Why to install a wood-burner this winter
As the cold weather looks set to continue there are many reasons to consider warming yourself beside the real flames of a home stove this season
Recent years have seen soaring demand for wood-burning stoves, with more homeowners than ever looking into the options.
Andrew Ireland, managing director of Suffolk Stoves, says the trend escalated following the demand for greener energy, rise in fuel prices and uncertainty over the future of our oil and gas supply.
“At the same time, fashion trends also dictated that a wood-burning appliance was the ‘must have’ essential in the modern home,” he points out.
Andrew, who stocks a wide range of products at his Middleton-based showroom, often works with architects in Norfolk to add the perfect finishing touch to a home conversion or extension project.
“We aim to ensure the right product is purchased and installed safely alongside a commitment to optimum design and aesthetic,” he says.
Why install a wood-burner?
There are so many reasons for considering installing a wood-burner, he suggests:
*Nothing can compete with the comforting warmth and soothing visual effect that can be produced by a real fire in the home
*Coupled with beautiful design and quality, a wood-burning stove can create a magical centrepiece to any home
*Wood is a renewable energy and almost carbon neutral
*The new range of energy-efficient stoves can significantly help lower CO emissions and improve air quality
*There is a huge range of contemporary and traditional, free-standing and inset models, so most clients can find something to satisfy their requirements
Efficiency and safety
As the drive towards reducing pollution and improving air quality continues, ever-more efficient models of wood-burner are being launched.
Ecodesign the European-wide programme to lower emissions is due to come into effect in the UK in 2022.
Homeowners should always consult with a Heating Equipment Testing and Approvals Scheme (HETAS) approved installer or retailer to ensure they find an efficient and safe model.
They should also familiarise themselves with required building regulations and are urged to understand the importance of wood quality when it comes to stove efficiency.
The right wood
Quality assurance scheme Woodsure has recently launched its Ready to Burn stamp of approval to guarantee wood has come from a sustainable source, meets European standards and is dry enough and ready to burn.
Burning wet wood is inefficient as it demands high levels of heat to boil off the water and it creates smoke which damages chimneys, blackens appliances and contributes to air pollution.
Dry wood that has been properly sourced and seasoned or kiln dried produces fewer particulates and provides more heat efficiency.
Bruce Allen, chairman, of Woodsure, says: “Today, modern heating appliances are highly engineered, efficient pieces of technology that do a fantastic job – but they can only do so much without quality wood fuel.
“Think about it, if you bought a super clean energy-efficient car, would you choose to fill it with a fuel that you were unsure of?
“It’s true that modern heating appliances are not as complex as car engines, but the same principles apply. Poor quality wood fuel leads to smoke and a poor fuel economy.”