What is an Electric Stove and a Wood burning Stove?
An electric stove is one that uses electricity to produce heat and a wood burning stove, quite simply, burns wood for heat. They both have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to cost, heat output and ease of use. This article will help you weigh up the pros and cons for your particular situation.
Electric Stove Benefits
Electric stoves are very easy to use, usually at the flick of a switch and can even be activated with a remote control. They also have relatively low purchase prices with many costing between £100-£500.
Because they use a heating element to warm up the room, there is no mess to clean up. This also means they also don’t need any vent or chimney, meaning they are easier to install, can be installed in more locations in the room and can easily be installed in apartments. This means the installation costs are lower than a wood burning stove.
If you have solar panels (or another form of harvesting renewable energy at home), you could be heating your house at a reduction.
Electric Stove Drawbacks
Perhaps the biggest drawback of electric fireplaces is if there’s a power cut, there’s no heat. One of the biggest causes of power cuts is storms damaging power supplies, and these usually take place in winter, which is just when you need your fireplace the most! This is a particular concern issue for those who live in rural or more remote locations.
The price of electricity is greater than that of wood and it’s sensitive to global fluctuations, meaning it can soar easily – as seen in the winter of 2022/23). In many cases, the production of electricity relies on burning fossil fuels, which isn’t sustainable.
While electric fireplaces can imitate the appearance of flickering flames, they lack the appeal of real flames and don’t have the comforting crackle or homely smells of a real fire.
Most electric fireplaces are only able to produce around 1.5kW or 5,000 BTU (British Thermal Units), whereas wood burning stoves typically generate 4 -10 kW (14,000 to 35,000 BTUs), with some going as high as 15kW (50,000 BTU). Also, the heat generated from electric fireplaces only stays in one room.
Wood burning Stove Benefits
Logs are the cheapest fuel for households, costing 74% less per kWh than electric heating. After installation, a wood burning stove is far more cost-efficient in heating your home than an electric fireplace.
Wood-burning stoves also generate a lot more heat than electric fireplaces, comfortably producing 4-10kW (14,000-35,000 BTUs. This level of heat output, combined with the low costs of the logs, makes wood burning stoves incredibly efficient.
With a wood burning stove, you can funnel the heat to other parts of the house, not just the room it’s in; this additional use increases the efficiency of your wood burning stove.
Beyond their warmth, they make the real sounds and smells of a crackling fire, making for an unparalleled experience of comfort and have many well-being benefits.
Wood burning stoves need no electricity to work and so are immune to power cuts and price hikes.
Wood burning Stove Drawbacks
The initial installation of a wood burner, and a flue if necessary, isn’t cheap. The average installation, including the purchase of the stove itself, is about £2,000.
Requires the chimney to be swept at least once a year – as well as improving the efficiency, this is vital for safety reasons.
You need to have somewhere dry for you to store your wood.
So which is better?
While both have pros and cons, the low running costs and high heat output of wood burning stoves make them a clear winner in our book (even if we are slightly biased!)
We’ve been committed to providing quality wood burning stoves since 1972 and we know all there is to know about wood burners, and how to get the most out of the wood you burn. If you have any questions about heating your home with a wood burning stove, please get in touch.
Seasoning wood refers to the drying process used in preparing firewood for being burnt. Wood that has been seasoned has been dried so that, when it is used in a fire, it has a lower moisture makeup and therefore produces less smoke and is easier to light.
Wood that is not properly seasoned and burnt in a wood stove or fireplace can lead to high creosote build-up in the chimney, which can cause chimney fires.
There are a few physical differences between seasoned wood and unseasoned wood:
• Unseasoned wood, due to its higher water content, is heavier
• The ends of seasoned wood are dark and cracked
• Seasoned wood, when tapped against one another, makes a hollow sound
• The bark of seasoned wood is a lot easier to peel than that of unseasoned wood
• There may be green patches on unseasoned wood
Factors to Consider when Drying Firewood
Water Content
For a log to be considered seasoned and suitable for burning, it needs to have a low moisture content. If you are drying your own firewood, you should use a moisture meter to determine how much water content your logs still have.
Using your moisture meter, you should keep drying your firewood until it is at least below 20% as a minimum but, ideally, under 10%. The more water there is in a log, the more smoke and less heat it will produce. Most green wood has a water content of around 50%+ when it’s freshly cut.
When acquiring wood you plan to use in a fire, a general rule of thumb is that the greener it is, the longer it will take to season.
Average Humidity and Temperature
Wood is a hygroscopic material, meaning the humidity around it can cause the wood to either absorb or release moisture. In areas with high humidity, wood will absorb moisture from the air, and in areas with low humidity, wood will expel moisture.
When it comes to seasoning wood, the obvious ideal combination is low humidity and high temperature, which makes the later days of spring and throughout the summer the best time to season wood.
In an environment with 99% relative humidity, the moisture content of wood will (with enough time) become 23-30% however, when the air has a relative humidity of 75%, the moisture content will work its way down to 14% – an ideal % for burning wood.
Wood Species
The kind of wood you use has a bearing on the rate at which wood is seasoned, whether that is hardwood or softwood.
Hardwoods produce more heat when they are burned but take about 18 months to properly season, whereas softwoods can be seasoned in 6-12 months and have the added bonus of being easier to cut and split, making them more appealing for many who cut and prepare their own wood.
The terms hardwood and softwood don’t actually apply to the woods themselves, but to the trees’ seeds: hardwood seeds have a covering while softwood seeds don’t.
When it comes to burning wood, a top tip is to use softwoods to get the fire going then hardwoods to have a long, enduring heat.
Cedar and pine are good softwoods to burn, while ash, oak, birch, fruit trees and even eucalyptus wood are great hardwoods for fires.
Proper Stacking
Wood should be stacked off the floor so as not to absorb ground moisture, and you need to allow plenty of ventilation between stacked logs so that moisture can escape.
When you are cutting your wood, cutting it to similar sizes will make it easier to stack. Cutting each log into 16-inch long cords is standard, and then cutting the wood into quarters is a popular and effective method.
Seasoning your wood outside is best, ideally in a location that gets plenty of sunlight. If you live in an area with high levels of rainfall, keeping it outside but covered (like in a barn or shed) is an option, so long as there is plenty of airflow around the wood. Don’t season your wood in your home as there is a risk the drying wood will attract termites; it will also not season properly when it’s indoors.
You can use a firewood log rack to help with the seasoning; these are metal frames that keep the logs off of the ground, promote airflow around the cords and can be positioned for optimal sunlight.
When stacking, you need to be sure any rain (or snow) won’t soak your logs. Avoid this by either storing them in a sheltered area or by protecting them with a waterproof cover, but be sure to keep the ends exposed to the air.
To find out everything you need to know about firewood, check out this blog.
Average Time to Season Wood
There are many variables when it comes to seasoning wood and many ways to help speed up the seasoning process, however, the average time to season wood that you’ve cut from a tree is approximately 12 months. It can take an average of 6 months if you’ve bought the wood from a supplier.
Wood will dry out more quickly when it has been chopped into smaller pieces – the smaller the piece, the quicker it’ll dry. You can expect wood to dry at a rate of approximately one inch per year – i.e. a log that is one inch wide will take one year and a log that is two inches wide will take two years to dry.
As well as splitting the wood into smaller pieces, you can also speed up the seasoning process by:
• Drying it in late spring or summer
• Stacking it correctly – plenty of ventilation between logs and ends exposed to the air
• Stacking it in bright, direct sunlight
• Dry it in a kiln
Why Choose Us?
Charnwood has been committed to providing quality wood burning stoves since 1972 and we know all there is to know about wood burners, and how to get the most out of the wood you burn. If you have any questions about heating your home with a wood burning stove, please get in touch.
Log burner fireplaces are a popular feature in many homes, adding warmth and ambience to any room. There are many ways to make the most of your log burner fireplace, from creating a warm welcome to colour-coordinating it with your decor. In this article, we’ll explore some log burner fireplace ideas to inspire your next home renovation project.
Ideal Fireplace Ideas for Your Home
You’ve had a wood-burning stove installed and are, quite rightly, loving the cosy comforting warmth that it brings, but you notice something’s just ever-so-slightly off. Framing your wood burner in a fireplace that ties into your décor can pull the whole room together. Keep reading for fireplace inspiration…
Create a Warm Welcome with a Modern Log Burner
A log burner fireplace creates a natural gathering spot in any room, making it the perfect place to entertain guests. To create a warm welcome, consider incorporating seating around your fireplace. This could include a comfortable armchair or a plush sofa, paired with blankets and decorative cushions.
To further enhance the cosy ambience, you could also add some soft lighting. This could include a few small lamps dotted about the room, some well-placed candles or even fairy lights. Adding a flame-retardant rug in front of the fireplace can also boost the welcoming vibe while protecting your floor from stray embers.
Another great way to create a warm welcome is to add some natural elements to your decor. Consider placing some plants or a vase of fresh flowers around your hearth, or adding some natural stone accents. These touches can help to create a comforting and rustic feel in your space.
Colour Coordinate Your Log Burner
When it comes to decorating your log burner fireplace, colour coordination is key. You want to choose colours that complement your log burner and create a cohesive look throughout your space. Some popular colour choices for log burner fireplaces include earthy tones like brown, beige, and green, as well as rich jewel tones like navy, emerald, and burgundy.
When choosing decor for your log burner fireplace, consider incorporating these colours into your cushions, rugs, curtains, and wall art. You can also add some decorative accessories in complementary colours, such as vases, candle holders, and picture frames.
Alternatively, if your log burner has a black finish, as most do, you could opt for black or dark grey accessories to tie the look together or contrast it with white décor for a monochromatic motif. For example, a white or cream fireplace surround would create a striking contrast against a black log burner. This leads us to the next section…
White Fireplace Surround
A white fireplace surround can add a clean and classic touch to your log burner fireplace. When paired with a black log burner, a white fireplace surround creates a timeless and elegant look and can work with both traditional and modern design schemes. White is also a great choice for smaller spaces, as it can help to create the illusion of more light and space.
To create a cohesive look, choose white decor accessories, such as candles, vases, and picture frames. You can also add some texture and interest to your space by incorporating natural wood elements.
Painted Fire Surround
A great way to add some personality to your wood burner fireplace is to paint your fire surround. This is a great option if you want to add a pop of colour to your space or create a bold statement. You can choose a colour that complements your decor, or go for something more daring, like a bright red or vibrant turquoise.
When choosing a paint colour for your fire surround, it’s important to consider the overall aesthetic of your living space. You want to choose a colour that complements your existing decor, rather than clashes with it.
Be sure to use high-quality paint that can withstand the heat from your log burner. You’ll also want to take your time and use a steady hand to ensure a smooth, even finish.
Utilise a Hearth Surround
The hearth surround is the area directly in front of the log burner fireplace and a hearth surround not only enhances the look of the fireplace but also provides a practical space to store firewood and display decorative items.
A mantel can add a touch of elegance to your fireplace and provide additional space for displaying decorative items. Whether you prefer a rustic wooden mantel or a sleek, modern design, adding a mantel can elevate the overall look of your fireplace.
The material of the hearth surround can make a significant impact on the overall look of your fireplace. Popular materials for hearth surrounds include natural stone, tiles, brick, and wood. Each material can create a different aesthetic, so consider what style you want to achieve when choosing your hearth surround material.
A log burner fireplace needs firewood, and incorporating storage into your hearth surround can be a practical solution. Not only does built-in shelving or a firewood nook provide designated storage space for firewood, but it also adds a decorative touch to the fireplace.
Why Choose Us?
Charnwood has been committed to providing quality wood burning stoves since 1972 and we know all there is to know about wood burners, and how to make sure they look great in your home. If you have any questions wood burning stoves, please get in touch.
The warmth you get from a wood burning stove is like no other, it truly is the epitome of comfort. But how do you get heat from your wood burning stove to fill your whole house and not just the one room? This article talks you through some of the most popular options…
Are you getting the best from your stove?
You want to be sure your wood burning stove is giving you its best and there are ways you can help it along. Keeping your stove and flue clean and maintained will help your system run efficiently, so be sure to sweep away any debris and excess ash (a couple of centimetres is fine), and you need to have your chimney swept at least once a year.
Be sure to use properly dried and seasoned wood (less than 20% moisture) and, when starting your fire, start with a bed of kindling, ensuring it is glowing hot before adding some small logs and then, later, a full load of wood. Take care not to overfill your stove as this can cause dangerously high temperatures and can cause damage to your stove. The inside of your stove should be between 260°C and 460°C.
You’ll also want to circulate the heat your wood burning stove produces, which we’ll cover in more detail a little later in this article.
How much heat does a wood burning stove produce?
The heat from wood burning stoves is measured in kWh (kiloWatt hours) or BTUs (British Thermal Units), where 1kWh equals approximately 3,400 BTUs.
Wood burning stoves are often displayed with two heat output figures; the maximum heat output and the nominal heat output. The former is quite simply the maximum heat output you can achieve with that wood burning stove, while nominal output is the level of heat you can get out of it while running the wood burning stove as its efficiency rating.
Wood stoves can put out up to around 15kW (51,000 BTUs) of heat with their air vents wide open (assuming it is a 3 or 4-cubic-foot firebox and is well-stocked and running efficiently), while this can drop to around 4kW (14,000 BTUs) if the vents are closed and the wood smoulders rather than burns. How well your wood burning stove heats your room (or your house) will depend on your room size, house size and layout, and stove size and efficiency, although there are ways to improve how the heat warms your home.
Best tips for spreading heat from a wood burning stove around your home
There are a number of ways you can help spread the heat from your wood burner so it reaches more of your home. We discuss some of the best ways below.
Using a fan to circulate heat
Heat rises, pure and simple. It’s one of those immutable laws of the universe, but that doesn’t mean you can’t move it around. A fan sits on top of your wood burning stove and the heat from your stove will cause the fan to spin (no need to plug anything in!) and subsequently move the heat around the room. Because the fan helps the heat reach parts of your room more quickly, you can use less wood than you previously may have done to generate the same amount of heat, saving you money.
The best place to put your fan is on one of the back corners of the stove as the front of the fan will get the full effect of the heat from underneath while the back of the fan will be cooler; the heat difference will help move your fan blades more quickly and spread your stove heat further.
Directing heat to where it is needed
As we’ve already mentioned, heat rises, and you can use that to your advantage. Having your wood burning stove installed on the ground floor of your home means the heat will rise to the higher storey(s) in your house, warming your bedrooms.
You can help the heat get into your upstairs room by installing vents in the ceiling of the room where the stove is, and vents in the rooms you want to benefit from the stove’s heat.
You should consult a professional when adding vents to your home; this helps maximise the efficiency of the venting system and also helps you steer clear of any potential safety hazards.
Adding duct for wood stove heat distribution
Having proper ducting installed from your wood stove to other parts of your house pulls cold air from those far-reaching rooms towards the stove, causing the stove to release warm air. This means the heat from the wood burner isn’t wasted on heating up the duct but instead uses the natural flow of hot and cold air to help warm the rooms further out from the stove.
Why choose us?
Charnwood has been committed to providing quality wood burning stoves since 1972 and we know all there is to know about wood burners. If you have any questions about heating your home with a wood burning stove, please get in touch
Eucalyptus trees, also known as gum trees, are fast-growing trees whose wood produces a lot of heat, making them an ideal sustainable choice for your wood burning stove. While not native to the UK, some eucalyptus species have been able to thrive on these western European islands, giving us access to this superfuel.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Using Eucalyptus
Benefits
It produces a high heat output – 34.5 million BTUs (British Thermal Units) per cord; for context, oak produces 24 million BTUs.
Eucalyptus grows quickly, only taking a few years to mature, making it one of the more sustainable firewoods and it doesn’t taper much over lengths.
It’s also cheaper than other traditional hardwoods.
Disadvantages
Eucalyptus trees aren’t native to the UK, and, because of their numbers in this part of the world, eucalyptus wood is rarer than other woods.
Its high oil content can lead to a build-up of creosote, but otherwise, it burns clean.
It’s also a very hard wood to split – more on this in a later section.
Types of Eucalyptus
There are over 700 different species of the eucalyptus tree and they are mostly found in Australia, although some are also found in areas like the Philippines, Indonesia and New Guinea. Some have been successfully introduced to grow in Britain (see above).
Of the 700 different species, only 35 (5%) are suited to growing in the UK. Two of note are the cider gum and Tasmanian blue gum trees, which grow quite happily on the Essex coast and in Cornwall, respectively.
The best eucalyptus trees for firewood that can grow in the UK are eucalyptus nitens (Shining Gum) and eucalyptus viminalis (White Gum).
Is Burning Eucalyptus Poisonous?
If you were to eat (great swathes of) eucalyptus leaves, you may become unwell, however, the smoke of eucalyptus wood is not toxic.
Is Burning Eucalyptus Bad for the Chimney?
If eucalyptus wood is properly seasoned, the wood is not bad for the chimney. Eucalyptus wood has a naturally high oil content and this may be considered dangerous, however, seasoning the eucalyptus removes much of this oil and, consequently, the risk.
You should have your chimney cleaned every year as a minimum, regardless of which wood you use. This is to remove soot, cobwebs, bird nests, other blockages and creosote to allow for the safe passage of smoke and to prevent chimney fires.
Does the Wood Split Easily?
No. Eucalyptus wood is notoriously difficult to split. If you can buy it pre-split, it’ll save you a lot of effort.
If you want to split the wood yourself, you are best to leave it for 5-7 days after it’s been cut, and before you season it. Just before it reaches the week mark, cracks will start to form in the wood; this is the best time to start splitting the wood.
Heat Output and Efficiency of Eucalyptus
As mentioned above, eucalyptus packs a punch in the heat department: it produces 34.5 million BTUs and has a very strong flame.
Eucalyptus wood also produces good coals, keeping your home warm for longer after the fire itself is out.
Some worry that burning eucalyptus wood produces too much heat, so you can mix eucalyptus wood with other woods if you are concerned about excess heat.
Why choose us?
Charnwood has been committed to providing quality wood burning stoves since 1972 and we know all there is to know about wood burners and the best woods to use in them. If you have any questions about heating your home with a wood burning stove, please get in touch.
In light of energy prices rising to unprecedented rates, more people than ever before are looking at alternative ways to heat their homes and stay warm. The cost of gas and electricity is more expensive than ever before due to factors such as a rise in import costs, an increase in global demand, and supply issues caused by global conflicts.
This has led to many people looking for alternative sources of heat, especially as the cost of living crisis pushes households to their limits financially. One source of heat that has experienced a noticeable increase in demand is the wood-burning stove. But is it more cost-effective to use a wood-burning stove rather than central heating?
We’ve created a helpful guide outlining everything you need to know about wood-burning stoves and whether or not they are a cheaper alternative to gas.
The rising price of gas and electricity
Domestic energy prices are at an all-time high due to the extremely volatile nature of the energy market, causing prices to increase at rates we have never seen before.
The cost of gas has increased by 141% since winter 2021/2022 and experts are advising that these eye-watering prices will continue to soar with bills going up again in April 2023, many households have found themselves in the position where they are simply not able to afford to heat their homes.
The good news is, there are alternatives available, including the wood-burning stove.
The advantages of using a wood-burning stove
There are a number of advantages of using a wood-burning stove, including:
• A wood burner could reduce your heating bills by up to 10%, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
• Under the current price cap, a woodburning stove costs around 13% less than gas central heating, and one-third of the price of electric heating.
• Efficient – log burners have around 75-90% efficiency.
• Eco friendly and wood is a renewable, sustainable fuel source.
If you’re considering investing in a wood-burning stove for your property, it’s important that you also weigh up any potential cons too. After all, installation can be expensive, so it’s vital that you understand what is involved with the upkeep of a wood-burning stove and the costs involved.
Here are some of the potential drawbacks to keep in mind:
• If you don’t already have a wood burner, the initial expense can range from £500 – to over £5000, with installation costing on average £2,000.
• You will need enough space to accommodate a wood-burning stove.
• Storage space is required for logs to ensure they get plenty of air and stay dry.
• On-going upkeep and maintenance.
• A wood-burning stove can’t always be used to heat your entire home, although residual heat can spread around the house.
The advantages of using central heating
In order to evaluate whether or not a log burner is cheaper and better than a wood-burning stove, we’ve also taken a look at the advantages that come hand in hand with using central heating:
• Central heating creates a warm and comfortable home pretty much instantly. After all, on a freezing cold day, there really is nothing better than stepping into a home that is warm and toasty!
• Convenient and flexible.
• Central heating creates an even temperature.
• Modern central heating makes minimal noise.
The drawbacks of using central heating
Like any heating system, you should also take into account the drawbacks of using a central heating system when deciding whether this is the best option for you.
The most common drawbacks of using a central heating system are as follows:
• Installation is expensive
• Operating costs are significantly higher
• Poor duct connections can lower the efficiency of the system
• Costly repairs
• Costs vary depending on the cost of gas and electricity, which are currently increasing.
The end result
As you can see, there is a lot to weigh up when it comes to the pros and cons of both log burners and central heating systems.
However, if you are looking to cut the costs of your heating bills, a wood-burning stove wins every time. A wood-burning stove can cost around a third of the price of electric central heating to run.
If you would like to find out more about our wood-burning stoves, view our FAQs page here.
Why choose us?
Founded in 1972, Charnwood Stoves are a privately owned, family-controlled, British company specialising in the design and manufacture of high-quality wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves. We are committed to providing the highest quality stoves, at the best possible price.
We also have a firm focus on protecting the environment and ensuring our operations are sustainable and responsible.
We operate a policy of caring for the environment in all aspects of the business; from the products we design and the way we package and we transport them, to the way we deal with the disposal of waste products, as well as the vehicles we use and our choice of raw materials.
Get in touch now
If you have any questions about our wood-burning stoves, please get in touch with a member of our team today.
At Charnwood, a key part of our mission is to maximise wood-burning efficiency. Our revolutionary Blu technology means our stoves achieve ClearSkies ratings of 5/5 stars, while easily outperforming Ecodesign regulation requirements. We believe this is vital work when considering all the myriad benefits wood burning offers the individual and society. Carbon neutrality, significant well-being benefits, heat security and perhaps most importantly right now, low-cost fuel.
If you’ve already upgraded to an Ecodesign stove but are still looking for ways to improve efficiency, then please read on. In this post, we will discuss 7 great ways to make your stove work even harder for you and the environment!
1. Use a stove pipe thermometer
A Stove or Flu pipe thermometer is an essential piece of equipment that allows you to accurately monitor your stove’s temperature. This helps burn wood efficiently, protecting your stove and chimney, while reducing emissions and maximising heat output.
“Makes it so much easier to see if my fire is working at optimum temperature and if I need to adjust the amount of wood/air flow.” Charnwood customer from the 2022 stove accessory survey
Additionally, we recommend keeping your stove glass clean so you can monitor your fire and gauge its intensity. As you become more experienced you will be able to better predict the necessary interventions for gaining maximum efficiency.
2. Burn only dry, seasoned wood for better combustion
It’s important to burn only dry, seasoned wood with a moisture content of 20% or below. Wet wood (anything above 20%) doesn’t burn as well, leading to low efficiency and more smoke and pollutants.
Seasoned wood is wood that has been cut and usually allowed to dry for at least 6-12 months. You can roughly estimate if wood is seasoned by its lighter weight when compared to wet wood and telltale cracks in the end grain. However, to be sure, we strongly recommend using a moisture meter to accurately check the moisture content.
Better still, you can purchase kiln-dried wood from an approved firewood seller. Click here to search in your area.
3. Use a heat shield to direct more heat into the room
You can reduce your stove’s clearances to combustibles and direct more heat back into the room with a Vlaze heatshield. Vlaze heat shields and hearth plates protect walls and floors from high temperatures and help reflect heat back into your room – they look great too!
4. Harness your stove’s heat for cooking and boiling the kettle
If you have a wood-burning stove, you can harness your stove’s heat for cooking with cast iron pots and pans. This is a fantastic way to save energy while heating your home! For everything you need to know about cooking with your stove click here.
5. Check the seals on your stove
It’s important to make sure that the seals on your stove are tight. If the seals become too loose, this will reduce the efficiency of your stove and could allow smoke into your home. To check the seals, simply look at the gasket (rope seal) around the door of your stove. If it’s not snug against the door, then it needs replacing. You should also check the seal around the chimney to prevent any escape. Taking just a few minutes to check the seals on your wood-burning stove, will help you keep your home safe and warm all winter long.
If you’re still not sure how to check the seals, consult your stove owner’s manual or contact a qualified technician.
6. Don’t overfill the stove – allow for air circulation
When using a wood-burning stove, it is important not to overfill the firebox. Allowing for proper air circulation is key to ensuring that the fire burns evenly and efficiently. A good rule of thumb is to fill the firebox no more than halfway. If the wood is too tightly packed, it will not be able to get enough oxygen and will smoulder rather than burn. This can be a hazard, as smouldering wood can cause creosote buildup, a flammable substance that can cause chimney fires. So next time you’re stoking the fire, be sure to leave enough space for the air to circulate and maximise efficiency.
7. Regularly clean out ash and soot from inside the stove
Another important maintenance task for a wood-burning stove is to regularly clean out the ash and soot that builds up inside. Not only does this help to keep the stove looking clean, but it also helps improve efficiency. Ash and soot can block the airflow inside the stove, making it difficult for the fire to breathe and reducing efficiency.
How often you clean will depend on how often the stove is used, but generally, it is best to do a thorough cleaning once every couple of weeks.
We highly recommend using an ash carrier to make the process much easier and mess-free!
_____________
Using a wood-burning stove is a great way to heat your home, cook meals, and save money on energy costs. However, it is important to take proper maintenance steps to ensure optimal performance. With these tips, you can enjoy the warmth of your fire this winter knowing you are being as efficient as possible!
This blog is a review and closer look at the results of the Charnwood Stove Accessory Survey 2022. A survey of over 1000 wood-burning stove users with the aim of better understanding stove accessory preferences and usage.
We were delighted to receive such an incredible response from our engaged wood-stove community. From discovering the most popular stove accessory to users’ other must-haves and how easy people find them to use – many interesting and useful insights were gained!
Read on to learn about the Charnwood Stove Accessory Survey and the other top wood-burning stove accessories!
The results
A woodstove is a wonderful addition to the home. Those of you who are new owners will be starting to notice how much more you are enjoying the colder evenings than before. What you will also notice is the ritual of building and maintaining a fire is much easier with the right tools.
The answers to the following questions will provide some ideas about which stove accessories you should consider next!
What is the most popular wood-burning stove accessory?
The results in the graph above show that the trusty Stove Pipe Thermometer is the most popular wood-burning stove accessory with 29% of the vote. 99% of respondents also found it easy to use.
Stove Pipe Thermometer
It’s perhaps no surprise that the trusty Stove (Flue) Pipe Thermometer is the favourite accessory of stove users. It is a crucial tool for conscientious wood stove users who prioritise safety and efficiency.
The ideal wood burning temperature range is between 140 and 240 degrees Celsius (284 to 464 degrees Fahrenheit) which avoids damage to the stove and a potential fire hazard from creosote buildup.
How to adjust the fire temperature?
To reach a sufficient temperature, ensure a good draft, use seasoned wood and build the fire correctly ensuring your fire burns hot enough. To reduce the temperature of your fire when in use, you can close the air vents.
Which of the following do you consider ‘Must Have’ stove accessories?
Here are some quotes from survey participants relating to the top 7 ‘Must-Have’ stove accessories.
Log Storage/Basket
“Having a full wood basket during these crazy days makes me feel safe and secure, whatever happens I know I have heat and hot water and light.”
“Keeps all the logs tidy and looks great beside the stove. Also useful for carrying in logs from the store outside!”
“Add to the aesthetics of the fireplace and is obviously useful for keeping wood supplies topped up.”
“It reminds me of my grandparents’ days as they always had one. It also keeps all my logs safe and tidy away from the children.”
“A good quality basket enhances the look of the stove as well as being practical.”
“My log basket really enhances both the look and the “feel” of my log burner.”
“Keeps my living room very tidy. Really neat and elegant looking item. Sturdy and robust”
“Looks great and saves having to leave the room/ go outside for logs.”
“It adds to the ambient feeling of the room when partially or fully loaded but I suppose more importantly it stops me from having to pop outside too frequently to get more logs, thus letting me enjoy the fire uninterrupted.”
“It saves us fighting about who is going to get more logs when it’s cold!”
For a full range of log holder storage click here!
Stove Pipe Thermometer
“Ensures I always know the temperature my stove is at as to whether I need to add more fuel or calm it down.”
“Makes it so much easier to see if my fire is working at optimum temperature and if I need to adjust amount of wood/air flow.”
“Because it allows us to check whether we are burning at too hot a temperature or too cool. We use both hardwood and softwoods so it would be difficult to know without this vital tool.”
“It means that I always burn my logs in the most economical and environmentally friendly way.”
“I hadn’t realised just how hot the stove gets at full output making this an essential piece of it when topping it up with firewood.”
“It allows me to regulate my stove temperature to maximise the life of the stove and have efficient burning of my wood”
“Ensures the fire is hot enough to keep down the accumulation of creosote. Wouldn’t be without it!”
“I constantly use it to check that the stove is burning in its optimum range for efficiency and to prevent damage and tarring.”
“Invaluable, the little thermometer lets me know when the fire is at optimal temperature and I can then maintain that temperature throughout operation. Probably helps conserve wood too, a great bit of kit.”
“Just gives you so much information in regards to heat output from different fuel types, different wood species, hard woods, softer woods. It really allows you to dial in the stove to get the best from it.”
“This provides us with an idea of how well the stove is burning. For example, over the last two years we have been testing wood purchased from sellers and our own seasoned wood and the stove pipe thermometer gives us a real measure of the heat output (even though most of the time, we can tell the difference ourselves based on how nice the room feels). It also helps us regulate the flu for optimal burn. We learned a lot using the stove pipe thermometer about our stove and the wood we burn.”
“It reassures me that I have the right burn, low emissions and great heat output.”
“As an engineer I love indisputable visual indication of when things are operating correctly! Such a simple device and has definitely altered how we ‘set’ our stove.”
You can get a Charnwood Stove Pipe Thermometer here!
Stove Gloves
“Without them it would be very difficult and dangerous to use the burner”
“Only burn your fingers once to realise they are useful!!!”
“Provides confidence in 100% protection when refueling the stove.”
“Really effective and protects hands while loading logs”
“Just love them, total safety when loading the stove”
“Because it stops me blistering my hands.”
“Offers safety when handling logs, opening & closing stove and promotes attention to avoiding burns.”
“Makes me feel safe when stove has become very hot”
“They just make life so much easier handling logs and placing logs in the stove. No splinters or burns!”
Watch this space – Charnwood stove gloves are on the way!
Dustpan & Brush
“It makes emptying the stove so much easier and cleaner, the house is relatively dust free after clearing.”
“It helps to keep the room relatively dust free”
“Keeping the hearth clean and tidy stops ash and debris, from the stove and wood pile underneath it, from spreading to the floor and messing up the room.”
“Whenever the stove is used it is necessary to clean up small amounts of ash that fall out. The brush and pan are thus used very frequently.”
“The dustpan & brush makes removing the Ash so much easier, our charnwood is used every day from October to February so we collect a lot of Ash which we use as compost. We have other accessories but they don’t see as much use as the pan & brush.”
Poker
“An absolute must have accessory to reposition burning logs and coal.”
“Can re-arrange wood in the stove when going, safely.”
“Brilliant for getting fire going”
“I like poking the fire! Breaking it down to a bed of hot burning wood so I can get more fuel in!”
“I can poke the logs to get maximum burn.”
“Great to look at, well made and does the job perfectly.”
“You can move the logs about to create space and so regulate heat a bit better.”
“It’s so satisfying prodding at red hot embers on a freezing cold evening and feeling the heat on your face”.
“Great quality and have stood the test of time with good amount of use. Quality product.”
“We have a wrought-iron poker made by a friend from years ago..handle in the shape of a hare’s head..love it, wasn’t cheap but a real beauty.”
“Simple basic tool allowing rearranging of fuel to ensure even burning and helping keep glass door clean.”
“Get the fire going. Can push the logs back into the fire so they burn probably.”
“Easy to use. Metal. Compact. Stops dust flying around. Carry handle is useful.”
“Great 4 carrying ashes out on a windy day.”
“Ease of use in keeping ash contained and not flying all over the place.”
“Allows dust free disposal of ash.”
“I have two Charnwood stoves. One has the ash bin/carrier and the other doesn’t. It’s SO difficult to get the ash out of the stove that doesn’t have the ash bin/carrier.”
“It is a safe and clean way of dealing with the only downside to a log burner, the ash.”
“Ease of emptying.”
“Makes it easy to empty ashes no fear of dropping them all over the floor.”
“Makes it more convenient to remove ash over several days without having to fill smaller bin bags thus reducing plastic waste.”
“Easy to use with minimal dust released when moving around can hold at least 1 month’ worth of ash.”
“Simplifies the worst job – cleaning out the ashes and getting them to the bin without being covered in ash from head to foot in a gust of wind. Neat to store, fits the ashcan perfectly and contains the dust when you tip the ashes in.”
Surprisingly only 23% of those surveyed own a moisture meter. We consider a moisture meter a must-have stove accessory to ensure wood is properly seasoned before burning and we urge you to get one!
It is very important to only burn wood with a moisture content of 20% or less. This will keep harmful emissions to a minimum and significantly improve efficiency, while protecting your stove and chimney – saving you money!
Look out for the Woodsure Ready to Burn label which guarantees a moisture content of 20% or less.
For a list of approved firewood sellers in your area click here.
Here are what some moisture meter owners had to say:
“I know I’m complying with byelaws and also prolonging the life of my Island 2 stove”
“Because I like to know that the logs I’m burning are dry and safe to use”
“Allows us to keep the stove clean by making sure we only burn the driest wood”
“This plus thermometer can’t really be replicated using non specialist tools.”
“It means I know when I can burn the wood that I’ve collected myself from the neighbourhood.”
“Vital for the whole seasoning process.”
“Especially Important given that the cost of kiln dried logs has doubled compared to this time last year!”
“I know I’m complying with byelaws and also prolonging the life of my Island 2 stove”
“Because it saves me burning wood which is too wet. Genuinely get a buzz when I ‘detect’ anything too moist on my meter!”
If you are seasoning your own wood, make sure you test it with a moisture meter before burning. You can get yours here.
____________________
As you can see, there are a whole host of useful stove accessories that will enhance your wood-burning stove experience. For more information on all the stove accessories available, click here.
Finally, thank you to everyone who took part in the survey!
With the cost-of-living crisis biting, we are all looking for ways to save money – particularly on our bills! If you own a wood-burning stove you are in a stronger position than most, however, we urge you not to cut corners and always use appropriate fuel. Following stove best practices are vital for the environment, your health and ultimately in the medium to long term, your pockets!
Read on to learn more about woodstove best practices and how following them saves you money!
Burning the right fuel
It is very important to only burn wood with a moisture content of 20% or less. This will keep harmful emissions to a minimum and significantly improve efficiency while protecting your stove and chimney – saving you money!
Look out for the Woodsure Ready to Burn label which guarantees a moisture content of 20% or less.
For a list of approved firewood sellers in your area click here.
What not to burn
Here are some of the key things to avoid burning. Please note this is not an exhaustive list.
-Unseasoned or wet wood (moisture content above 20%)
-Plywood offcuts, chipboard and MDF are not advised due to the glues used to make them.
-Avoid old/recovered wood that has been treated or old painted wood as these can be toxic.
-Do not burn rubbish.
-Printed papers are coated with chemicals and can cause troublesome ash deposits.
-Natural or synthetic fibres, such as fabric, burn too fast and can be toxic.
-Any solvents or chemicals and substrates potentially exposed to them.
How long does firewood usually take to season/dry?
Firewood takes approximately 12 months to season, however, there are ways (set out below) that can help reduce the time it takes.
How to speed up the seasoning/drying process
SPLIT wood into logs in a size to suit your stove no larger than 15cm (6”) in diameter. Split some smaller pieces to use as kindling.
STACK the wood in a place that gets plenty of sun and ventilation. An untidy pile of wood may rot before it has time to season, so make sure the logs are stacked in a way that allows air to circulate. Ideally, keep the stack off the ground and away from the house and stack the wood bark side down, except for the top row:
Never stack logs above head height to prevent injury from falling logs.
COVER the stack to protect it from rain and snow. You can cover just the top, or the sides as well – just make sure the air can get in and that moisture isn’t getting trapped.
STORE the wood for 18-24 months or until the moisture content is below 20% (you can test this with a Moisture Meter). It’s a good idea to bring wood inside two or three days before you intend to burn it to make sure it’s properly dried out and ready to use.
Caution – what not to do
Don’t stack wood against your wood-burning stove! Whilst it may look attractive, stacking wood to dry around or against your stove is a significant fire risk. It is vital that safety clearances to combustibles are maintained.
After a storm, fallen trees and branches become available which, with permission, you can collect. This would need to be seasoned before use.
2. Industrial woodworkers
Woodworkers, sawmills, and joiners near to your home are worth contacting to find out if they ever have any offcuts of wood that they need to get rid of. This is likely to be dryer than other sources with the potential to be used straight away.
3. Online
Whether it is leftover wood from a recent home improvement or a tree that had to be cut down, people often advertise free wood on websites like Gumtree and Freecycle if you are happy to collect it. Make sure to check it with a moisture meter before using.
What is the perfect wood-burning temperature?
The ideal wood-burning temperature range is between 140 and 240 degrees Celsius (284 to 464 degrees Fahrenheit) which avoids damage to the stove and potential creosote buildup.
How to adjust the fire temperature?
To reach a sufficient temperature, ensure a good draft, use seasoned wood and build the fire correctly ensuring your fire burns hot enough. To reduce the temperature of your fire when in use, you can close the air vents.
You can use a Flue Pipe Thermometer to make sure you are burning wood in the perfect temperature range.
Wood burning stoves are incredibly popular, with many people using them to heat their homes. It is estimated that around 2.5 million households in the UK have them.
If you’re thinking of joining them and investing in a wood burning stove, you’ve probably got some questions. We’re here to help.
Here are some of the questions we are most frequently asked:
What to put behind a wood burning stove?
Because wood burning stoves must be kept away from combustible objects and materials, it’s important to only place fire-resistant materials behind them. As a result, brick, stone, and tiles are commonly used behind wood burning stoves.
If the stove backs onto the wall, many people choose to use firebacks or heat shields – decorative features that are placed behind the stove to protect the wall.
How to install a wood burning stove?
Your wood burning stove must be installed by a registered HETAS engineer or fitted in line with Building Regulations (document J) before being signed off by Building Control.
If you’re buying a Charnwood Stove, your official stockist will offer full installation, or recommend a registered installer – find out more here.
How to light a wood burning stove?
To follow your wood burning stove, follow these steps:
1. First, clear the grate of ash, then place 2-3 smaller logs on the stove bed.
2. On top of the logs, build a stack of 6-8 kindling sticks, before placing a natural firelighter inside.
3. Open the air control fully to allow for maximum air intake. This should enable quick and easy ignition.
4. Next, light the firelighter.
5. Close the door to the stove, but leave it slightly ajar to help heat the chimney flue for a clean burn.
6. Once the fire is burning well, close the door and reduce the air control.
7. Every time you add a log to the fire, open the air control again until the fire is burning well, then return it to normal.
To run your stove at maximum efficiency, with minimum emissions, try to refuel little and often.
Find more tips for lighting and using your wood burning stove here.
How to use a wood burning stove?
Before using your wood burning stove, make sure you familiarise yourself with the instructions and user guide, so you know what you’re doing from the start.
Next, you’ll need to choose the right fuel – either hardwood or softwood. Failure to do this will impact how long the fire burns, increase fuel costs and potentially damage internal parts of the stove, as well as the body and flue system.
Finally, once you’ve finished using the stove, make sure you clean it to keep it in optimum condition.
How much does it cost to install a wood burning stove?
Your wood burning stove must be installed by a qualified, HETAS registered fitter. The cost of installation will depend on a number of factors, including the installer you use, the scale of the job, and whether you are using an existing flue or not.
When you buy a wood burning stove from Charnwood, your supplier will either provide installation or recommend an installer. They will be able to provide a quote.
How to clean a wood burning stove?
If you want to keep your wood burning stove performing efficiently and looking its best, it’s important you keep it clean.
Here are some tips for keeping your wood burning stove clean:
• Clean the exterior surface using a soft brush, damp cloth and vacuum cleaner, when the stove is cool and not in use.
• Empty the ash pan and firebox when the stove is not in use (although keep in mind that in the colder months, it’s easier to light your fire on a bed of ash).
• Inspect the rope seals on the doors and flue to ensure they are working properly.
• If your stove is looking tired, give it a fresh spray of paint.
Find out more about cleaning your wood burning stove here.
How to clean wood burning stove glass?
If you use your wood burner regularly, soot can build up on the glass door, reducing your view of the fire. To avoid this build-up and keep your stove looking its best, follow these tips:
• Take a damp paper towel or newspaper, crumple it up, and dip it in the fine wood ash. Use this to rub the stove glass clean.
• To remove significant build-up, burn a fire at a high temperature before you clean the glass.
• Always wait until the glass is cool before you clean it, spraying water on the glass when it’s hot can lead to cracking.
Get more tips for cleaning the glass of your wood burning stove here.
There are lots of myths circulating about wood burning stoves being bad for the environment. But they simply aren’t accurate.
While it’s true that wood burners can give off fumes containing microscopic specks of soot, which can lead to air pollution, using approved fuels significantly reduces the risk of this. As of January 2022 all stoves sold must now meet with Ecodesign regulation which ensures a much cleaner burn. If you are burning wood correctly, it can become part of a carbon-neutral process, being balanced out by the carbon absorbed by the tree.
It’s also important to keep in mind that, as long as trees are replanted and woodland is properly managed, using wood for fuel can be part of a sustainable energy process.
When it comes to fitting a wood burning stove, there are a host of things to consider, including whether you have a chimney breast or fireplace, the distance from any combustible materials, the size of the room, and the age of the property.
Your wood burning stove must be fitted correctly. If you’re in the UK, that means it must be fitted by a registered HETAS engineer or fitted in line with Building Regulations (document J) before being signed off by Building Control.
When you buy a Charnwood Stove, your supplier will offer full installation, or recommend a registered installer. Find out more here.
We hope we’ve answered your wood burning stove questions. If you didn’t find the information you were looking for, please get in touch.
