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Smoke and Mirrors: Exposing the Flawed Data Behind the War on Wood Stoves

charnwoodstoves
12 Jan 2024

We don’t enjoy having to react to media sensationalism, however, there are times when it feels important to set the record straight. A negative narrative is being unfairly manufactured around the wood-burning stove industry, by anti-woodburning groups such as the ‘London Wood Burning Project’ and ‘Clean Air Hub’. Their campaigns repeatedly use misleading claims and stats to scare the public and they refuse to answer questions directly when challenged.

Therefore, we feel it is a duty to set the record straight, so people don’t succumb to the haze of misleading information out there. In this blog, we will shed light on some of the flawed data and unfair generalisations anti-woodburning groups are using.

What do they mean by wood-burner?

  

The campaigns paint a distorted picture, often using anxiety-inducing imagery and negative attention-grabbing headlines based on sweeping generalisations and weak or inaccurate data. They continue to mislead the public using stats that lump modern wood-burning stoves in with outdated, inefficient models, open fires and bonfires. It’s like saying cyclists are equally to blame for traffic congestion/emissions as lorries and private cars just because they all use wheels!  

They combine emission sources for a more impactful number, and then claim 17% of London’s emissions come from ‘domestic wood burning’ or ‘wood burners’. Catch-all terms the public understandably associate most readily with wood-burning stoves – especially because they create ad campaigns which prominently feature images of wood stoves. However, the actual contribution of modern wood-burning stoves is estimated by the UK government’s official figures at just 1-2%! (1)  

Differentiating between wood-burning practices is vital for progress  

Firefly London points out: “The irony of the billboard placement is that London’s tube network has appalling air quality, with PM 2.5 readings peaking at 600-700 ug/m3 – that’s 100 TIMES MORE PARTICULATES than an average London street…”

It is essential to differentiate between various forms of wood-burning. Chief Medical Advisor Chris Whitty in his report acknowledges this saying, “For air pollution emissions, there is substantial difference between the different open fire and stove designs, the age of the appliance and how well maintained it is, and the moisture content of the wood, for those who want to burn wood.”(2) 

While Ecodesign-compliant stoves are up to 90% more efficient than an open fire, ClearSkies Level 5 stoves, are even better still. They surpass Ecodesign standards, offering a further reduction in emissions by up to 30%! (3)  

This is where the anti-woodburning strategy is so incredibly counterproductive. In London 70% of wood burning still occurs on open fires. (4) If people were widely encouraged to switch to one of the many modern and efficient wood-burning stoves available, it would massively reduce urban PM 2.5 emissions. Just think, the emissions of 70% of London Wood burning could be reduced by 90%!  

Modern wood-burning stoves could help London reduce open-fire emissions by 90% ! 

 

PM 2.5 comes from such a wide array of natural and man-made sources that a zero-emission world is impossible! The best we can do is reduce them as much as possible while maintaining our ability to heat our homes. That is exactly what modern wood-burning stoves help achieve.   

If improvements were what the anti-woodburning brigade was truly after, it doesn’t make sense to ignore the vast advancements in clean-burn technology now defining modern wood-burning stove heating. They are the ones being ‘careless’. 

PM 2.5 perspective: How stoves can HELP improve indoor air quality 

 

This is also totally misleading. We could draw on our sources, but more powerfully we can draw on the London Wood-Burning Project’s own report as a rebuttal to this one. 

On page 71 of their 127-page report (5), we find the page titled Key Findings. Below are 3 crucial pieces of information from this page:  

1/ Use of the clearSkies Level5 stove (which is Ecodesign compliant) demonstrated some benefits for indoor air quality. Indoor PM2.5 did not increase when adding fuel to the stove once lit… At times there was actually a decrease in indoor concentrations of PM2.5 when adding fuel.  

As we have long pointed out, a properly functioning modern wood stove draws particulates out of the room and up the flue, helping improve air quality and ventilation in the home. The stove used in this study was our Charnwood C-Five.  

2/ Increases in pollutant concentrations may be more affected by participant technique or specific airflow characteristics of an individual appliance, rather than to the type of appliance or fuel.  

We always encourage best stove practices and will continue to do our level best to educate new and existing customers and beyond.   

3/ However, the biggest increases in PM2.5 concentrations indoors did not relate to indoor wood or solid-fuel burning but instead were a result of cooking, especially frying, grilling and use of the oven, and particularly when the extraction fan was not used.  

This really provides perspective on the issue of PM 2.5 in the home. A slice of burnt toast or your Sunday lunch can contribute far more than a wood-burning stove.  

 It’s a shame they don’t plaster these findings on a bus or large poster. 

A lack of scientific rigour 

Imprecise methodology  

“The results were compared to modelled wood and solid-fuel burning emissions to identify areas where the measurements match well with predictions or where measurements may provide evidence of solid-fuel burning that were not predicted by the model.” (pg.9 of the LWBP report)  

They do not sufficiently differentiate between the different sources of ‘solid fuel burning’. Data collection relies heavily on estimations and ambient air sampling, offering a blurry picture at best. Traffic, construction, industrial processes and even natural dust all contribute to PM2.5 and cannot reliably be controlled in their methodology. 

(Pg.20 of the LWBP report)

Walking around with modified backpacks does not allow them to distinguish in any way what the source of PM2.5 is in a given area.  

Small sample sizes & poor testing equipment 

One of the major studies often cited, is by Rohit Chakraborty et al, and based on a sample size of just 19 homes that took measurements using, as they admit, “low-cost air quality monitors” (7) 

Manipulated data 

Data is also often twisted and cherry-picked to bolster a blinkered argument. For example, comparing the emission rates between wood stoves and HGVs has caused much unnecessary concern.  

Closer inspection revealed their data excluded brake and engine wear and in fact, just one Euro 6 HGV produces 13 times more PM2.5 emissions than an Ecodesign wood-burning stove over the course of a week’s real-world use. Furthermore, emissions from HGVs are emitted at ground level (nearer head height) while wood smoke is dispersed more safely, higher up via a chimney flue.  

The SIA say, “ The claims are based on simplistic calculations using permitted rates of emission and do not consider either real world use or non-exhaust emissions. Furthermore, these permitted emissions rates rely on vastly differing measurement protocols and techniques. It should also be noted that there are several unreferenced assumptions, and the report does not appear to have been independently peer reviewed.” (8) 

Expert ‘opinion’  

In the bottom left-hand corner of every page of the London Wood Burning Project report you can see the following disclaimer: 

“This report is the independent expert opinion of the author(s)” 

Firstly, anyone can claim to be an expert in whatever they like, however, the key word here is ‘opinion’.  

Well, the SIA has commissioned extensive independent research which casts serious doubt on the estimations and ‘opinions’ provided by anti-woodburners (6). Experts question the methodologies and point out the lack of robust data used to support their dramatic claims.  

We highly encourage you to read this report undertaken by Dr Amanda Lea-Langton, senior lecturer in Bioenergy Engineering at the University of Manchester:  

 https://stoveindustryalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/22-04-11-Indoor-air-final-V5-AL.pdf 

 We have listed some of the key findings below: 

-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 havegreater 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 official data (the truth) is good news!

And how about this for good news? The TRUTH is that UK PM 2.5 emissions have been steadily decreasing over the years despite record stove sales (please see the short video above). This is data taken directly from DEFRA and is a scientific and unbiased representation of the air quality in the UK. Whilst there is more we can all do, the evidence is resoundingly positive. 

At the time of writing (11/01/2024) on a very cold winter’s day when wood stove usage would typically be higher, here is the PM2.5 picture for the UK taken, once again, from DEFRA’s official website.  

https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/forecasting/ 

So, when the anti-woodburners say 17% of emissions. It is 17% of a very low amount in the first place. Then, remember modern wood-burning stoves are just 1-2% of that low amount. 

Modern stoves equal lower emissions with HUGE benefits 

Next time you encounter someone who questions the benefits of modern wood-burning stoves, here is a list you can reel off! 

1/ They can produce heat for sustained periods and are unaffected by external factors such as the weather. 

2/ Allowing them to work in conjunction with wind, solar and other green heating solutions. A stove makes these great technologies more viable – They are not in competition with each other. 

3/ A wood-burning stove is an ideal emergency/low-frequency heat source. 

4/ Wood is a carbon-neutral fuel as it gives off the same amount of carbon whether it is burnt or decays naturally. The carbon released from burning wood is balanced out by the carbon absorbed by the tree during its lifetime. 

5/ Wood fuel can be sourced locally without fracking and deep-sea oil drilling. 

6/ A good quality stove can last many decades and provide an affordable source of heat for low-income households. 

7/ The right to repair. The majority of components used within a Charnwood stove are modular and can be replaced when or if they wear out further extending the life of your stove. 

8/ Charnwood stoves and packaging are fully recyclable. 

9/ There are significant well-being benefits from using a wood-burning stove. Read about the Charnwood wellbeing survey and all the amazing benefits of owning a stove for your wellbeing. 

Building a Collaborative Path Forward 

The wood-burning stove community’s voice in this debate isn’t just about defending an industry; it’s about ensuring a fair and balanced path towards a cleaner and more energy-secure future. Targeting outdated appliances, promoting responsible practices, and encouraging sustainable forestry practices would yield far greater results for all. 

Modern wood-burning stoves offer many benefits beyond warmth. They provide energy independence, encourage mental wellbeing, support rural communities, and help foster sustainable forestry practices. Responsible utilisation of modern wood-burning stoves can absolutely coexist with clean air initiatives, without compromising the environment. 

We are passionate about building on our 50 years of experience leading developments in the industry and producing the most efficient stoves on the market. We understand why people want to reduce PM2.5 emissions even further and we support doing more to achieve this. That is precisely why we continue to invest significantly in technological advances rather than sensationalist marketing campaigns. 

Thank you for reading and please share if this has resonated with you. 

_____________ 

Further reading: 

Here is a link to an article which explains why modern wood-burning stoves will continue to be an essential heating solution long into the future. Wood-Burning Stove’s Co-Heating Future (A Nuanced Look At PM 2.5 Emissions)  

 

References: 

(1)https://stoveindustryalliance.com/domestic-indoor-wood-burning-emissions-significantly-lower-than-previously-thought/  

(2)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1124738/chief-medical-officers-annual-report-air-pollution-dec-2022.pdf 

(3)https://www.clearskiesmark.org/about-us/certification-system-explained/ 

(4)https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/summary-results-of-the-domestic-wood-use-survey  

(5)https://www.imperial.ac.uk/media/imperial-college/medicine/sph/environmental-research-group/London-Wood-Burning-Project-Report_final.pdf 

(6)https://stoveindustryalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/22-04-11-Indoor-air-final-V5-AL.pdf 

(7)https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/11/12/1326/html 

(8)https://stoveindustryalliance.com/sia-responds-to-wood-burning-stove-and-hgv-emission-comparison/ 

 

 

Tiny Home Living By Charmain Ponnuthurai

charnwoodstoves
19 Dec 2023

The next in a series of essays by Charmain Ponnuthurai is about the joy of ‘Tiny Home Living’. Charmain (Dammy) is the author of Midnight Feasts: An Anthology of Late-night Munchies, and founder of Larder and Crane cookware.

Read to the end to find out how you can experience the joy of Tiny Home Living for yourself!

________________

It is He who sits upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants are as grasshoppers, who stretches out the heavens as a curtain, and spreads them out as a tent to dwell in. 

Isaiah 40:22

Anyone who has experienced camping, will be able to gauge a sense of what living in a yurt feels like. Camping in the UK is strictly governed by the weather, with the most dedicated campers battling against lashing rain, high winds and dampness. Whilst struggles with bad weather may not feel pleasant in the moment, they force us to exist entirely in the moment and sense nature – in touch, sight and sound. Even within a stormy landscape we now begin to see a seemingly infinite glimmer of light, one that we would likely not notice within the daily grind of our routine.

The first yurt dwellings, known by the Mongolians who used them as ‘Ger’, can be traced back thousands of years to Central Asia. Today over half of the Mongolian population live in Gers, meaning a life led in a far more shared and communal way than other city dwellers. In 2013, the Ger became part of Unesco’s intangible cultural heritage for Mongolian customs, reflecting the fact the innate cultural richness is both physically and inherently sewn into their homes.

The circular structure of the Ger means that it can be efficiently heated, whilst the crown of the yurt allows fresh air to circulate. The structure’s conception is directed by some of the Mongolian cultural and spiritual beliefs in terms of the sense of, ‘ the eternal blue sky’ and the principle of impermanence and embracing of the moment. The outer structure of the tent reflects the wheel of the Dharma and the principles of teaching known as the ‘Eightfold Noble Path’, (Understanding, Thought, Speech, Action, Livelihood, Effort,

Mindfulness and Concentration), whilst the infinity knots are about the universal interconnection between all things.
 

The opportunity to experience nature outside the cosseted walls of our homes is opened to us by time spent within a yurt. The interior of a yurt in its circular nature, also creates a different openness to how we interact outside of the compartmentalised ways that the dominant linear philosophy of life’s expectations sets our clocks too. Camping is almost an opportunity to renew a connection to our childhoods. Where we hopefully can recount innocent childhood pleasures such as finding that favourite stick, gathering petals, examining shells for the sound of the sea, writing and drawing freely on a myriad of surfaces, first attempting to pretend to read and the endless questions of why. Finding pleasure in puddles, collecting leaves, and enjoying the dirt of the outside world are all small infinite pleasures from childhood grounded in nature.

Young children look at the world with such untainted freshness. For them, there are no thoughts of expectation or judgement. The closest we get to such unabated joy in adulthood is the experience of mandatory snow days that come up from time to time, when nature holds society in a deep silence, like a soft canopy. With an enforced slow pace on us, as we again are captivated by the slowness that such a moment in nature gives us.

As we made our journeys to school, we begin our passage to goal setting, judgement of and by, and expectation. We are influenced not only by our family expectations, but those set by school and classmates. As the pre-teen age begins this is added to with the intensity of expectations set by a myriad of social channels. Sitting on a bus or train you can probably count on one hand the number of us that travel without the aid of some technical device that isn’t taking up our attention. This conveyor belt of existence has placed us perhaps in a gilded cage of our own making where the natural world around us, is relatively unnoticed. If a robin appears at your window and pauses, you are likely to miss the resonant joy of seeing it flitter and bring us back to childhood wonder.

Children are the ultimate minimalists; we have all heard a story where the cardboard box proves more of a play item than its contents. Minimalism and interconnectedness are two principles that go hand in hand, as a somewhat answer to the overwhelming pursuit of materialism. Minimalism considers not only the quality of an object, but the joy it brings, and subsequently reducing ownership of items that don’t meet this condition. Circular living takes this further, with the inherent goal to prevent waste and ensure that how we live is aligned to the limits of natural resource use. We look to value not necessarily productivity, but how we may share, reuse and think of regeneration and others in the way we consume. We see in circular thinking an unlimited connection to nature and a way of living that reaches out to those around us.
 

The Danish word ‘hygge’, shows us how we may think of the whole as a concept, at the most simplest level. Hygge means cosiness: feeling warm, comfortable, and safe. The Danes depict this sense as being achieved through such simple acts of lighting a candle, baking and spending time with people you love.

As we head to the end of the year to Christmas and the darkness of winter, light becomes increasingly important. We see it within the reassurance of a roaring fire, the lit candle, the warming oven, but most especially in the light we find in each other. That light can be found just through simple acts in thinking of others and sharing what we can give to make life brighter for all whom we encounter. We can draw that ‘Ger’ living into the walls of our own home, as we take those moments just to sit still and watch the simple magnificence that we see outside our window.

“The most important light is the one you cannot see”  Anthony Doeer

________________

If you haven’t read Charmain Ponnuthurai’s piece on ‘storytelling’ click here – we highly recommend it!

If you want to experience Yurt Living for yourself, in one of the most beautiful locations on the Isle of Wight, then check out our range of wonderful self-catering holiday accommodation at Moor Farm.

2 New Stoves Released! The Cranmore 3 & The C-Five Duo

charnwoodstoves
01 Dec 2023

Charnwood is delighted to announce the release of two fantastic new stoves, The Cranmore 3 & The C-Five Duo. They add to our existing range of exceptional British-made wood & multi-fuel stoves that caters to all living environments from tiny homes to country residences, townhouses and more.  

Read on to learn more about our 2 exciting new stoves.  

The Best of British  

The Cranmore 3 and the C-Five Duo are British made with British materials, using the latest technology that draws on Charnwood’s 50 years of expertise. Both are available in a range of colours with features that make for safe handling, ease of use and exceptional performance. All Charnwood stoves offer genuine green credentials and value for money, providing a perfect heat source for the modern world. 

The New Cranmore 3

The new Cranmore 3 (above) is the latest addition to the elegant Cranmore collection. Based on the hugely popular Aire 3, this stove offers a more classic style yet features a large picture window with which to view its superb flame pattern.  

Coming with an integrated ashpan for ease of use and compatible with a cooktop, it is the ideal small fireplace for alternative and versatile living. With a 3kw output, it is designed to fit into our Stove Pod and is a perfect solution for smaller rooms, cabins and the wide range of tiny homes. 

It has all the features of both the Cranmore 5 and Cranmore 7, including a large ceramic glass window, single air control for easy use and cool-to-touch handle for safe reloading. With an impressive 86% efficiency, it meets all the criteria set for Ecodesign 2022 and has been awarded a Clear Skies rating of 5 stars. That is quite revolutionary for a stove with such a small output. 

Explore more about our Cranmore classic wood-burning stoves.

 

Key Features 

>SIA Eco Design Ready and clearSkies level 5

>Cleanburn Airwash Technology

>Quattroflow Air Management System

>Cool-to-touch for safe and easy reloading

>Drop down throat plate enabling the chimney to be swept through the stove

>DEFRA exempt for burning wood in smoke control areas

>Exceeds new Eco Design standards Meets the UK building requirements for installation with a 12mm non-combustible hearth

>Sliding firebed for clean and easy ash removal

 

Customisation Options 

>Flue boiler 

>Vertical rear flue adaptor 

>Choice of eight colours 

 

Output & Materials 

3.7kW (range 1.5 – 5kW) / Plate steel, cast iron, fire bricks, ceramic glass 

 

The New C-Five Duo 

The C-Five Duo is a multi-fuel version of our ever-popular C-Five model. It is fitted with a fixed grate, so the stove burns wood and mineral fuels equally well with high efficiency and low emissions.  

Also explore the best firewood to burn chart in the UK.

The Charnwood C-Five Duo is a classically styled wood-burning stove that features one single air control and an integrated inlet for ducting external air to improve performance and efficiency.  

 

Key Features 
>Fixed grate for burning solid fuel in the most efficient way possible 

>Cleanburn airwash technology 

>Drop down throat plate enabling the chimney to be swept through the stove 

>DEFRA exempt for burning wood in smoke control areas 

>Sliding ashpan for clean and easy ash removal 

 

Customisation Options 

>Flue boiler 

>Vertical rear flue adaptor 

>Rear heatshield 

>Store stand and high legs 

>Choice of eight colours 

 

Output & Materials 

4.9kW (range 2-5.5kW) / Plate steel, cast iron, fire brick, ceramic glass  

_____________ 

We have seen record demand across the business as the wider benefits of owning a stove are being more fully understood. This has intensified further as people look for alternative ways to heat their homes due to soaring energy prices. These two new editions are already proving popular, so summer is the ideal time of year to contact your local dealer and get prepared for the colder months ahead. 

 

Why Choose Us?

Choose Charnwood Stoves for a premium firewood experience. Our expertise in wood-burning solutions ensures top-quality advice and products. With our comprehensive knowledge, our team present the best firewood-to-burn chart in the UK, guiding you toward optimal choices for efficient and eco-friendly fires. At Charnwood Stoves, we prioritise sustainability and functionality, offering not just firewood guidance but a commitment to environmentally conscious heating solutions. Trust us to elevate your burning experience with our reliable expertise and dedication to quality.

Get in touch with us today.

 

The Truth About Wood Burning Stoves and Air Quality

charnwoodstoves
15 Nov 2023

As we head into the cooler months many of us are preparing to light the log burner or, if we don’t already have one, considering installing one. Wood burning has been around since the dawn of civilisation and there is undoubtedly a primal connection with fire within us as humans. At Charnwood, we have 50 years of expertise in wood burning technology and the stoves we sell across the globe today are among the cleanest, greenest appliances available on the market.

However recently there have been a number of reports circulating within the media that suggest stoves may be polluting our environment and are bad for our health. What is the truth about wood-burning stoves and air quality? In this article, we delve into the real facts and why many of these reports are very misleading and damaging to an industry that is a part of the solution to clean, sustainable, low carbon energy.

 

Is particulate matter (PM 2.5) from wood-burning stoves damaging our health?

The term particulate matter, also known as fine particles or PM 2.5 refers to tiny particles or droplets in the air. They are about thirty times smaller than the width of a human hair.

The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) safe level for PM 2.5 particulates in the air is a daily average of ≤ 10 µg/m3 (1). For reference, air outside in Central London averages 18-25 µg/m3.

A US study in 2019 of 137 homes published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, found that the average daily level of PM 2.5 particulates in homes (2):
– with a wood stove measured at 6-8 µg/m3
– no wood stove measured only a fraction less at 6-7 µg/m3

So, we’re really talking about a minuscule difference that is well within the WHO safe level. Hard to believe? It really shouldn’t be because a correctly functioning wood stove draws air, smoke and particulates out of a room and up the chimney.

In contrast, the UK media bases its negative assertions on a study of just 19 homes that took measurements using, as they admit, “low-cost air quality monitors” (3).

It is impossible to remove PM 2.5 completely from our lives and some measured thinking on this subject is required. When you consider that brakes from an electric car and even a burnt piece of toast (as well as a host of other everyday items) produce significant amounts of PM 2.5 particles, it helps put things in perspective!

However, we welcome regulation and continue to innovate to reach even greater levels of efficiency and emission reduction. We are proud that we are now creating stoves that are 90% more efficient than open fires and new innovations are forthcoming.

We welcome more studies being undertaken, but what is clear is that the most comprehensive data available to date indicate that the dangers presented from wood-burning stoves are exaggerated, to say the least.

 

Are wood-burning stoves environmentally friendly?

In most cases yes they are. But it is worth noting that not all wood-burning stoves are the same. At Charnwood, we only produce stoves that meet the criteria for EcoDesign 2022 which significantly reduces particle emissions while ensuring very high efficiencies.

The Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) have produced this short film to help dispel some of the myths around wood-burning stoves with the real facts.

It’s worth considering that as wood burning stove sales have increased in record numbers during the recent lockdowns, with more opportunity for their use, measurements for 2.5 µg/m3 actually decreased. Coincidence? No, it’s because modern wood-burning stoves are not the problem.

Much of the confusion has come from DEFRA lumping in wood-burning stoves with open fires and bonfires and then presenting a grouped figure for emissions – this totally distorts the data (4). An EcoDesign Ready stove produces 90% fewer emissions than an open fire and 80% less than older designed stoves. Despite this fact, modern wood-burning stoves continue to get tarnished in the press for the faults of open fires and the like and continue to get attributed to an unrepresentative figure. It is open fires that need to be scrutinised and those who have made the switch to an EcoDesign Ready wood-burning stove should be commended for doing so and more people should be encouraged!

Also learn why burning the right wood saves money and protects the environment.

At Charnwood, we recently released the Cranmore, which is the perfect open fire replacement. Super-efficient, clean and with an EcoDesign score of 5 (the highest possible), its dimensions and aesthetic are perfectly suited to an open fireplace. If you have an open fire, we encourage you to make the switch!

 

Wood burning stoves are part of our home heating solution

At Charnwood we are big fans of wind and solar energy – indeed our factory roof on the Isle of Wight is covered with panels and many of us have installed solar on our roofs at home. They are a big part of the solution, but it’s important to remember that even these much-lauded technologies have some downsides. Firstly, they don’t offer a constant supply and then there are environmental costs, although relatively low, involved in their production. However, overall, the net benefit for the world is clear and demonstrable.

Fossil fuels on the other hand are non-renewable and as we all know, polluting. The main advantage is the ability to provide power 24/7 – but they’re not a sustainable part of the world’s future.

These are just a few examples, but they highlight that no energy source can be 100% perfect. It’s about finding energy sources that are, on balance, positive for society and wood-burning stoves fall into this category as a very viable solution.

 

Wood burning stoves

Wood is a renewable energy source, sucking carbon out of the atmosphere as trees grow. Of course, there are best practices that need to be followed and selecting the right type of wood from the right sources is key.

 

Wood burning stoves have numerous benefits:
– They can produce heat for long periods.
– Allowing them to work in conjunction with wind, solar and other energies helps make these great technologies more viable – They are not in competition with each other.
– An ideal emergency/low-frequency heat source.
– Wood is a carbon-neutral fuel as it gives off the same amount of carbon whether it is burnt or decays naturally. The carbon released from burning wood is balanced out by the carbon absorbed by the tree during its lifetime.
– Ability to source fuel locally and without fracking and deep-sea oil drilling.
– A good quality stove can last many decades and provide an affordable source of heat for low-income households.
– The right to repair. The majority of components used within a Charnwood stove are modular and can be replaced when or if they wear out further extending the life of your stove.
– Charnwood stoves and packaging are fully recyclable.

Also find out the wellbeing benefits of having a wood-burning stove.

 

Wood Burning Stoves: An antidote to the digital age

In addition, the mental health benefits absolutely shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s no coincidence sales of stoves rocketed during the hardships of the last couple of years. People recognised the need to make their homes as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Restorative spaces that help us face the trials and tribulations. This isn’t trivial in the slightest. This is a benefit that no other energy source we’ve talked about can provide. You don’t get a visceral connection to nature by flicking on a switch. Fire affords a primal connection that genuinely helps people unwind and reconnect.

We’ve spoken to many customers about their stove and the responses are strikingly similar. Their stove provides much more than just heat. It’s clear from our conversations that burning wood provides enormous well-being and associated mental and physical health benefits. People report it helps them “switch off” and “after a day in front of a screen, chopping wood [and] preparing the fire really helps me to reconnect to the real world”, “brings the family together”, “helps me sleep better”, “almost like a meditation”. You simply don’t get this from another heat source.

To the individual and family, this is clearly hugely beneficial. Now consider this extrapolated across a population and the effect multiples – it becomes powerful. Improving people’s wellbeing and reducing stress allows people to take more actions/decisions from a healthier state of mind. This in turn can only contribute positively to society.

It is widely accepted that few things are as unhealthy as chronic stress and from our personal experience as well as our customers few things can relieve it as consistently well as the process of wood-burning.
– The pleasure of foraging (optional)
– Exercise/stress relief from chopping wood (optional)
– Feeling connected to a historical and natural process
– Lighting a fire – satisfaction of a job well done.
– Enjoying the long-lasting and penetrating warmth
– Deep relaxation with the crackle and flicker of fire
– A focal point for friends and family

So in conclusion an EcoDesign Ready wood burning stove is a clean and environmentally sound choice for heating your home. It is of course important that it is used correctly and the fuel burnt is properly seasoned but this is a source of energy that provides not only warmth but can be key to our wellbeing.

Also explore the best firewood to burn chart in the UK.

 

Golden rules. 3 steps to burning wood on your stove efficiently

1/ Good fuel – This is wood that has been stored and allowed to dry until the moisture content has reduced to 20% or less. Freshly cut or ‘green wood’ holds up to 70% water which causes far more smoke to be produced. It is for this reason we have long stressed the importance of using seasoned wood because it produces a significantly cleaner burn – reducing emissions by up to 50%. Additionally, improved efficiency equals cheaper running costs, while a cleaner fuel means your stove and chimney will require less maintenance. It’s a win-win.

2/ Efficient stove – Charnwood is proud to have stoves certified in the inaugural clearSkies listing, an independent emissions and energy performance certification mark for stoves. Many Charnwood products carry a level 5 certification (the highest available rating) which guarantees performance levels and exceed the minimum EcoDesign criteria by a sizable 30%. This is only awarded to stoves that significantly reduce particle emissions while ensuring high efficiencies and a superior flame picture.

3/ Correct use – this is a variable that has until now been dependant on the experience and diligence of the end-user, providing mixed results. That is why Charnwood are developing new technology that will give the user the option of automating this process. This will mean the stove will burn at the most efficient rate possible, further improving its green credentials. Watch this space!

1/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_quality_guideline
2/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41370-019-0151-4
3/ https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/11/12/1326/htm
4/ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/summary-results-of-the-domestic-wood-use-survey

Other useful sources of information:
5/ https://stoveindustryalliance.com/
6/ https://www.readytoburn.org/

 

Why Choose Us?

At Charnwood Stoves, we stand committed to revolutionising home heating with eco-friendly wood-burning stoves. Our legacy of craftsmanship spans decades, ensuring each stove combines cutting-edge technology with timeless design. Our team prioritise clean-burning solutions, championing air quality while delivering warmth and ambiance to your space. With an unwavering dedication to sustainability, our stoves not only elevate your home but also minimize environmental impact. Choose Charnwood Stoves for reliability, innovation, and a greener approach to heating.

Get in touch with us today.

 

Wood-burning Stove Cooking: Everything you need know

charnwoodstoves
17 Jul 2023

A wood-burning stove is a great way to extend your cooking options. In this blog, we’ll share everything you need to know about wood-burning stove cooking, from what type of equipment you need to what kinds of recipes are best suited.

Wood-burning stove cooking tips

Here are a few tips to get you started:

– Keep a close eye on your stove while it’s in use, and don’t leave it unattended.

– Make sure the space around the stove is clear of flammable materials, such as curtains or furniture.

– Use heavy-duty cookware that conducts heat evenly.

– Keep an eye on the food as it’s cooking, as the wood-burning stove can fluctuate in temperature.

Finally, as always, use dry, well-seasoned wood. Wet wood produces smoke and creosote buildup in your chimney, which can cause a dangerous fire.

Wood-burning stove cooking

It’s important to use heavy-duty cookware that will conduct heat evenly – think Le Creuset, Crane or similar. A cast iron Dutch oven is a wonderfully versatile option and perfect for many recipes including the ones below!

There will be some trial and error required when testing out recipes to get timings spot on. Also, it’s important to remember to keep an eye on the food as it’s cooking, as the wood-burning stove can fluctuate in temperature. We recommend using a stove pipe thermometer to help your accuracy.

What is a wood-burning stove cooking plate?

 

A wood-burning stove cooking plate is a metal plate that sits on top of the stove. It helps to distribute heat evenly, reduce stove wear and tear and provides stability for pots and pans.

A Charnwood cooking plate is a cast iron plate that has conduction fins on the underside and can replace the blanking plate on a standard Charnwood stove.

The cooking plate is ideal for stoves installed into open-plan living areas where the boundaries of cooking, dining and lounging are merged. The set includes four cast iron trivets for versatility when cooking and the plate is available in two sizes; five or six inch outlet diameters to suit most Charnwood models in addition to the Island II.

Please note: the stove will need to be installed using the rear outlet to allow the cooking plate to be fitted on the stove top.

How to use a wood-burning stove toasting fork?

 

A wood-burning stove toasting fork is a long, metal fork that is used to toast bread with a wood-burning stove. The Charnwood toasting fork is a neat, highly effective stove accessory designed for use on all our models. The British-made fork and holder are made from stainless steel with a turned beech handle.

The magnetic holder suspends the fork in front of the glass, toasting bread, muffins or crumpets perfectly. The bread will start to toast quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on it. Once it’s done, simply remove from the fork and enjoy!

It’s the perfect gift for any stove fanatic!

What kinds of recipes can I make with a wood-burning stove?

Just about anything! Keep in mind, however, that a wood-burning stoves takes longer to heat up than a gas or electric stove. That means you’ll want to choose recipes that don’t require high heat or that can simmer for long periods of time. Some great examples include stews, soups, chili, pot roast, and casseroles.

3 simple wood-burning stove recipe ideas

 

1. Sausage and lentil Stew

Recipe: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/sausage_and_lentil_stew_90967

2. Baked bread

Recipe: https://traditionalcookingschool.com/food-preparation/recipes/fresh-bread-on-a-woodstove/

3. Mulligatawny soup

Recipe: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/soup

You can toast bread to go with it on your toasting fork!

Bonus super simple jacket potato recipe:

Prick some potatoes and wrap them in foil. Then carefully place in the embers of your fire (wear stove gloves). They’ll take approximately an hour to cook depending on the size of the potato.

while it is safe to cook with your wood-burning stove, please take care and do so at your own risk.

Also explore our log-burner cooking ideas on Valentines day.

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Cooking delicious meals while heating your home is one of the great things about owning a Charnwood wood-burning stove. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be an expert at wood-burning stove cooking in no time!

Where to buy?

As well as excellent after-care, by purchasing through an official Charnwood stockist you will qualify for our dealer-backed 10-year guarantee.

Additionally explore our log-burner fireplace ideas.

 

Why Choose Us?

At Charnwood Stoves, we’re your trusted experts in wood-burning stoves and cooking. With decades of experience, our passion for quality and innovation shines through in every product. From efficient heating to delightful culinary experiences, our stoves offer the perfect blend of functionality and style.

Count on our reliable support and extensive knowledge to enhance your cooking journey. Join our community of satisfied customers who have embraced the charm and warmth of wood-burning stove cooking.

Contact our team today.

The Truth About Wood Burning Stoves. The REAL facts

charnwoodstoves
27 Jun 2023

The modern wood burning stoves of today ensure low emission and low carbon heating for our homes. However there have been a number of misleading reports circulating in the news recently suggesting stoves are responsible for contributing far more particulate emissions than they actually do.

It is important to say that some of the air pollution statistics that are quoted are not only incorrect but they lump modern, clean burning stoves together with all sorts of domestic fuels, older appliances and open fires.

The Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) have produced this short film to help dispel these reported myths around wood burning stoves with the real facts and address three of the major misconceptions that are being mis-quoted by the media.

1)‘Wood burning stoves are the biggest contributor in the UK of small particulate matter’.

This is not true. At the root of this myth is a statement from Defra’s Clean Air Strategy claiming that domestic combustion accounts for 38% of fine particulate matter. This number was based on a survey carried out by the government in 2015  which wrongly over-estimated the amount of wood being burnt in the UK on stoves and fireplaces. (1)

A much bigger survey carried out in 2019 by the SIA (2) showed the actual figure was less than a third of what the government quoted, making the percentage of PM.2.5 that could be attributed to domestic combustion closer to 13% and NOT 38%.

Subsequent figures recently published by Defra (3) corollate with the SIA’s findings and if their new wood fuel volume figures were combined with the correct emission factors, the real percentage of PM2.5 attributable to domestic wood burning would be less than 10%.

In addition to this the 38% figure was based on emissions from older stoves and open fires. It is proven that modern Ecodesign compliant wood burning stoves (which the majority of our Charnwood models conform to) produce 66% LESS emissions than these outdated appliances. Other sources of PM2.5 were also included in its overall estimation, including wildfires, bonfires, and incinerators which are unregulated sources of particulate matter and certainly not insignificant.

Find out how to clean a wood-burning stove correctly.

 

2) ‘Wood burning stoves create the same emissions as 18 diesel cars’.

This comes from test results interpreted by the Air Quality Expert Group (AQEG) but their comparison is extremely misleading and, as the SIA film points out, it is like comparing apples with oranges.

Firstly the comparison is between the appliances running at significantly different efficiency levels, by measuring a car exhaust emissions at an efficient run rate of 21mph and comparing them to all of the emissions at a full run rate for a stove. This completely ignores all the small particle emissions from the car’s brakes and tyres, when frequently the emissions from a car’s brakes and tyres are actually greater than the emissions from the exhaust pipe!

Finally the difference in the dispersal point of particulate matter from wood burning stoves to cars is ignored completely. A car outputs its emissions at face level for a child and therefore there is very little dispersal before it is breathed in, whereas a woodburning stove sends its emissions out of the top of the chimney and there is considerable dispersal of emissions before they even reach human height.

Find out what you can burn in a wood-burning stove.

 

3) ‘Wood burning stoves and fireplaces are harmful’.

Chair of the Stove Industry Alliance, Morley Sage, explains why this is one of the more concerning misconceptions:

“This view fails to take into account the huge advances that have been made by the woodburning stove industry in recent years. Many critics of woodburning stoves base their assumptions on data linked to open fires, older stoves and poor-quality wood fuel. The SIA would be one of the first organisations to point out that burning wet wood on an open fire, a practice that is still very common today, is one of the least efficient and most highly polluting ways to heat your home. By stark contrast, a modern wood burning stove emits up to 90% less emissions than an open fire and up to 80% less than a stove that is 10 or more years old.”

Members of the SIA (including us at Charnwood) were among the first manufacturers to develop ultra clean burn technology within our appliances to achieve the forthcoming 2022 Ecodesign Regulations (SIA Ecodesign Ready). More recently the SIA has supported and initiated the launch of clearSkies, an independent emissions and energy performance certification scheme for solid fuel stoves and fireplaces. Appliances that are certified under clearSkies will not only meet the performance levels set out under Ecodesign, but also many go a significant way beyond. The majority of our Charnwood stoves achieve highest clearSkies certification: Level 5.

Far from being the problem, modern wood burning stoves are actually the solution to a low carbon, sustainable future domestic heating strategy.

The REAL facts about modern woodburning stoves are that they are a future proof, highly efficient, very low carbon and sustainable way of heating our homes and keeping our families warm, and that is something to be truly proud of.

For further information visit www.stoveindustryalliance.com

 

1) The BEIS Domestic Wood Survey using a sample size of 1,206

2) SIA independently verified research carried out in 2019 using sample size of 10,620 using same questions as BEIS survey

3) The Emission of Air Pollutants in the UK 1970 to 2019 and Defra Research Burning in UK Homes & Gardens Report  

 

Why Choose Us?

At Charnwood Stoves, we pride ourselves on being your trusted partner in wood-burning stoves. With years of experience and a commitment to quality, we offer the finest selection of stoves that combine timeless design with eco-friendly technology.

Our team of experts is dedicated to providing you with honest and reliable information, ensuring you have all the facts you need to make an informed decision. Choose Charnwood Stoves for a reliable, efficient, and sustainable heating solution that will transform your home while minimising your impact on the environment.

Contact us today.

 

New Welding Investment; increased capacity, performance & capabilities

charnwoodstoves
29 May 2023

A.J Wells fabricates a wide range of products from a variety of high-quality materials across our businesses. Our fantastic team are skilled in a range of processes utilising state-of-the-art technology to achieve our exceptionally high standards. With demand for our market-leading Charnwood Stoves growing year on year, we have recently invested almost a million pounds in expanding and improving our welding capacity.

Read on to learn about our upgraded welding bays as well as our state-of-the-art robot welding arms.

Welding Bays

 

While redesigning the factory the Charnwood production manager and team leaders came together to develop a new design aiming to create the ‘perfect’ welding bay for the space. A modular, flat-pack approach was agreed upon with individual bays being standardised and optimised for comfort and efficiency.

One of the main improvements involved putting a roof canopy on each bay with extraction from the top. This stops welding fumes leaking out and massively improves the whole factory environment.

In the bay, the placement of all elements were optimised including tools such as grinders, our existing lifting tables, shelfs for clamps and even the radio etc. This was all with a view to maximise comfort for our great team of welders who work long hours in the bays.

Once ideas had been gathered, a prototype was built and the welders tested it out and provided feedback and suggested any changes they’d like made.

Some of the feedback included increasing the height, changing the air inlets, and improving the temperature and the lighting. A significant depth of detail was considered, even analysing shadows being cast and adjusting things accordingly.

The aim was to standardise the bays so that all workers would be familiar with any bay they worked in.

Space for another 5 welding bays to be installed in the near future has been allocated.

Upgraded Equipment

 

Here are some of the standout features that convinced the team to choose the Lincoln welders supplied by our friends at Rapid Welding:

– They enable our team to achieve high-quality welding finishes

– They are energy saving

– Have helpful preset settings

– Are easy to teach employees

– Lincoln are a high-quality, reliable, brand

What the upgrades provide

These welding bays and new equipment have significantly improved the working environment of the whole factory. Improving the comfort of our hard-working welders and also providing some significant efficiency benefits.

Some quotes from our team of welders now the bays are up and running:

“Nice and bright, the light is a lot better than the old welding bays.“

“Nice and compact for what we produce – everything is close to hand.”

“Easy access to bring in your work and remove a complete stove from the lifting table using a sack truck. A lot better than the old welding bays.”

“The extraction helps so much. It keeps the fumes away from people in the rest of the fabrication shop.”

New Robot Arms

 

In addition to our upgraded welding bays we have invested in two more cutting-edge robot welding arms.

This has doubled our robot welder capacity from 2 to 4 robot arms and is allowing us to produce stoves at a much more efficient rate. Our skilled robot operators have been working intensively, learning to program new models and learning how these machines work to maximise their output.

These robots produce less spatter with pulse welding, removing the need to spray the stoves with anti-spatter products. This has decreased the amount of processing needed post-weld significantly, which is an incredible boost to productivity, cutting energy consumption, and making it an improved place to work.

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A.J Wells continues to look for new ways to improve the business for our wonderful customers, our fantastic team of hard-working employees and the environment. Our latest investment manages to positively impact all these areas and the size of the investment is testament to the significant growth of the business for which we are truly grateful. Watch this space for the next steps in A.J Wells’ journey!

You can get in touch here to discuss your project.

How Lighting Your Wood Burning Stove Could Help Your Mental Fitness

charnwoodstoves
07 May 2023

In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become commonplace. While there are many ways to combat these issues, you may be surprised to learn that a wood-burning stove can have a profoundly positive impact on your mental fitness and wellbeing.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the ways lighting a wood-burning stove can benefit mental fitness, including reducing stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation and mindfulness. With Mental Health Awareness Week approaching (15-21 May), there’s no better time to explore this simple yet highly effective technique.

How lighting a wood burning stove can support mental fitness   

 

A wood-burning stove is more than just a source of heat and can support mental fitness in multiple ways. The experience of making a fire, followed by the warmth and soothing crackling sounds it generates, creates a calming and meditative atmosphere that promotes relaxation and reduces stress. Focusing on the process of lighting and maintaining the fire can also help shift the mind away from negative thoughts and distractions.  

Wood burning can also provide a sense of purpose and connection to a timeless practice that has the potential to bring people together. Studies have shown how hearth and campfires can influence arterial blood pressure and defray the costs of the social brain through fireside relaxation. Here is a section from the study:  

‘Results indicated consistent blood pressure decreases in the fire-with-sound condition, particularly with a longer duration of stimulus, and enhancing effects of absorption and prosociality. Findings confirm that hearth and campfires induce relaxation as part of a multisensory, absorptive, and social experience.’ 

By incorporating wood burning into your self-care routine, you can enjoy a mindful and fulfilling experience that promotes mental fitness and overall wellbeing. 

The physical/mental fitness benefits of wood burning   

 

As well as providing a source of heat that is both sustainable and environmentally friendly, wood-burning can also benefit physical health. Chopping and carrying wood requires physical activity that can help improve cardiovascular health and build muscle strength.  

These benefits to physical fitness have a positive knock-on effect to one’s mental fitness: 

“There is a growing body of literature that recognizes the positive effects of exercise on mood states such as anxiety, stress and depression, through physiological and biochemical mechanisms…” 

https://www.maturitas.org/article/S0378-5122(17)30856-3/fulltext 

Additionally, the unique bone warming heat produced by your wood-stove promotes physical activity as it is a great way to ease any aches and pains of the day. For example, a long winter walk is far more tempting when you know you have a warm fire to cosy up to when you get home. 

Wood burning as a type of mindfulness   

Lighting a fire and tending to it requires a level of patience, focus, and attention to detail that can bring a real sense of calm and centeredness. 

As the flames flicker and the wood crackles, it’s easy to become absorbed in the sensory experience of the fire and let go of distracting thoughts or worries. This type of mindfulness practice can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle with anxiety or stress.  

How to get started  

With the fire lit, sit comfortably with eyes open or closed and try focusing on the sound of the crackling wood and the warmth of the flames. Allow yourself to be fully present in the moment and let go of any distracting thoughts as they arise and simply return your attention to the fire. 

Wood burning Increases bonding and improves relationships 

Gathering around the fire with family and friends provides a sense of warmth, comfort, and connection that is often missing in our fast-paced, technology-driven world.  

Invite friends or family to join you around the fire and enjoy the warmth and connection that it can provide. You’ll be surprised how much more the conversation flows when there is a fire crackling in the background! 

Here are some quotes from some Charnwood customers: 

“My grandchildren ask for the fire to be on when they are having a hot chocolate on a frosty day.” 

“Winter evenings with friends. Whenever we have visitors during the winter, we always make sure the stove is running as this usually ensures nobody will request the television be turned on, leading to an altogether much nicer atmosphere with people actually chatting and engaging much more, rather than staring at the screen.” 

“Chopping wood is a great way to relieve stress! Everyone congregates around the fire and the children like to help with the kindling etc. It just creates a special atmosphere.” 

“The stove is the catalyst for family bonding, which helps with relaxation & mood improvement. It helps to unwind after a days exertions at work.” 

“You can just gaze into the fire and be taken away from the stresses of work. It gives opportunity for the family to come together and talk. Talking just seems to come easier when siting around the stove.” 

Source: The Charnwood Wellbeing Survey 2021 

Increased energy security lowers stress 

A wood-burning stove also has some very practical ways of reducing common life stressors. With energy prices going up and supply issues still a real concern, a wood-burning stove provides a great way to mitigate both worries. 

Here are some more Charnwood customer quotes: 

 “We love our log burner. It makes us feel warm, safe and secure. It helps heat the whole house, which has proved an asset in power cuts. Nothing beats sitting in the living room with the warmth of the fire in the depths of winter.” 

“Lighting the stove after a walk by the sea during winter is a joyful experience. Has helped to alleviate the worry of power failures as we live in an area prone to electricity outage during bad weather. Just knowing that we have our lovely stove for independent heat and low light is fab.” 

“As an electric only house, we wanted a plan b during a power cut to heat the home” 

“Having a wood burner means I am less vulnerable in power cuts. I can still have heating, boil a kettle, cook food if I need to.” 

Read more about the wellbeing benefits of stoves here 

Don’t forget!

Ensure you use best wood-burning stove practices to save money, reduce emissions and to stay safe! Read more here 

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. 

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With such high demand for wood-burning stoves, particularly in the colder months, now is an ideal time to prepare for next year. We highly recommend purchasing through an official Charnwood stockist where you can be assured of excellent after-care, and you will also qualify for our dealer-backed 10-year guarantee. 

Bonus: Podcasts that contribute to our mental fitness 

Mo Gawdat:  

https://www.mogawdat.com/podcast 

Andrew Huberman: 

https://hubermanlab.com/welcome-to-the-huberman-lab-podcast/ 

Diary of a CEO: 

https://stevenbartlett.com/the-diary-of-a-ceo-podcast/ 

Rich Roll: 

https://www.richroll.com/all-episodes/ 

 

Disclaimer: The content in this blog is not a replacement for professional medical advice. Please always contact your GP for help with any mental health issues. 

 

Top 7 Reasons to Buy a Wood-Burning Stove

charnwoodstoves
13 Apr 2023

With demand as strong as ever now is the perfect time to prepare for next winter. Here’s a quick overview of the top 7 reasons to buy a wood-burning stove. 

 1/ Save money on your heating bill  

An efficient stove can massively reduce your reliance on your central heating. With gas and electricity prices remaining high, kiln-dried/seasoned wood can save you £££’s! 

You can save even more on fuel bills by accessing free sources of wood.  

Find out how/why burning the RIGHT wood saves you money & protects the environment!   

 2/ Increase your wellbeing  

A whopping 93% of Charnwood stove owners replied definitively that their stove has a positive impact on their wellbeing. 

“The wrap round warmth the fire provides improves the feeling of well-being that no other heating system seems to provide.” Charnwood Customer 

Click here to learn more about all the well-being benefits users regularly experience! 

  3/ Energy Security  

Power outages are unavoidable, but with a wood-burning stove and a sufficiently stocked fuel supply, you can still stay warm, illuminated and even cook in case of a blackout. 

“We love our log burner. It makes us feel warm, safe and secure. It helps heat the whole house, which has proved an asset in power cuts. Nothing beats sitting in the living room with the warmth of the fire in the depths of winter.” Charnwood Customer 

 4/ More sustainable than coal-fired electricity 

Electricity generated through burning fossil fuels is not carbon neutral. Even when renewable energy is used, there are still many limitations and challenges that can have a negative impact on the environment. 

Responsibly sourced wood is a carbon-neutral fuel as it gives off the same amount of carbon whether it is burnt or decays naturally. The carbon released from burning wood is balanced out by the carbon absorbed by the tree during its lifetime. 

5/ Multi fuel options  

We always advocate for using kiln dried wood as this is the most sustainable and efficient way to burn. However, multi-fuel stoves open a world of possibilities when it comes to heating your home, offering you the ability to switch to smokeless fuels such as briquettes and wood pellets. 

6/ Add value to your property  

Not only can you enjoy the warmth and beauty of a wood burning fire, but installation can also add value to your home, with estimates ranging between a 5-12% increase. So even if you plan on moving soon, it’s well worth considering a wood burner to add value to your home. 

7/ Make your house a home  

Studies have shown how hearth and campfires can influence arterial blood pressure and defray the costs of the social brain through fireside relaxation. A wood-burning stove is able to harness this powerful effect and help turn a house into a home. 

“It’s extremely relaxing to sit by the fire and watch the flames dance away. So much so in fact, that we opted to cancel our Netflix subscription and we simply don’t watch it any longer. We’d much rather sit and watch the fire instead!” Charnwood Customer 

You’ve read the reasons, now here are the facts 

There is a lot of inaccurate information out there, so to gain some clarity the Stove industry Alliance (SIA) have detailed some important facts that set the record straight. 
 

If you’re ready for the next step, we strongly recommend that you buy through an official Charnwood stockist, where the after-sales support will be of a standard approved by us. 

By purchasing through this channel you will also qualify for our dealer-backed 10 year guarantee, so lookout for the Official Charnwood Stockist badge. 

 

Find your nearest Charnwood stockist here! 

Wood-Burning stoves; the Most Accessible & Inclusive Home Heating Solution

charnwoodstoves
17 Mar 2023

From Shepards huts, yurts, and local authority housing to the most impressive London townhouses and countryside estates, we are proud to manufacture wood-burning stoves for a diverse range of homes which house people from all backgrounds. 

Far from being just a trendy middle-class luxury as some newspapers have suggested, wood burning stoves offer perhaps the most inclusive and accessible heating solution on the market. Providing a long list of benefits and an affordable heat source for all. 

Read on to learn about all the advantages of owning a stove and how anyone in society can benefit! 

History of the Charnwood LA (Social Housing Solution) 

 

In the early 1990s Charnwood pioneered the LA (Local Authority) Multi-fuel Roomheater and became the UK’s leading supplier to Housing Associations and Local Authorities for many years. The Charnwood LA was installed in thousands of homes throughout the whole of the UK and Ireland. It was designed, in particular, to help in areas that had good access to solid fuels/wood but where open fires were predominantly used.  

Our founders were early to recognize the inefficiency of open fires and set about designing something that was affordable and that could be slotted into an existing fire opening to provide a far more efficient heating solution. 

Charnwood also developed the ‘Firefront’ which effectively used the existing chamber of an open fire to retain and convect heat and burn fuel more effectively. The majority were sold in rural areas, in Wales, northern England and Scotland and provided an affordable and efficient heating solution for thousands of homes.  

This origin story runs counter to the false media narrative that wood-burning stoves are only for the middle classes in major cities. We are proud of our heritage and having contributed to families’ warmth and well-being across the UK for generations. 

Wood-Burning: A Heat Source for All Budgets 

In 2023, with multiple ongoing global crises, wood-burning stoves continue to be a home heating solution for all budgets, playing a vital role in helping families survive these challenging times.  

Low start-up costs 

A wood-burning stove is one of, if not, the cheapest heating solutions to install and maintain. Upfront costs of a few thousand pounds are far more accessible compared to the tens of thousands it can cost to install a heat pump, solar panels, wind turbine etc.  
 

There is a modern ultra-efficient stove available for nearly all budgets, making it a widely adopted heating solution. Our Country 4 is our current entry-level stove and has replaced the LA providing more style and greater efficiency. Its traditional good looks and competitive price means it is perfect for a wide range of homes. 
 

These figures are estimates 

https://www.charnwood.com/news/comparing-alternative-domestic-energy-solutions/ 

Lower fuel costs  

Wood has remained more competitive than rising fossil fuel prices, and offers the potential to save even more on fuel bills by accessing free sources of wood. Fallen trees, industrial woodworkers and online sources like Gumtree and Freecycle are often fruitful sources of free wood.  

Find out how/why burning the RIGHT wood saves you money & protects the environment!  

Long-term savings 

Ultra efficient modern wood-burning stoves can last 20 years plus with good care and upkeep. Additionally, most components used within a Charnwood stove are modular and can be replaced when or if they wear out, further extending the life of your stove. 

Wood stoves enable eco-conscious & alternative ways of living 

 

Wood-burning stoves are fantastic in virtually any home environment. In fact, they are often one of the only options for people seeking to live sustainably off-grid in log cabins, yurts, shepherds’ huts, and other ‘tiny home’ accommodation. 

Tiny homes are a fantastic way to bring comfort and relaxation to the most beautiful and remote locations and help people seeking to live with the lowest possible environmental impact. Typically, in these situations access to mains energy supplies is unavailable and a wood-burning stove is the only option for a constant heat source.  

Our Stove Pod is perfect for tiny home accommodation – click here for more information 

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Here is a list of some of the benefits enjoyed by wood-burning stove owners from all areas of society: 

-Renewable source of energy  

-Local fuel 

-Lower start-up & maintenance costs 

-Provides energy independence & security (Independent of weather variability & supply issues) 

-Supports other renewables 

-Promotes sustainable living practices 

-Significant well-being benefits 

We believe wood burning stoves are for everyone and when used responsibly can be a massive positive for society and the environment. For this reason, we take our responsibility seriously to educate our customers about wood burning best practices. We acknowledge the need for ultra efficient wood burning stoves and we have made it our mission to continue innovating and leading the industry forwards in this area.  

We are aware that many families on lower incomes rely heavily on wood burning to heat their homes more affordably. So, we find it incredibly rewarding to supply people across the world from all walks of life with the most efficient stoves on the market today.