossil fuels like coal, which powers roughly a third of the UK electricity supply. Trees are replanted through responsible forest management, to replace those removed and to reabsorb CO2.
Regulations are also put in place in built-up areas of the UK to reduce air pollution. DEFRA-approved appliances and a list of approved fuels are mandatory for smoke control areas to ensure air quality is maintained. High quality built 2022 Ecodesign stoves and the “Ready to Burn” scheme also help to decrease emissions produced by a vast amount.
5. Many Fuel Options
Did you think a stove was only good for burning firewood? Think again! Multi fuel stoves offer more flexibility in the home, allowing you to switch to briquettes, wood pellets and other smokeless fuels. Using Eco logs has long been an economical choice that originated in the North of England, that made use of wood waste which would otherwise be disposed of. Provided that you purchase the correct fuel to match your appliance, there are many choices out there to ensure you can find the fuel that works best for you.
6. Turn Your House Into a Home
Homes provide you with a safe space to settle into, and sitting near a steady, mesmerising flame is the ultimate comforter when the night is closing in. University studies have also shown that the sight and sounds of a fire massively reduce blood pressure and improve people’s wellbeing, as it relates to people’s safety and communal needs being met when sitting by the fire during prehistoric times. Anyone who already owns and uses their wood burner will tell you – there’s nothing more welcoming!
7. Property Value Increases
Perhaps you’d love to own a wood burner but aren’t the type to stay in one place for long. No matter – even if you sell up and move out, purchasing a wood burner is a worthwhile investment, increasing the value of your house by anything between 5% and 12%. More and more house buyers are seeking the cosy cottage aesthetics and the financial benefits of a wood burner, so properties with wood burners are therefore in demand. Before installing one, consider all the costs, especially if your house needs a chimney built, before deciding whether the return will be worth the initial cost.
Once you’ve made your decision, you’ll have the privilege of choosing the right wood fuel. We recommend starting with Birch or Ash logs for an easier fire building experience.
Wood-burning stoves and fires require relatively limited maintenance. With a good installation, few problems are to be expected. However, good maintenance is an important point for attention when using a wood-burning fire or stove.
Maintenance of a wood fire: do it yourself or have it done?
You can carry out many jobs that require regular maintenance of a wood-burning fire yourself. Other things are better left to an expert.
Remove ash deposits
You can clean the fireplace and the ventilation grilles relatively easily with a special brush. Clean the ash drawer when the fire or stove has cooled down and clean the windows. If the residue is limited, it can be cleaned using hot water and newspaper. For more stubborn deposits you can use a special maintenance product. If burning damp wood and when combustion is incomplete, a creosote deposit may occur.
Creosote is a combustible, tar-like substance and is caused by a build-up of soot. Creosote is sticky and has a strong odour, but is also dangerous. Creosote is flammable at a temperature of 500 degrees, and this temperature is reached in many contemporary fires and stoves. An accumulation of creosote can eventually result in a chimney fire, which can cause very dangerous situations. Is your fire or stove regularly covered with residue after burning? Then reread the instructions for safe burning and check if you are using the right type of wood. Proper burning prevents frequent and intensive cleaning and maintenance.
Sweep the chimney
The chimney should be swept regularly by a professional. Soot particles can accumulate in the flue. If there is a build-up of soot particles or of debris that has entered the flue from outside, you run the risk of a chimney fire. Even if such a fire is quickly extinguished, the damage can be significant. Do not economise and have your chimney swept by a professional company.
Do you only use your fire or stove for supplementary heating? Then sweeping once a year is usually sufficient. If your wood-burning fire or stove is your main source of heating, it may be necessary to have the flue pipe cleaned more often. Choose a reliable chimney sweep; we can recommend companies with whom we have good experiences.
If you have a fan, clean it on time
Is your wood-burning fire or stove equipped with a fan? It also needs to be cleaned regularly. This prevents wear and irritating noises. In addition, you also extend the life of the fan.
Check the seal on the door
A good seal on the door of your fire or stove is vital. A defective seal will reduce the combustion temperature. As a result, combustion is less efficient, so replace the sealing cord on the door in time or have it replaced during annual maintenance by your sweep.
Check the flame plate
Is your stove or fire fitted with a flame plate? Then check occasionally after the fire or stove has cooled down, whether you can still remove the plate and whether there is any room to turn off when heated.
Inspection and renovation of the chimney
After many years of heating it may, despite regular sweeping, still be necessary to pay more attention to the chimney or the flue. Chimneys can start to show cracks and chimney problems can often be solved by fitting a flexible stainless steel tube.
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