Category: Wood Burning Stove

Exploring the World of Modern Stoves: Your Guide to the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA)

charnwoodstoves
22 Aug 2023

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the role of the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA), the significance of the SIA Retail Group, the innovation behind Ecodesign stoves, and the magic of Clearskies Stoves. Whether you’re a seasoned stove enthusiast or a newcomer keen to learn, let’s dive into the world of modern wood-burning stoves.

What is the Stove Industry Alliance?

The Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) is at the heart of the wood-burning stove industry. Established in 2008, the SIA is a key voice in the UK communicating the facts about wood-burning and the latest developments in the industry. This association has an important mission: to illuminate the benefits of wood-burning stoves and biomass appliances. Representing a collective of manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, independent retailers, and advisory bodies, to promote a heating solution that’s cost-effective, safe and environmentally conscious.

What is the SIA Retail Group?

The SIA Retail Group comprises independent retailers of stoves and fireplaces with showroom displays across the UK. The members uphold a code of conduct that prioritizes professionalism, customer support, and environmental responsibility. The SIA Retail Group takes pride in offering you personalized advice and showcasing the latest in low-carbon, low-emission Ecodesign Ready appliances.

What are Ecodesign Stoves?

 

Ecodesign stoves are cutting-edge heating solutions designed not only to warm your home but to do so with minimal impact on the environment. Ecodesign Regulation, in force since January 2022, has set higher efficiency and lower emission standards for solid fuel space heating appliances. Modern stoves are a beacon of energy efficiency, lowering particulate emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional open fires and 80% compared to older stoves. They produce significantly less particulate matter, carbon monoxide, organic gaseous compounds, and nitrogen oxides – a win for both you and the planet.

What are Clearskies Stoves?

Clearskies Stoves are remarkable appliances that outperform even the latest Ecodesign stoves on the market. Born from the clearSkies certification scheme, they are the pioneers in efficiency and emissions reduction.

Most Charnwood stoves are ClearSkies 5 rated (the top rating) which means they are up to 30% more efficient than standard Ecodesign. That really is a super clean burn! Yet we continue to innovate and believe we can increase efficiency and reduce emissions even further in the near future. After all, 10 years ago Ecodesign was considered difficult to achieve and here we are already beating that standard. Clearskies Stoves aren’t just about warmth; they’re about embracing a greener future, one where your comfort and conscience are in perfect harmony.

Choosing the Right Stove

Picking the perfect stove means considering factors like room size, heating needs, and personal style. Do you dream of a traditional design that exudes warmth, or does the sleekness of contemporary aesthetics call to you? It’s essential to find a stove that matches your unique preferences while also heating your space effectively. Fortunately, the SIA Retail Group’s knowledgeable members are at your service, ready to guide you toward a stove that fits seamlessly into your home.

Read the many reasons people are choosing wood-burning stoves!

Prepare Now – Installers Are in High Demand!

Don’t let the warmth, charm and security of a stove this winter slip through your fingers due to a lack of preparation. Stove installers are in high demand, often booked months in advance. To ensure your cosy nights by the fire this winter, reach out to reputable installers sooner rather than later. This proactive approach means you won’t be left out in the cold when the winter season arrives.

Where to buy? 

Again, the SIA Retail Group as well as our official Charnwood stockist search page are great starting points in your search for the perfect stove for your home.

Woodburning stove design ideas

charnwoodstoves
22 Aug 2023

Woodburning stoves make for a great addition to any home and can completely change the atmosphere and ambiance of a room. As well as an efficient and clean source of heat, a wood-burning stove should also be a focal point within a room and compliment the overall aesthetic.
Whether you want a cosy homely feel, or something more dramatic and contemporary, we’ve put together some wood-burning stove design ideas for inspiration.

How do you decorate a room with a wood-burning stove?

How you choose to decorate your room with the addition of a wood-burning stove will depend on several factors, including the style of your home, where the stove will be positioned and whether you want to achieve a modern or traditional aesthetic.

What do you put behind a wood-burning stove?

Stone and brick are popular materials to use behind a wood-burning stove if you want to achieve a rustic, natural look. However, you may wish to use patterned tiles, stone veneer or specialist fireplace chamber lining panels such as vitreous enamel. Again, what you put behind your wood-burning stove will depend on its position in the room.

How far off the wall should a wood-burning stove be?

Generally, a wood-burning stove will need at least 100mm clearance from the wall, however, it may vary depending on the stove you choose. It is worth considering a wall mounted heat shield if you are tight on space. This will allow you to safely place your stove upto 95mm from the wall even if it is made from a combustible material. When you purchase a stove from one of our recommended Charnwood Stockists, they will be able to provide the exact information for the stove you choose. They will also tell you all you need to know about finding a qualified installer.

Woodburning stove design ideas

Classic stove

If you have an alcove or fire chamber in which to place your stove, opt for exposed brick with a wooden mantel above for classic charm.

Corner stove

Wood burning stoves placed in the corner of a room with an exposed flue look great in modern homes. They also come in a variety of unique shapes and colours for you to choose from.

Make it a centrepiece

Stoves don’t always need to be against a wall. If you have a larger room and are able to run a chimney up to the roof, consider making it a centrepiece and choose something tall and dramatic with a large picture window.

Add colour or pattern

Stoves come in a range of beautiful colours. If you choose black, you can still have fun with colour and pattern by tiling the hearth or surrounding area, or even by painting the brickwork a bold colour.

Go minimal

If you prefer a more minimalist approach, choose a black or white stove against a plain neutral coloured wall.

Stone veneer

Stone veneer is an affordable way of creating a traditional and luxe-looking fireplace that works in both contemporary and rustic homes.

Industrial look

Use a metal backdrop to create an industrial, modern look that gives the feel of a New York loft. You could also create a custom structure with metal or vitreous enamel panels for something truly unique.

Also explore our 4 focal feature ideas.

 

Is a wood burner a good idea?

Considering a wood burner for your home can be an excellent choice. Wood burners provide efficient heating and a cozy ambiance, often becoming the centrepiece of a room. They offer a sustainable heating option, utilising renewable wood resources. However, it’s crucial to assess factors like available space, proper ventilation, and local regulations before installation. With proper planning and maintenance, a wood burner can enhance your living space with warmth and style while aligning with eco-friendly heating solutions.

Also, explore our wood-burning stove wellbeing benefits.

 

How do you install a wood-burning stove?

To install a wood-burning stove, ensure proper clearances from combustible materials and consult local building codes. Next, prepare the installation area, including a non-combustible hearth and proper floor protection. Install a stainless-steel flue liner through the chimney, connecting it to the stove’s flue collar. Secure the stove in place, making sure it’s level. Attach the flue pipe and cap, ensuring a secure and airtight fit. Complete the installation by testing the stove and chimney for proper ventilation. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and seek professional assistance if needed.

Learn more about how to install a wood-burning stove here.

 

Why Choose Us?

Discover unparalleled expertise and quality at Charnwood Stoves. With a legacy of excellence spanning years, we stand out as leaders in wood-burning stove design and innovation. Our commitment to craftsmanship is evident in every product we create, ensuring timeless aesthetics that blend seamlessly with your interior. By choosing Charnwood Stoves, you opt for eco-friendly heating solutions that marry style and sustainability, backed by a brand trusted worldwide. Our design ideas inspire your creativity, while our products guarantee efficient, clean-burning warmth for your space.

Join the Charnwood Stove family and experience the difference of a heritage rooted in quality and driven by passion.

Contact our team today.

 

Contact Charnwood today

Are you ready to transform your space with a wood-burning stove? Please get in touch with Charnwood today. Our experts are on hand and ready to answer any queries you might have. Alternatively get some inspiration from our Instagram page or explore our range here.

How to Get Heat from Wood Stove to Other Rooms

charnwoodstoves
19 Jul 2023

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.

Also learn more on how to use a wood-burning stove.

 

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.

Also explore our Wood-Burning Stove FAQs.

 

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.

Also explore the essential wood-burning stove tips.

 

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

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.

 

How to clean wood burner glass

charnwoodstoves
25 Jun 2023

With the sudden drop in temperature and an autumn chill in the air, nothing beats a cosy evening nestled by your wood burning stove.

But as we head towards the winter months, your wood burner could need some TLC before its ready to be used more regularly.

To help keep your wood burner well maintained in readiness for those long winter nights, we’ve compiled our tips on how to clean wood burner glass alongside other upkeep advice.

 

How to keep wood burner glass clean

Your wood burner is not only a source of warmth, it is also a focal point within your home. Many modern generally feature clean-burn air wash which naturally keep the glass clean. However when used regularly, soot may build up on the glass door, which can drastically reduce the view of the fire. The most common cause of this is when wood with a moisture content higher than 20% is burnt or if a burning log is touching the glass.

Here are some do’s and don’ts on how to keep wood burner glass clean.

Do…

• Use a damp crumpled paper towel or newspaper, dip it in fine wood ash and use this to rub the stove glass clean.

• If there is substantial build up on the glass, burn a high temperature fire in the wood burning stove before you try to clean the glass. Ensure you have plenty of well-seasoned wood in your wood burner to create a fire of a high temperature.

• Make sure you use a wood stove glass cleaner, or a ceramic stove top cleaner.

• Ensure you wait until the wood burner glass is cool before you attempt to clean it.

• Clean your wood burner glass on a regular basis to prevent a build-up of soot.

Don’t…

• Never attempt to clean your wood burner glass when there is a fire burning inside the stove or the surface is hot.

• Avoid spraying water on hot wood burner glass – this could cause the glass to crack or shatter.

• Never use sharp objects or abrasive cleaners to clean your wood burner glass – these could damage and scratch the surface of the glass.

 

How to clean a wood burner

When it comes to cleaning your wood burner, there are many interior and exterior elements to consider.

Ensure exterior surfaces are cleaned with a soft brush, damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner. These will effectively remove any soot and dirt when the stove is cool.

Take the time to empty out the ash pan and firebox completely when your wood burner is not being used. Inspect the rope seals on the doors and flue, as it is not uncommon for these to become damaged through everyday wear and tear.

Find out more wood burning stove cleaning tips and tricks in our blog: How to clean your wood burning stove.

 

Why is my wood burner smoking?

If your wood burner is smoking, there could be several reasons, including:

• A blocked chimney

• The wrong fuel is being used

• An issue with the air pressure in the room

• A problem with the draw of your chimney

• A cold weather snap

To stop your wood burner from smoking, you need to ensure you have the correct air pressure, no chimney blockages and are burning the correct fuel. If you have any further questions about your smoking wood burner, contact us today.

Find out everything you need to know about having your wood burner in your house.

 

Why does my wood burner smell?

If your wood burner is emitting an unpleasant smell, it is unlikely that this is coming from the wood burner or stove itself. The smell is more likely being caused by other factors, including:

• The stove is new and requires a ‘break in’ period

• The fire is releasing too much smoke

• Burning damp wood which contains too much moisture

• Burning polluted wood

• The fire isn’t hot enough

• Blocked chimney or flue

• Insufficient chimney size which cannot easily remove waste smoke and gases

• Wet weather

• If the weather is much lower than usual and smoke and gases cannot leave the home properly

• Reduced airflow

 

Find out how to light a wood burner.

 

Why is my wood burner not getting hot?

If your wood burner is not getting hot, this could be due to a variety of reasons:

• The draft on the stove is poor – draft on the stove is needed to suck air from the stove out of your home. If the waste gas is unable to escape, fresh air won’t be getting to the fire and this will prevent the stove from heating. Test the draft by lighting a piece of paper on one end and placing it under the flue outlet inside your stove. If the smoke disappears, the draft should work effectively when the fire starts.

• The air vents need opening – if the air vents aren’t open enough, it will prevent oxygen getting to the fire. Open up the air vents and create a larger supply of oxygen to enable to the fire to burn through the wood more quickly.

• The air vents are open too much – if the air vents are opened too much, the stove may not get hot. While the air vents should be opened fully when the fire is being lit to maximise oxygen levels, these can be gradually closed down as the fire gets hotter to ensure too much air isn’t getting to the fire.

• Lack of secondary combustion – this process involves maximising heat from burning wood by burning off waste gases from the fire. Secondary combustion will only occur when a higher temperature is reached.

• Fire incorrectly lit/built – if a fire is built and lit incorrectly, it will prevent the stove from getting hot. Lay crumpled pieces of paper on the bed of the stove to help encourage the fire to spread to the wood. Softwood kindling can then be placed on top of the newspaper, followed by smaller logs once the fire has caught.

• Wet wood – if your wood is too wet, the excess moisture will prevent your wood burner from getting hot. We recommend a 20 per cent or lower moisture content threshold for firewood. If your wood contains more moisture than this, it will need to be dried out for a further season before if can be used.

Find out more in our blog: How to use a wood burning stove.

How often should I sweep my wood burner chimney?

We recommend that wood burner chimneys are cleaned at least once a year. This should take place when the temperature drops in the cooler months before the wood burner is used more regularly.

 

Contact Charnwood today

To find out more about keeping your wood burner well maintained, contact Charnwood today. Our friendly, expert team are on hand and more than happy to answer any queries you may have.

 

Why Choose Us?

At Charnwood Stoves, we understand the importance of keeping your wood burner glass clean and clear for optimal enjoyment. With our extensive experience in the industry, we offer a range of high-quality cleaning products specifically designed for wood burners.

Our innovative solutions effectively remove soot, tar, and residue, restoring the beauty of your stove. Trust us to provide you with reliable and eco-friendly products that make maintenance effortless, allowing you to focus on cozy moments by the fire. Choose Charnwood for superior glass cleaning solutions tailored to your needs.

Contact our team today.

What can you burn in a wood burning stove?

charnwoodstoves
19 Jun 2023

When it comes to choosing fuel for your wood burning stove, it’s important that you burn the right wood. This will not only ensure that your stove burns stronger and for longer, but it will also help reduce your fuel costs as a result.

Burning the wrong type of wood can increase fuel costs and damage the internal parts of your stove. In some cases, it can even cause irreparable damage to the stove body or flue system, so it’s important you understand what type of wood will work with your appliance.

Here’s a closer look at what you should burn in your wood burning stove.

Hardwood firewood

Hardwood is a great fuel for wood burning stoves. With a variety of different types available, including ash, birch, maple and oak, as well as the wood from the vast majority of fruit trees, hardwood firewood is renowned for burning for longer periods, while generating lots of heat.

Another advantage of hardwoods is that they are generally cleaner to handle, making them a great option for your stove.

Softwood firewood

A lot cheaper than hardwood, softwood can also be used in your wood burning stove. Fir is the most popular choice, although there are plenty of other options, including balsam, pine, spruce, cedar, alder, tamarack and poplar.

Find out what other types of firewood we offer.

How do softwoods burn compared to hardwood?

Softwoods tend to burn faster than hardwood and leave a finer ash behind. They can also be messy to handle and are renowned for causing a build-up of tar in your chimney. Spruce, pine and balsam can be particularly difficult to handle.

Find out how to clean your wood burning stove.

What’s the best firewood for generating heat energy?

There are lots of different types of firewood and many of them can be categorised based on their performance. For example, the following types of firewood typically generate the best amount of heat energy:

• Apple
• Birch (Yellow)
• Red oak
• White ash
• Maple (Sugar)
• White oak
• Beech (American)
• Hickory (Shagbark)
• Ironwood

Whether you opt for hardwood or softwood, always make sure that it is totally dry before you use it. Never attempt to burn green wood as it will produce less heat and a lot more smoke.

Make sure your wood is dried, seasoned and stored correctly so you can enjoy optimum heat with low fuel costs. Your wood should always be stacked in a cool dry place with efficient air circulation and covered on the top only. If you can, rotate your wood as much as possible and always burn older, dryer wood first.

As a general rule of thumb, hardwood and softwood should have a moisture content of less than 20 percent if it’s being used for burning.

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

If you have any questions about your Charnwood wood burning stove, please get in touch.

 

Why Choose Us?

At Charnwood Stoves, we provide the finest wood-burning stoves for your home. With our extensive expertise and commitment to quality, we offer unrivaled performance, efficiency, and style. Our stoves are designed to maximize heat output while minimising environmental impact.

Choose Charnwood Stoves for an eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing heating solution that will transform your space. Trust in our heritage of craftsmanship and innovation to bring warmth and charm to your home, all while enjoying the natural beauty and comforting ambiance of a wood-burning stove.

Get in touch with our team today.

 

How Wood is a Sustainable and Renewable Fuel – Everything You Need to Know

charnwoodstoves
02 Jun 2023

Wood has long been used as a source of fuel, providing heat and energy for centuries. However, concerns about air pollution and sustainability have cast a shadow on its use as a viable energy option. By managing and choosing wood correctly, we can address these concerns and reclaim the case for burning wood as a sustainable and renewable fuel.

Air Pollution

Concerns about air pollution have cast a shadow on the use of burning wood as a viable energy option. This is an important environmental issue and it is necessary to understand its relationship with burning wood.

When wood with high moisture content is burned, it produces more smoke and harmful emissions, including particulate matter and volatile organic compounds which can have adverse effects on human health and the environment.

However, burning dry, seasoned wood with less than 20% moisture content significantly reduces these emissions, making wood-burning cleaner and more environmentally friendly. Wood that has been properly seasoned produces significantly less smoke and carbon monoxide; it also has less creosote build-up and prevents the growth of mould on the logs. The seasoning process, by removing these toxins, makes the wood much cleaner to burn.

Learn about the wood seasoning process.

 

Renewability and Sustainability

Wood is a renewable fuel source because the trees it comes from can be replanted and regrown. Trees are a part of the natural carbon cycle, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow. When burned, wood releases this stored carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. However, as long as new trees are planted to replace the harvested ones, the carbon dioxide emitted during wood burning is effectively reabsorbed by the growing trees, resulting in a closed carbon loop.

By using sustainably managed woodlands where trees are harvested and replaced in a responsible manner, we can ensure a continuous supply of renewable wood fuel. It is crucial to support and promote sustainable forestry practices to maintain healthy forests, preserve biodiversity, and mitigate climate change.

Explore alternative sources of wood fuel, such as wood pellets or briquettes made from wood waste or by-products. These can provide a more efficient and consistent fuel source while reducing waste and promoting circular economy principles.

Explore the best firewood to burn chart in the UK here.

 

Responsible woodland management

If you have access to woodland, implement responsible management practices. This may include planting new trees, managing invasive species, and ensuring proper harvesting techniques to maintain the health and biodiversity of the forest ecosystem.

For those that don’t have access to woodland, it’s important to seek out wood that carries certification from recognised forestry programs, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). These certifications ensure responsible forest management practices and contribute to the overall sustainability of wood fuel.

Properly managed woodlands are vital to our ecosystem and our wildlife. As well as being home to many plant and animal species, they also play a vital role in water resource management – minimising flood impact and regulating water availability. Forests also play a massive role in climate regulation through carbon dioxide absorption.

 

Local Communities

Buying wood locally is a key part of responsible wood burning as it reduces the transportation emissions associated with long-distance shipping. Supporting local communities also helps boost the regional economy and encourages sustainable forest management practices.

Choosing local wood suppliers provides an opportunity to establish direct connections with producers, ensuring transparency and accountability in the sourcing process. It allows consumers to enquire about the origin of the wood, ensuring it comes from sustainably managed forests and promoting ethical practices within the industry.

 

Five Steps to Choosing Wood Correctly

To maximise the sustainability and efficiency of wood burning, here are five steps to help you choose and manage wood correctly.

1/ Source locally.

2/ Opt for seasoned wood.

3/ Look for certification.

4/ Consider alternatives, such as wood pellets or briquettes.

5/ Practice responsible woodland management.

Wood is a sustainable and renewable fuel option when managed and chosen correctly. By burning dry, seasoned wood with low moisture content, purchasing locally sourced wood, supporting sustainable forestry, and following responsible woodland management practices, we can harness the benefits of wood fuel while minimising its environmental impact.

 

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 responsibly using wood as a fuel source. If you have any questions about heating your home with a wood burning stove, please get in touch.

 

How to Use Vents on Multi-fuel Stoves

charnwoodstoves
02 Jun 2023

Multi-fuel stoves offer the flexibility to burn a variety of fuels, including wood, smokeless fuels and briquettes, and are popular heating appliances thanks to their versatility and efficiency. To optimise their performance and ensure clean combustion, multi-fuel stoves use air vents that regulate the air supply.

 

What are Stove Air Vents?

Stove air vents, also known as air inlets or dampers, are openings built into the structure of a multi-fuel stove that allows controlled amounts of air into the combustion chamber. These vents facilitate the incineration process by regulating the oxygen supply, ensuring an efficient and controlled burn.

At Charnwood we have incorporated a single air control on all our multi-fuel stoves that simplify the burning process so you don’t need be concerned about adjusting numerous controls. Just pull out to burn harder or push in to slow the burn down.

 

How Do Stove Air Vents Work?

As you know, a fire needs three things to survive: fuel, heat and oxygen; this is often referred to as the “fire triangle”. Stove air vents control how much air (and subsequently, oxygen) gets to the fire. When starting a fire, you want as much oxygen as possible so the fire can light. Once the fire is self-sustaining, you want to reduce the amount of oxygen for a steady and more efficient burn.

 

Air Supplies in Stoves

The air supplies in stoves are categorised into three main types: primary, secondary, and tertiary air supplies. On a Charnwood stove all three vents are incorporated into an air box that is fitted to the base of the stove and controlled by one slider.

 

Primary Air Supply

The primary air supply is the main source of oxygen for initial combustion and it is typically regulated by a primary air vent at the stove’s base or front. Controlling the primary air supply allows users to ignite and establish a fire. Adjusting this vent allows users to increase or reduce the amount of oxygen available to the fire, influencing the burn rate and heat output.

 

Secondary Air Supply

Once the fire is established, secondary air becomes essential for complete combustion. The secondary air vents are strategically placed in the upper part or sides of the stove to introduce fresh, pre-heated air into the combustion chamber above the fuel bed. This additional oxygen helps burn off any unburned gases, reducing emissions and promoting a cleaner, more efficient burn.

 

Tertiary Air Supply

The tertiary air supply is an advanced feature found in all our multi-fuel stoves; it introduces a controlled amount of air into the flue gases. The tertiary air vents are once again incorporated into the airbox  and are designed to inject air into the path of the exhaust gases. This additional oxygen promotes the secondary combustion of any remaining gases, increasing efficiency and reducing particulate emissions.

 

How to Use Stove Air Vents

Step 1: Preparing your stove

Before starting a fire in your stove, it is essential to check that your air control is pulled out fully – this allows for a sufficient supply of oxygen to ignite and establish the fire.

 

Step 2: Starting your fire

Once you have added kindling and are ready to light the fire, ignite the kindling as you would normally. It is important to leave the control fully open during this stage. The unrestricted flow of oxygen will facilitate the ignition and rapid development of the fire. Allow the kindling to burn until it has taken hold and is burning steadily.

 

Step 3: Closing your vents

As the fire takes hold of the kindling and starts burning steadily, it is time to add some larger wood and start adjusting the control. Begin by gradually closing the primary air vent by pushing in the button. By reducing the primary air supply, you control the amount of oxygen reaching the fire, regulating the burn rate and heat output. Monitor the fire closely and make incremental adjustments to the control until you achieve a desired balance between heat production and fuel consumption.

 

Step 4: Adjusting your vents

As the fire spreads beyond the initial kindling and begins burning the wood, you can fine-tune the heat output by adjusting the single control further. Increasing the secondary air supply promotes combustion, reducing emissions and increasing efficiency. Adjust the control to find the optimal balance that provides sufficient oxygen for clean burning while maintaining the desired heat output.

Explore our types of firewood here.

 

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.

 

Enhance your fireplace with a wood stove heat shield

charnwoodstoves
26 May 2023

A primary consideration when getting a wood-burning stove will be making sure it is installed and situated safely. If you have limited room, a heat shield can play an important role in protecting your surrounding space. Furthermore, a wood stove heat shield offers a great opportunity to elevate the visual appeal of your fireplace to even greater heights.

 

The importance of a wood stove heat shield

Without adequate clearance from your stove, a combustible wall or object can overheat, dry out and present a fire hazard. The Fire Protection Association recommends that in general the common radiant-type stove maintain 900mm of space from a combustible surface. When this is not possible a heat shield is your only option. Situated between your stove and the exposed surface, a heat shield can reduce the required distance for safety. For more information on the minimum standards for heat shields and their installation, HETAS provides a comprehensive guide.

Additionally, to learn about our 8 tips wood stove users should do during the holiday season, view here.

 

VLAZE Heat Shields

 

3-images-of-wood-stove-heat-shields
3 stunning heat shield options from VLAZE

VLAZE, our sister company, fabricate heat shields from vitreous enamel, a superior material known for its many outstanding properties. It is heat-resistant up to 650°C, which allows you to reduce the distance between your stove and another surface to 95mm. For Charnwood stoves that reduces even further, to just 75mm – a vast improvement on HETAS regulations. This allows you to maximise space, providing greater flexibility when configuring your room layout. VLAZE’s heat shields are easy to install and available in 3 sizes and 30 luxurious glazes – ample options to match your fireplace dimensions and your style.

 

Design

The images above show the potential of heat shields to add a splash of colour, texture, and designer flair to your fireplace surround. VLAZE have developed a wide range of styles drawing on both historical and contemporary references.

Heat shields are available in a wide range of flat colours, subtle textures or with screen-printed graphics. Once fired in the furnace, the surface is colour-fast, meaning the colours and artwork will never fade. Working alongside several designers, they have created many beautiful options catering for both modern and classic tastes. From statement patterns to minimalist hues, there are plenty of options available to accent or blend with your existing colour scheme.

To also find out about how to get heat from a wood-burning stove to other rooms, view here.

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A wood-burning stove, whether alight or not, is something that draws the eyes of whoever is in the room. With such a beautiful piece of craftsmanship providing the focal point of your home, it makes sense to give equal consideration to the other elements that will complement it.

For more information on VLAZE Heat Shields click here. To keep up to date with the latest news follow us @charwoodstoves.

Can I have a wood burner in my house?

charnwoodstoves
24 May 2023

Nothing quite compares to the roaring flames of a wood burner in the comfort of your own home.

A wood burner not only creates the perfect ambience on a cold winters day, but is also a superb focal point in the home.

However, before making this long-term investment and enjoying its many benefits, there are several factors to explore which will determine whether a wood burner is suitable for your home. From installation to size and fitting, we’ve compiled our top tips.

 

Can you install a wood burner if you have no chimney?

It is possible to have a wood burner installed in your home without a chimney. To achieve this, the wood burner must have a twin skin insulated flue system installed.

Before buying your wood burner, we would recommend a visit from an HETAS qualified heating engineer. They will visit your home and inspect the area where you would like your wood burner installed. They will offer expert advice on many elements, including building regulations, required flue systems, insulation and wood stove heat shields.

 

Can I install a wood burner myself?

The installation of a wood burner is a highly specialised job and should be carried out by a trained professional. It is by no means a project to take on yourself, as if it is done incorrectly, it could be very dangerous.

If the stove and flue are not connected properly, or if the flue isn’t installed correctly, it can lead to harmful fumes entering the room, which can pose a significant safety risk to yourself and your family.

We recommend a visit from an HETAS qualified installer, who will be able to safely install your flue system. By using a registered installer, you have the confidence that you are receiving expert, trustworthy advice and your flue will be installed properly. A correctly installed wood burner will be safe, efficient and long-lasting.

Here at Charnwood, we work with a network of specialist installers, so you can be safe in the knowledge that your wood burner will not only be fitted correctly, but will be installed to last long-term.

To also find out how to clean a wood burner glass, view here.

 

How to line a chimney for a wood burner

A chimney liner is a stainless-steel tube that connects the top of the pipe that protrudes from a wood burner to the chimney pot. While there are several ways to line a chimney, fitting a chimney liner is the most common and cost-effective.

Lining a chimney for a wood burner is a two-person job, involving working at height and several steps:

• Before fitting the liner, ensure you first sweep the chimney.

• Remove the chimney pot.

• Go to the roof and take a length of rope measuring five metres longer than your chimney height with a weight on the end and carefully drop this down your chimney.

• A substantial amount of dust may fall down the chimney at this point, so ensure a dust mask, goggles and protective clothing are worn.

• Once the rope is down the chimney, tie off the rope to prevent losing it down the chimney.

• Bring the chimney liner to the roof and check the arrows to ensure it is the right way up.

• Take care when holding the chimney liner and cover the ends of the liner with gaffer tape for added protection.

• Attach the flex adapter, then fix three sets of wires to the liner adapter which enable you to attach the length of rope.

• Put the closing plate over the top end of the liner and clamp the top fixing clamp.

• Gently feed the liner into the chimney and straighten it to avoid any curls inside the flue.

• Once the liner is in place, move the fixing clamp down the liner until it is resting on top of the chimney and supports the weight of the liner at the necessary height.

• Cut any excess liner using a hacksaw so that around half the height of the chimney pot remains.

• Make the area waterproof by making a mix of sand, cement and integral waterproofer.

• Wet down the chimney, chimney pot, closing plate and end of the liner, before applying the cement mixture.

• Wipe down and add a cowl to the chimney.

• Connect the stove to the chimney liner adaptor with some rigid flue and allow 24 hours before lighting your stove.

Alternatively, a local registered installer will be able to fit the chimney liner for you. Contact us for further information.

 

How much should I pay for a wood burner to be fitted?

While each wood burner and its requirements are unique, you can expect to pay from £700 upwards for your wood burner to be fitted.

 

What size wood burner should I get?

It is essential that you measure the size of the room where you’d like your wood burner ahead of making a purchase. This will ensure that you buy the correct sized stove with the right amount of heat for the room where it will be installed.

If the wood burner gives off too much heat for the room, the space will become unpleasantly hot and the plaster around the stove may crack. Too low and you will not get the desired warmth needed within your chosen space.

As a rough guide, we recommend 1kW of heat output will heat 14 cubic metres.

To explore how to light a wood burner, view here.

 

How close can my TV be to my wood burner?

If you are considering placing your TV on the wall above your wood burner, we would strongly recommend contacting your TV manufacturer to determine how much heat your TV is able to withstand. You may also want to consult the operating manual for further information.

 

Contact Charnwood today

To find out more about your next wood burner and for advice around suitability for your home, contact Charnwood today. Our friendly, expert team are on hand and more than happy to answer any queries you may have.