5 more tips for choosing a woodburning stove
Installation
Fitting a wood burning stove is a specialist job, and needs to be done by a registered installer conforming to Building Regulations. All wood burners require a lined flue and if your flue is unlined, your installer will normally be able to do this for you for an additional charge. Most installers will visit pre-purchase to advise on the right size of stove to suit the space. You will also want to consider its location and the process of installation, especially if you have other specialist such as a Kitchen Showrooms Swindon company coming in to measure up for your new kitchen area.
Which wood?
Generally speaking, dense hardwoods are recommended for burning in your Defra approved multi fuel wood burning stoves. Denser woods such as beech, oak and ash will burn for longer and take up less storage space when compared to softwoods. Ensure you only purchase well-seasoned woods and as a rule of thumb, look for wood marked with a less than 25% moisture content, as these will have been thoroughly dried out. Damp wood burns badly and inefficiently and may even emit tars that harm the lining of your stove.
Storage
If you’re planning on stocking up on seasoned wood before the start of the colder months, you’ll need somewhere suitable to store it. Ideally, this will be a dry, well-ventilated area where you can stack your logs off the ground, with gaps so that the air can circulate efficiently. Bring a couple of days worth of wood into your home at a time, preferably at least a couple of days before you plan to burn it. More information can be found at https://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/eng-woodfuel-woodasfuelguide.pdf/$FILE/eng-woodfuel-woodasfuelguide.pdf.
Maintenance
A wood burning stove is an investment, and as such you should aim to keep on top of its maintenance to ensure it provides many years of good service. Keep it clean, clearing the ashtray after each use and cleaning the glass door. The best way to do this is to mix a small amount of ash with water, using the resulting paste on a soft cloth. Get your chimney swept once a year.
Cost
The cost of your stove will be dependent on several factors including the size required and whether your tastes lean to the basic or designer. When setting your budget, don’t forget to factor in the installation charge and also flue fitting/lining if required. You may also need to have a hearth put in to protect your flooring and ensure you conform with current Building Regulations.
