Beginner's Guide To Wood Burning Stoves

Are you considering purchasing a wood burning stove for your home? A wood burning stove is a great investment due to its exceptional heating capabilities and is more cost-effective than gas or electric stoves. If you do purchase a wood burning stove, however, there are some important things you must consider such as how to clean the stove and how to install one safely. So let's explore a beginner's guide to wood burning stoves…

Firstly, what are the benefits of having a wood burning stove?

There are multiple benefits to having a wood burning stove in your home, not only can a wood burner heat a room more quickly and efficiently than central heating, it is more eco-friendly compared to its fossil fuel alternatives as it doesn't release additional carbon dioxide into the environment. Not only does a wood burning stove have functional benefits, but it also looks incredibly stylish and can be introduced as an impressive feature in your home. As long as its flue can reach the outside of your house, a wood burning stove can be placed almost anywhere, making them suitable for houses of all sizes and shapes.

What types of stoves are available?

With multiple types of stoves available, it can be difficult to know which type will best meet your needs and suit your home. Some of the most popular types of stoves include:

Multi-fuel stove

This type of stove is capable of burning other materials than wood. Fuels such as coal, smokeless coal, anthracite and even peat can be burnt in a multi-fuel stove.

Freestanding stove

A freestanding stove does not need to be installed into a fireplace, as the name suggests it can stand as a separate unit and be placed wherever the homeowner pleases.

Inset wood burning stove

Inset wood burning stoves are installed into a fireplace or chimney breast and are built-in rather than free-standing units. Usually, after being properly installed, only the front of the stove is exposed and the back and sides are enclosed in the fireplace or chimneybreast.

What do you need to install a stove?

To install a stove you must first determine where you wish to place the stove and assess whether or not a flue pipe can be attached from your stove to the outside of your house. Consulting with a professional for stove advice and installation is often the more effective option than trying to complete a stove installation yourself to ensure the stove is set up safely and securely.

How to light and clean the stove?

Different wood burning stoves will operate in slightly different ways, in general, however, a wood burning stove can be lit by opening the draft control on the stove to allow airflow and place kindling and wood in the stove. Next, light the kindling (newspaper for example) and close the door most of the way, leaving a crack open. Once the fire has grown, begin to add larger pieces of wood, the door can now be completely closed.

To clean the stove, wait until the stove is completely cool and collect all the ashes and burnt wood. Sweep under the stove and do not use chemical cleaning products on the stove as this may affect the quality and safety of the fire. Stove maintenance should be completed regularly, and extinguished fires should be removed before new ones are lit.

What are the safety features for a wood burning stove?

A wood burning stove is generally safe, providing you take the time to understand how it operates. In terms of stove care and safety, always ensure your stove is properly ventilated and never leave a stove burning with its door open unattended.

To find your perfect stove, click here or call us on 01226 816 051.

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