Winter is the season all wood-burning stove owners look forward to. With night’s drawing in and temperatures dropping it’s time for the wonderful ritual of wood-burning. Lighting a fire on a cold evening provides the perfect antidote to the elements and can dramatically boost your wellbeing. To enjoy the season to the max it’s important for stove users, particularly new users, to be aware of the following tips so that you and your family can enjoy your stove over the holiday season safely.
1/ Sweep your chimney 1-2 times a year
It’s important to keep your flue clear of blockages and soot and we highly recommend you have your chimney swept at least once a year – preferably twice. A Charnwood stove is fitted with a drop-down throat plate allowing you to sweep through the appliance with minimal mess.
2/ Inspect door seals
Take the opportunity to regularly check the rope seals on the doors and around the flue to ensure your fire box is airtight and the doors close firmly. A well-sealed stove will burn much more efficiently and effectively and significantly reduce any build up in your chimney.
3/ Don’t stack wood against your wood-burning stove
As well as being a dangerous fire hazard it can bring in unwanted outdoor critters. It’s best to store outside, sheltered from the elements and with enough airflow to allow the wood to continue to dry until it is ready to use.
4/ Keep decorations a safe distance away from the fire
This is easily overlooked, particularly as the focus is on merriment and preparing the home for festivity. However, it’s imperative to make sure that Christmas stockings, tinsel, candles and trees etc are kept a safe distance away from a fire and your safe clearances are maintained.
5/ Only burn wood with less than 20% moisture
Look out for the Woodsure Ready to Burn label which guarantees a moisture content of 20% or less. For everything you need to know about firewood click here!
6/ Don’t put candles on top of log burners
Not only can it cause a huge mess and ruin a perfectly nice candle, but it will damage your stove and is a fire hazard as well.
7/ Test your carbon monoxide meter regularly
Many household appliances present a carbon monoxide risk. A properly installed stove shouldn’t cause any problems and in fact, should help with circulation and airflow. However, it is prudent to have a fully functioning carbon monoxide meter in the home whether you have a stove or not.
8/ Double check your fireplace’s safety clearances
There’s no doubt that a wood-burning stove makes winter not only bearable but also a joyous time to be shared with family and friends. We hope these tips help you enjoy a wonderfully warm holiday season that leaves you feeling refreshed in the new year.
With the clocks going back and Halloween pumpkins now looking the worse for wear, it can mean only one thing – next up Guy Fawkes night and fireworks! If you’re headed out to your local Bonfire Night, you’ll be keen to get a good view of the action. When it comes to a wood burner at home, although on a more intimate scale, a good view of the action is equally desirable. With this in mind, we’ll compare 6 Charnwood Stoves with large viewing windows that maximise flame pictures, giving everyone the best seat in the house.
The Cranmore
This is our latest stove collection which takes inspiration from the Regency era with a single framed glass door and archetypal detailing. The pleasing proportions of the Cranmore make it well suited to a traditional fireplace and with a large picture window, it is an ideal replacement for an open fire. The stove can also work equally well in a freestanding situation.
Available in 2 sizes the Cranmore uses Charnwood clean burn Blu technology and is exceptionally efficient with a clearSkies level 5 rating.
The Charnwood Cranmore 5
Glass Picture Window Dimensions: 377 x 346mm
Output: 2-5kW
Energy Efficiency: 84% (over 75% is required for Ecodesign status)
Particles (mg/m3): 27 (below 40 is required for Ecodesign status)
Energy Efficiency Class: A+
Eco Design Ready and Defra Exempt
The Charnwood Cranmore 7
Glass Picture Window Dimensions: 438 x 348mm
Output: 7kW
Energy Efficiency: 82%
Particles (mg/m3): 22
Energy Efficiency Class: A+
Eco Design Ready and Defra Exempt
The Charnwood Aire
A range of simply styled wood burning stoves delivering one of the most impressive flame pictures. Designed with a very large view of the fire we have also incorporated new and improved burn technology that not only meets but goes beyond the new 2022 Ecodesign standards and Defra exemption requirements.
The Aire is available in 3 sizes with low or store stand models to choose from in a choice of eight colours.
The Aire 5
Output: 2-5kW
Glass Picture Window Dimensions: 377 x 346mm
Output: 2-5kW
Energy Efficiency: 84%
Particles (mg/m3): 27
Energy Efficiency Class: A+
Eco Design Ready and Defra Exempt
The Aire 7
Output: 7kW
Glass Picture Window Dimensions: 438 x 348mm
Energy Efficiency: 82%
Particles (mg/m3): 22
Energy Efficiency Class: A+
Eco Design Ready and Defra Exempt
The Aire 3
An exciting addition to our Charnwood Aire collection. With a 3.6kW output delivering an impressive efficiency of 84% the Aire 3 has been designed for smaller spaces. Not just for conventional houses – but cabins, houseboats, yurts and other types of tiny homes. We also offer a standalone hearth and chamber enclosure for this model; the Charnwood Stove Pod.
Glass Picture Window Dimensions: 280 x 275mm
Output: 3.6kW
Energy Efficiency: 86%
Particles (mg/m3): 25
Energy Efficiency Class: A+
Eco Design Ready and Defra Exempt
The Country 4
A traditional, time-honoured stove, that is a sturdy, yet graceful little fire. With a rated output of 5kW, the Country 4 can be installed, in certain situations, without the need for external air. The single door gives a complete, crystal clear view of the fire – it has one of the largest view windows for a stove of its size. It takes a decent sized log length of 332mm (13”) making it a very popular choice in the small stove market. The stove is available in a choice of eight Charnwood colours and is finished with touches of solid brass and a turned wooden door handle. The Country 4 Blu is Defra exempt; allowing wood to be burnt in smoke control areas.
Glass Picture Window Dimensions: 280 x 275mm
Output: 5kW
Energy Efficiency: 84%
Particles (mg/m3): 20
Energy Efficiency Class: A+
Eco Design Ready and Defra Exempt
The festivities come thick and fast at this time of year and all occasions are enhanced by the wonderfully warming and captivating flames provided by a wood-burning stove. All the stove options presented offer a sizable viewing window while all meet and exceed the efficiency ratings required for Ecodesign classification. You can’t go far wrong with any of these stoves, and it comes down to your style and room size to guide your decision on which is best suited to your space.
Speak to our team or a local supplier to discuss your requirements.
Now that the dark, winter nights are slowly creeping in and the temperature is falling, many of us are already using wood burners to keep warm.
Wood burners are incredibly popular, and many people use them as an effective way of heating their homes. Combining cost effective heating and an aesthetic appeal which makes wood burners highly attractive, it is estimated that around 1.5 million households in the UK use this form of heating.
Many people choose a wood burning stove to lower their environmental impact by utilising a sustainable resource to heat their properties, rather than purchasing energy.
Are wood burning stoves bad for the environment?
A number of reports circulating in the news over recent years suggest that stoves are responsible for far more emissions than they actually contribute. Many of these studies quote air pollution statistics that are inaccurate and group today’s modern, clean wood burning stoves together with other domestic fuels, open fires, and older wood burners.
Wood burners do give off fumes which contain microscopic specks of soot, which can cause air pollution. However, using approved fuels significantly reduces any potential harm.
If the wood you are using is burnt correctly, it can actually become part of a carbon neutral process. This means that the carbon released from the burning wood is balanced out by the carbon absorbed by the tree. It is also worthwhile remembering that burning wood can also be part of a sustainable energy process, providing trees are replanted and wood land is properly managed.
Are wood burning stoves bad for the environment? The myths and facts
There are many myths circulating about wood burning stoves and it can be hard to know the real facts. Let’s take a look at some of the most common myths:
Myth: Wood burning stoves are the biggest contributor in the UK of small particle matter
Fact: This is based on incorrect data.
This myth is based on a statement from Defra’s Clean Air Strategy, which claimed that domestic combustion accounts for 38% of fine particle matter. However, this figure was based on a government survey from 2015, which was found to wrongly overestimate the amount of wood being burnt on stoves and fireplaces.
In fact, a study carried out by the SIA in 2019 showed that the true figure was actually less than a third of what the Government quoted. This made the percentage of PM2.5 attributed to domestic combustion around 13% not 38% as their study concluded.
Later figures published by Defra supported SIA’s findings, reinforcing that, if accurate wood fuel volume figures were combined with the correct emission factors, the real percentage of PM2.5 attributed to domestic wood burning would be less than 10%.
Myth: All wood burning stoves create high emissions
Defra’s 38% figure was based on emissions from older stoves and open fires. But it has since been proven that modern, Ecodesign compliant wood burning stoves produce 66% less emissions than older, outdated appliances.
Myth: Wood burning stoves create the same emissions as 18 diesel cars
Fact: This is misleading.
This myth is based on test results interpreted by the Air Quality Expert Group (AQEG). However, the SIA has pointed out that the comparison is extremely misleading.
Firstly, the test looks at the appliances running at significantly different efficiency levels – car comparing exhaust emissions at an efficient run rate of 21mph to all the emissions of a full run rate for a stove. This doesn’t consider the small particle emissions generated by the car’s brakes and tyres, which are often greater than those produced by the exhaust pipe.
In addition to this, the different dispersal points of particulate matter from wood burning stoves and cars, is completely ignored. A car outputs emissions at face level for a child, meaning there is very little dispersal before it is breathed in, whereas a woodburning stove sends emissions out of the top of a chimney, meaning there is considerable dispersal of the emissions before they even reach human height.
Myth: Wood burning stoves and fireplaces are harmful
Fact: Another misconception.
This view fails to consider the huge advances that have been made by the woodburning stove industry in recent years. Members of SIA, including Charnwood, were among the first manufacturers to develop ultra clean burn technology to achieve the forthcoming 2022 Ecodesign Regulations. More recently, 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 many will also go a significant way beyond. The majority of Charnwood stoves achieve level 5 clearSkies certification.
Find out more about our Ecodesign ready stoves here.
What are the regulations around wood burning stoves?
On May 1 2021, new regulations came into force, restricting the types of fuel that you can burn at home. This means that coal and wet wood are no longer allowed to be used.
At Charnwood, we welcome the announcement that, going forward, only fuels that reduce air pollution can be burnt in stoves and open fires in domestic settings. For many years, we have been producing exceptionally high-performance stoves designed to run on approved wood-burning stove fuel. Look out for the Ready to Burn label on bags of wood which ensures the moisture content is less than 20%.
How much are wood burning stoves?
There are lots of different wood burning stoves available and they all come in different sizes. The price you can expect to pay for a wood burning stove in the UK varies and is dependent on its size, specification, and design. However, the vast majority of stoves are priced between £800 and £1500.
At Charnwood all of the appliances we make now meet the Ecodesign ready requirements and virtually all are Defra exempt, so you can burn wood safely and cleanly, even in smoke control areas. If you have any questions about wood burners and the environment, please get in touch.
We recently released the fascinating results of the Charnwood Wellbeing Study 2021 which revealed 93% of 1227 wood-burning stove users recognise their stove’s positive impact on wellbeing. A further 6% answered maybe with only 1% replying no. The study also gave additional detailed insight into how these wellbeing benefits are experienced and this blog will take a closer look at these findings.
‘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.’
So, in short, science supports what our survey participants reported below.
“I find the process of building and lighting the fire therapeutic and sitting watching the flames is very relaxing.”
A fire promotes feelings of safety and security which helps relaxation. Tension is often held in the body and the warmth of the fire seems to have a physiological effect as well as a psychological one. The heat relaxes the muscles, and the mind follows.
“It helps me to switch off after work and also to consider things more clearly and calmly. It seems to warm my soul as well as my feet!”
“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.”
“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!”
Stress release
With stress widely regarded as one of the unhealthiest components of our lives, it is encouraging to know that a fire can change these negative states of being.
“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.”
“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.”
“All my problems seem very manageable when I feel the fires warmth, realising that life is good and that I shouldn’t stress out about the small stuff.”
Improves mood
Mood and happiness are intertwined and while we all have strategies to improve our mood, some are better for us than others. Lighting your stove is arguably one of the better ways to improve your mood and one that can be depended upon time and time again.
“The world seems much better with a stove! It has huge mental health benefit, particularly during pandemic “ Again, whether that is improving from a negative state or enhancing an already wonderful occasion, it appears a significant proportion of participants recognise a strong effect from their wood-burning experience on their mood.
“Really effective on cold winter afternoons with few outdoor options. Definitely a mood lifter.”
“My stove helps with relaxation & mood improvement. It helps to unwind after a day’s exertions at work.”
Promotes Family Bonding
With more of our lives being played out online, those of us who remember life before social media, recognise the negative impact on in-person interaction and connection. One can be in the same house, room or even at the same dinner table as others and still feel detached from the person gazing at their phone. As an antidote, a wood-burning stove can provide a focal point for the home, encouraging people to share space and spark conversation. Time shared in this way often leads to a deeper sense of connection and a tighter family unit.
“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.”
“Something the whole family enjoy doing together and it makes us all feel incredibly relaxed and happy.”
“After a day of sledging and building snowmen and having snowball fights with the family it was very relaxing and comforting for us all to warm up in front of the fire.”
“Having the fire going brings everyone to the same room. This helps with family bonding and discussions in general. With our digital lives, it is so easy to just stay in your room and get distracted. However, the fire brings us together and we can even share a warm drink together!”
Homely atmosphere
Now this one didn’t surprise us too much, gaining the most votes out of any of the options available. Relating to family bonding, the fireplace has long been the centre of the home and we are hardwired to respond positively to its influence.
“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.”
“Christmas especially. The stove just provides a much-needed atmosphere on a cold winter’s night. You feel relaxed, cosy and there is something about it that just welcomes you into the living room. I couldn’t live without it.”
Meditative
The recognition of meditation’s utility in our modern lives has grown exponentially over recent years. Online meditation apps, sound meditations as well as more traditional forms have all been widely adopted. Despite these great tools, it can still be very challenging to unlock the benefits of meditation through a strict dedicated practice.
Perhaps equally beneficial and certainly more accessible are those everyday acts/experiences that encourage something approaching a meditative state. Hobbies, music, walks in nature etc. can, from anecdotal evidence, bring about these states to greater or lesser degrees. Wood-burning is also certainly on that list. A full sensory experience that allows the mind to detach from thoughts more easily, replacing with a spaciousness that is restorative. Detaching from thoughts and stilling the mind is so much easier when one has a focus, be it the breath, a mantra, or a fire…
“It draws the family (and pets) into the room, warms the atmosphere and the space and watching the flames is meditative too. “
“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.”
“Watching the stove in full display is almost hypnotic and has great relaxing properties. It also has a back to nature feel and without any electrical devices in the room is perfect for de-stressing.”
“Mesmerising flame watching takes us away from our worries and concerns. The room has a focus that isn’t a screen and gives warmth with it.”
Escapism
The process of lighting a fire taps into the more primal part of our brain and somehow allows us to switch off from the everyday stresses and escape from worry. A warm fire signifies access to cooking, warmth, and shelter and when these primary needs are catered for, we instinctively feel better about life.
“Fire is deep within the human psyche and sits in a happy place in our limbic brain. You get lost from the day to day in a fire – it’s a little bit of wilderness in the order of the day to day.”
“I’ve long felt a disconnect between earning money in the corporate world and home life. Here is something with a direct connection – the family stay warm through my simple effort.”
“Helps to switch off from the technology that takes over our everyday lives. You feel a sense of achievement when the first sparks ignite.”
Other
There are too many incredible quotes to list them all. To give a feel for the full range of benefits that a log burner can bring to wellbeing, here’s a list of the most used words and phrases in the ‘Other’ category:
Safety, protection, memories, therapeutic, comforting, unwind, switch off, tradition, better than tv, mesmerising, warmth, warm my soul, nicer atmosphere, joyful experience, encourages chatting, stove is a catalyst, congregates, less vulnerable, natural, sense of achievement, hypnotic, cosy, ritual, magical, toasting marshmallows, contentment, building a memory…
The results of the Charnwood Wellbeing Survey are the first of its kind. Whilst offering many fascinating insights into life with a log burner, as with many things in life, seeing is believing. Perhaps we can modify this expression to ‘experiencing is believing’ as far more than one sense is stimulated when nestling down in front of a toasty fire on a cold winters evening.
We recently released the fascinating results of The Charnwood Wellbeing Study 2021 which revealed 93% of 1227 wood-burning stove users recognise their stove’s positive impact on wellbeing. A further 6% answered maybe with only 1% replying no. The study also gave additional detailed insight into how these wellbeing benefits are experienced and this blog will take a closer look at these findings.
Relaxation
Lighting your stove is the perfect way to draw a line in the sand from the stresses of the day. It can become almost a ritual that readies the body and mind for repose. There is documentation of the power of fire playing this roll since the dawn of time. Studies have shown how hearth and campfires can influence arterial blood pressure and defray the costs of the social brain through fireside relaxation.
‘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.’
So, in short, science supports what our survey participants reported below.
“I find the process of building and lighting the fire therapeutic and sitting watching the flames is very relaxing.”
A fire promotes feelings of safety and security which helps relaxation. Tension can also be held in the body and the warmth of the fire seems to have a physiological effect as well as a psychological one. The heat relaxes the muscles, and the mind follows.
“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.”
“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!”
Stress release
With stress widely regarded as one of the unhealthiest components of our lives, it is encouraging to know that a fire can change these negative states of being.
“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.”
“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.”
“All my problems seem very manageable when I feel the fires warmth, realising that life is good and that I shouldn’t stress out about the small stuff.”
Improves mood
Mood and happiness are intertwined and while we all have strategies to improve our mood, some are better for us than others. Lighting your stove is arguably one of the better ways to improve your mood and one that can be depended upon time and time again.
“The world seems much better with a stove! It has huge mental health benefit, particularly during pandemic “ Again, whether that is improving from a negative state or enhancing an already wonderful occasion, it appears a significant proportion of participants recognise a strong effect from their wood-burning experience on their mood.
“Really effective on cold winter afternoons with few outdoor options. Definitely a mood lifter.”
“My stove helps with relaxation & mood improvement. It helps to unwind after a day’s exertions at work.”
Promotes Family Bonding
With more of our lives being played out online, those of us who remember life before social media, recognise the negative impact on in-person interaction and connection. One can be in the same house, room or even at the same dinner table as others and still feel detached from the person gazing at their phone. As an antidote, a wood-burning stove can provide a focal point for the home, encouraging people to share space and spark conversation. Time shared in this way often leads to a deeper sense of connection and a tighter family unit.
“Something the whole family enjoy doing together and it makes us all feel incredibly relaxed and happy.”
“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.”
“After a day of sledging and building snowmen and having snowball fights with the family it was very relaxing and comforting for us all to warm up in front of the fire.”
“Having the fire going brings everyone to the same room. This helps with family bonding and discussions in general. With our digital lives, it is so easy to just stay in your room and get distracted. However, the fire brings us together and we can even share a warm drink together!”
Homely atmosphere
Now this one didn’t surprise us too much, gaining the most votes out of any of the options available. Relating to family bonding, the fireplace has long been the centre of the home and we are hardwired to respond positively to its influence.
“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.”
“Christmas especially. The stove just provides a much-needed atmosphere on a cold winter’s night. You feel relaxed, cosy and there is something about it that just welcomes you into the living room. I couldn’t live without it.”
Meditative
The recognition of meditation’s utility in our modern lives has grown exponentially over recent years. Online meditation apps, sound meditations as well as more traditional forms have all been widely adopted. Despite these great tools, it can still be very challenging to unlock the benefits of meditation through a strict dedicated practice. Perhaps equally beneficial and certainly more accessible are those everyday acts/experiences that encourage something approaching a mediative state. Hobbies, music, walks in nature etc. can, from anecdotal evidence, bring about these states to greater or lesser degrees. Wood-burning is certainly also on that list. A full sensory experience that allows the mind to detach from thoughts more easily, replacing with a spaciousness that is restorative. Detaching from thoughts and stilling the mind is so much easier when one has a focus, be it the breath, a mantra, or a fire…
“It draws the family (and pets) into the room, warms the atmosphere and the space and watching the flames is meditative too. “
“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.”
“Watching the stove in full display is almost hypnotic and has great relaxing properties. It also has a back to nature feel and without any electrical devices in the room is perfect for de-stressing.”
“Mesmerising flame watching takes us away from our worries and concerns. The room has a focus that isn’t a screen and gives warmth with it.”
Escapism
The process of lighting a fire taps into the more primal part of our brain and somehow allows us to switch off from the everyday stresses and escape from worry. A warm fire signifies access to cooking, warmth, and shelter and when these primary needs are catered for, we instinctively feel better about life.
“Fire is deep within the human psyche and sits in a happy place in our limbic brain. You get lost from the day to day in a fire – it’s a little bit of wilderness in the order of the day to day.”
“I’ve long felt a disconnect between earning money in the corporate world and home life. Here is something with a direct connection – the family stay warm through my simple effort.”
“Helps to switch off from the technology that takes over our everyday lives. You feel a sense of achievement when the first sparks ignite.”
Other
There are too many incredible quotes to list them all. To give a feel for the full range of benefits that a log burner can bring to wellbeing, here’s a list of the most used words and phrases in the ‘Other’ category:
Safety, protection, memories, therapeutic, comforting, unwind, switch off, tradition, better than tv, mesmerising, warmth, warm my soul, nicer atmosphere, joyful experience, encourages chatting, stove is a catalyst, congregates, less vulnerable, natural, sense of achievement, hypnotic, cosy, ritual, magical, toasting marshmallows, contentment, building a memory…
The results of the Charnwood Wellbeing Survey are the first of its kind. Whilst offering many fascinating insights into life with a log burner, as with many things in life, seeing is believing. Perhaps we can modify this expression to ‘experiencing is believing’ as far more than one sense is stimulated when nestling down in front of a toasty fire on a cold winters evening.
Read More:
Link to another blog [The truth about emissions …]
As a British based company that is passionate about the environment and sustainability, we were delighted when the government made the UK the first major economy to pass a law committing to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. These targets obligate the UK to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero through a combination of reduction and carbon offset. In this blog, we will discuss our own commitments and strategy to achieve Net Zero 2050 as a business.
Charnwood is a privately-owned, family-run business on the Isle of Wight. Founded in 1972, by Alfred J Wells and his two sons, sustainability and environmental considerations were at the forefront of their principles from the start. Amid an oil crisis and with Dutch Elm Disease prevalent, the 3 founders saw an opportunity to produce a small wood burning stove as an alternative way to help people heat their homes and directly reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Our product’s environmental credentials
Charnwood Stoves
Our stoves are among the most environmentally friendly appliances available on the market, using the very latest combustion technology. The majority of our range now meets the new EcoDesign regulations coming into force in 2022.
Eco benefits:
• 90% more efficient than open fires
• They can produce heat 24/7 allowing them to work in conjunction with wind and solar energy.
• Carbon neutral fuel
• Ability to source fuel locally and without fracking and deep-sea oil drilling
• A good quality stove can last many decades and comes with the right to repair
• The materials used to fabricate a Charnwood stove and its packaging are fully recyclable
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The Truth About Wood Burning Stoves and Air Quality Click here to read more
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A company-wide approach
The idea of being ‘green’ extends beyond the products and to every aspect of the company; from choosing raw materials, recycling packaging and even how we transport our materials and products. It is our view that it is environmentally unsustainable to transport heavy materials around the world, on the grounds of small savings, when the world’s finest materials are available here in the UK. With this in mind, Charnwood strives to buy British whenever possible. We are ISO 14001 accredited, Fors Bronze (A fleet Operator recognition Scheme), and working towards ISO 45001.
Green Investments
We have invested in our plant and equipment over many years to reduce our carbon footprint and be more sustainable. Across our site, there is currently 135kW of solar PV systems that have generated nearly 1000MWh to date. The vast majority of this energy is used on-site which equates to a reduction in CO2 of 368 tonnes. The rest of our electricity is sourced from a supplier providing renewable energy; however, we are planning to apply for further solar panels in due course.
By monitoring our half-hour data, we identified usage outside of working hours. By ensuring machines and compressors are turned off during these times we have achieved many thousands of annual savings.
When investing in machinery we always consider energy consumption. As a result of this objective, we have invested in 4 variable speed drive compressors, each reducing energy consumption by up to 50% when compared to fixed drive compressors.
Our investment in the latest fibre laser technology has resulted in a reduction in energy consumption of our metal cutting facility of over 500kWh per day due to advancements in technology.
Our sustainable network
Our suppliers
Our supply chains get evaluated on their environmental credentials. A recent example is our steel supply. We have placed a large forward order for 750 tonnes of hot rolled steel with our supplier who produce the material in South Wales. We have chosen to buy our steel with them here in the UK, as we feel they play a big part in making the steel industry more sustainable. We have agreed to pay a £10 per tonne carbon surcharge, which will be used to reduce their carbon emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 and help them be carbon-neutral by 2050.
Our employees
Since 2008 we have run a scheme, marketed internally as the “Green dog”, encouraging our employees to be environmentally friendly. This ranges from reducing energy consumption by switching off lights and keeping air-con between certain temperatures, to using the compost bin and offering them locally sourced fruit and milk.
We are part of the cycle-to-work scheme which has proven popular and provide showers to facilitate this. We avidly discourage printing in the office and have invested in a digital solution that delivers order information to the factory floor, thus cutting out the paper trail. We are looking to extend that solution throughout the company.
We also have a policy of investing in electric company vehicles and have multiple charging points at the factory available to all staff and visitors.
Our customers
At the customer level we are taking our commitment to greener packaging to a higher level by sourcing innovative, alternative solutions to pallet wrapping and reviewing every aspect of the packaging, right down to the tape, labels and documents enclosed. We have used recycled stationery throughout our offices since 2012 we are now looking to swap to even more eco-friendly, more visibly recycled versions so that our efforts do not go unnoticed by our customers.
Our commitments
Whilst the Net Zero 2050 initiative is currently the only formal sustainability initiative we are part of, many of the projects we are involved in, especially for Transport for London require us to commit to reducing our environmental impact. In recognition of this and other achievements, we were awarded the Green Business of the Year Award by our local chamber of commerce.
We believe Net Zero 2050 is an inevitable step for all companies and we are committed to leading the way in a domain that we are passionate about. We will continue to analyse our approach and actively seek ways to improve the business’s environmental credentials. Factoring in our interventions to date with our plans for the future, we are well placed to reach ‘carbon-neutral’ status before 2050.
On the 5th August 2021 a number of our employees took part in the Cycle to Work Day. As part of our company’s commitment to Net Zero 2050 we agreed to partner up with The Woodland Trust and plant a tree for every 10 miles cycled. True to British tradition the summer weather didn’t disappoint and we experienced some very heavy rain on the day but this band of brave souls managed to clock up 214 miles between them – equating to 21 trees!
We hope to repeat this event again very soon to encourage our employees to use their cars less. The weather will hopefully be kinder next time so we can persuade more people to participate and in turn plant more trees!
Did you know?
The average person in the UK is responsible for at least 5.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year. So when it comes to climate change native woods and trees are one of the best ways to tackle the climate crisis. Check out this short film from The Woodland Trust
Charnwood’s Commitment to Net Zero 2050
We have always put sustainability at the forefront of our principles and the idea of being ‘green’ extends past the manufacturing process to every aspect of the company; from choosing raw materials, recycling packaging and even how we transport our materials and products. We are ISO 14001 accredited, Fors Bronze (A fleet Operator recognition Scheme), and working towards ISO 45001. We are looking to become Net Zero 2050 as we feel this is an inevitable step for all companies and we would like to lead the way in a domain that we are passionate about.
A wood burning stove is a brilliant addition to any space, helping to optimise heat in the rooms you spend the most time in, while also adding a stylish focal point.
Affordable and practical, wood burning stoves continue to increase in popularity in both traditional and modern properties, and are a striking focal point in any room. However, one of the main reasons why they are so popular is that they can heat your entire household – keeping your energy bills to a minimum, which makes them a great investment.
Whether you’re thinking about investing in a wood burning stove or you already have one, we’ve created a guide outlining our top accessories to maximise its use, allowing you to get the most out of your stove in an efficient and safe way.
Room Heating Stove Gloves
As a general rule of thumb it is advisable to use stove gloves when using your wood burning stove. Fireside stove gloves will not only protect your hands and lower arms when you’re loading firewood or fuel, but they are also ideal for cooking on a BBQ with too.
Room Heating Stove Ash Vacuum
Everyone loves firing up their wood burning stove, but cleaning it can be a different matter! While it is not particularly time consuming, cleaning your stove can be a dirty job but it will need to be done on a regular basis.
The good news is, there is a solution. A stove ash vacuum is perfect for cleaning up the ash with minimum mess and hassle. Easy to use and empty, this is sure to become a welcome addition to your home.
Room Heating Stove flue pipe thermometer
It’s important that your wood burning stove is always burning at the right temperature. One of the best ways to do this is to use a flue pipe thermometer.
Compact and easy to use, this thermometer will help you run your stove at its optimum level. It helps to improve efficiency and identify any over or under firing issues straight away.
Room Heating Stove Log Basket
If you have a wood burning stove, one of your first purchases should be a stove log basket. These come in all shapes and size. Stove log baskets are a great way to keep your logs neat and tidy, ensuring that they’re always to hand when you need them.
Moisture Metre
Finally, a moisture metre is a great tool for those looking to keep burning levels at their cleanest and most efficient.
Affordable and easy to use, a moisture metre is a handheld device that allows you to check the moisture content of your wood. This is important as you will need to make sure that the moisture content of your logs is under 20% to burn effectively.
At Charnwood, we offer a range of room heating stove accessories. Explore our range and get in touch if you have any questions.
Glamping’s popularity continues to soar with a range of luxury camping options available across the UK. Log cabins, yurts, shepherds’ huts, and other ‘tiny home’ accommodation are fantastic ways to bring comfort and relaxation to the most beautiful locations. Many owners are adding wood-burning stoves as trends continue to show they are a key consideration for holidaymakers. After all, there is nothing quite like staying in an idyllic spot with the radiant heat of a wood-burning stove to get you into holiday mode. In response to this rapid growth in glamping stoves, HETAS has released new regulations for installation in leisure accommodation units. Here’s an overview of some of the key points raised and why, with the release of Charnwood’s Aire 3 Stove Pod package, we have the perfect glamping solution.
Suitability
When choosing your glamping stove, bear in mind that HETAS regulations state that “Only appliances that have been appropriately tested to the required CE type test standards (i.e. BS EN 13240) and have a measured gross efficiency of above 65% shall be installed.’’
Size
It is also important to make sure that the wood-burner you choose has sufficient output for your space, but not be too large that it negatively affects emissions and efficiency. As a general guide, a 3kW output heats a 30m3, 5kW a 60m3 space, while a 7kW output will heat approximately 90m3. Between 3 and 5kw is an ideal output for most leisure accommodation, however, we recommend speaking with your supplier to ascertain what best suits your needs.
Efficiency
Whilst a minimum efficiency of 65% is currently required, in light of DEFRA’s recent announcements and with more changes coming in 2022, it makes sense to choose an EcoDesign ready stove. This future proofs your investment, while also being the eco-friendly and cost-efficient choice. The majority of Charnwood stoves are EcoDesign ready and accredited with the highest 5 Star ClearSkies rating.
Clearances
Each stove manufactured undergoes CE type testing to verify the safe distances required from your stove and other surfaces. Due to the limited space in most glamping setups that means these minimum distances cannot usually be obtained. Therefore, heat shielding is required to protect and ensure any adjacent combustibles do not rise above 85C.
Hearths
Situated underneath the stove, hearths should extend 150mm on the sides and 225 mm at the rear and front of the appliance. They should be made of suitable non-combustible material and provide sufficient support for the weight of the stove and chimney system.
Shields
If your stove’s guidance on clearance is below 700mm, it is eligible for use with a heat shield in your leisure accommodation. A heat shield can reduce the safe distance required for your stove to just 95mm and in the case of Charnwood’s Stove Pod and Aire 3 package this is reduced to just 50mm – a significant space saving.
HETAS state a heat shield should extend to the extremities of the hearth (150mm on either side) and 200mm above the top surface, without obstructing the flow of cool air behind the shield. A gap of 25 mm should be maintained between the shield and the combustible surface.
For more information on all the regulations, we recommend speaking with your nearest supplier and checking out the HETAS website.
Aire 3 Stove Pod Package
Whilst there are a number of regulations to be mindful of, Charnwood has taken the headache away by creating the perfect glamping stove package, allowing you to easily meet all HETAS and Defra regulations. It exceeds efficiency and clearance targets and is designed to be quick to fit and provide many years of good use.
The Aire 3 is one of the most efficient stoves on the market, demonstrating 86% efficiency on independent tests. It’s one of the few glamping stoves that is EcoDesign ready and has been given a 5-star clearSkies rating – the highest possible award. With a 2-5 kW output, it is the perfect size for most leisure spaces and provides a crystal-clear burn. The glass door is designed to maximise the viewing area and your guest’s enjoyment of the fire. It also benefits from being easy to operate, with a single air control and removable ashpan, which lends itself to guests that may not have previous wood-burning experience.
The stove pod provides a sleek, safe, and secure enclosure and is designed for ease of installation. We recommend this is carried out by a heating specialist, however, the Stove Pod’s unique design means that you will save on time and labour when compared to alternatives.
The Stove Pod is a freestanding unit that doesn’t require affixing to any walls which is particularly important in a yurt and other glamping accommodation. It is an exceptionally sturdy design and will provide years of use, even from the most inexperienced holidaymakers. The internal shelf supports the flue providing far greater stability and the curvature of the design focuses heat into your space.
The steel skin is magnetic and Charnwood offer a number of tools and pots that can be attached, while the flue support incorporates a handy warming shelf for plates, pots and pans. It is available in a matt black hammered powder coat with the option to add a VLAZE vitreous enamel liner for a stylish, easy to clean finish.
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We welcome the new glamping stove regulations for which the Aire 3 Stove Pod package offers a perfect solution. As with all Charnwood products, beauty and longevity come as standard, but it is the intelligence of the design that makes the Aire 3 Stove pod package the ideal choice for the glamping stove market.
For more information do get in touch with your local supplier. For the latest news follow us @Charnwood.
FAQs
Can you put a wood stove in a yurt?
Absolutely! They are very popular as they provide a comfortable, radiant, source of heat while being extremely beneficial for one’s wellbeing. A stove pod is an excellent stand-alone option as it is far easier to install and doesn’t need to be affixed to the tent. We recommend speaking with your supplier or heating specialist about installation.
Can you put a wood stove in a Tiny House?
A wood-burning stove is a great option for a Tiny house. Due to the limited space, you will need to consider a heat shield and hearth to adhere to HETAS regulations. A stove pod would be an ideal option as it’s easy to install and reduces clearance requirements to an absolute minimum.
Can you put a wood stove in a Shepard’s hut?
A Shepard’s hut heats up quickly and benefits from the warm radiant heat of a wood-burning stove. It’s a perfect choice for those who are living off-grid and want a sustainable and eco-friendly fuel source.
What is considered a non-combustible wall?
While brick, metal, stone and tile are non-combustible, many walls include some combustible elements, such as wood, in their underlying structure. If enough heat is transmitted through the non-combustible part of the wall to the vulnerable underlying material, it could present a fire hazard. To prevent this a heat shield is your only option.
Do you need planning permission to install a wood-burning stove?
No, you do not need to have planning permission. However, you must adhere to DEFRA controls and HETAS Regulations. We recommend consulting with your supplier/heating specialist for advice.
Does having a wood stove increase insurance?
Not necessarily. Your insurer may consider your wood stove in the same category as a space heater or other similar heating appliance. Consult your insurer and if there is any increase, it is likely to be small.
Increasingly people are turning to wood-burning stoves to create warm, comforting, and restorative spaces — hugely beneficial at the best of times, but particularly during this period. A wood-burning stove can be the beating heart of a happy household, a focal point to gather round and converse or sit silently while absorbing the hypnotic and healing power of glowing flames. In this blog we will look at how carefully considered fireside accessories can be wonderful furnishings in their own right and enhance the fireside experience even further.
A Fresh Coat of Paint
Whether you want to match your stove’s colour to your latest renovation project or simply give your stove a touch up, we offer cans of our high temperature stove paint in the 8 Charnwood colour options. Designed for easy application, they are a simple yet brilliant way to give your stove and space a new lease of life.
Vlaze Panels
Vlaze is a unique material, both in its capacity to resist heat and protect, but also with the aesthetic potential it offers. It is well proven as a fireside accessory, with exceptional durability and thermal resistant properties. Vlaze is colour-fast, allows for printed graphics and offers limitless scope for design. With unrivalled heat resistant and anti-static properties, a Vlaze panelled surface will stay looking clean and sharp.
From left to right: Vlaze Heat Shield, Insert Surround, Hearth and Chamber Plate Forest Design
Heat Shields
The design of this heat shield is one of 30 finishes that allows you to add real character and satisfy your aesthetic impulses.
The vitreous enamel panel features a dual skin that provides thermal protection and an effective convection system that distributes heat back into the room.
Our rail mounted system included allows for quick and easy installation and when installed the shield reduces the stoves distance to the face of the panel to 95mm. In the case of a Charnwood stove this is reduced to just 75mm which is a vast improvement on HETAS regulations and really allows you to maximise the size of your space.
Vlaze Insert Surrounds
The designer finish of this stunning insert surround adds so much to the look and feel of the space. A beautiful backdrop to your wood-burning stove, whether the flames are flickering or not. Made to measure in one piece to fit around any insert stove, preventing cracking and discolouration on the chimney breast. They feature a slim 9mm radius edge insulated with fire rated fibre board, minimising intrusion into your space, supplying a neat and elegant finish.
Vlaze Hearth and Chamber Plates
We love this Forest Design hearth and chamber plate. This contemporary design offers a clean, modern platform on which to stand your stove. An excellent alternative to glass or polished stone they can be used on their own or alongside our heat shields and insert surrounds for a seamless floor to wall solution.
The smooth gloss surface finish is heat resistant, easy to clean and is available in over 30 colours & designer finishes. Each hearth features a smooth radius edge and is insulated with fire rated fibre board to take the heat and weight of the stove.
Our hearth plates are available in 5 sizes which is suitable for most stoves and are constructed to a solid 12mm depth which conforms to UK building regulations for non constructional hearths.
Bodj Accessories
The beautiful range of Bodj fireside accessories above are a perfect complement to your fireplace. The minimalist, elegant lines married to high-quality natural materials, create fireplace furnishings that add style and sophistication.
Bodj is a fair-trade initiative that aims to develop local Cambodian businesses in order to relieve poverty and improve social and environmental conditions for the future. They produce a range of sustainably sourced, beautifully designed fireside accessories for the ethical and style-conscious home.
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Having the perfect fireplace at the heart of the home involves careful consideration of all aspects of the process. A beautiful stove is unquestionably the most crucial element, however choosing the right accessories can have a significant impact on performance and your personal satisfaction.
For frequent fireside inspiration, we encourage you to follow along with our Instagram accounts @charnwoodstoves and @vlazesurface.
