Category: Advice

Top room heating stove accessories

charnwoodstoves
16 Jul 2021

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.

Fireside Inspiration

charnwoodstoves
27 Apr 2021

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.

Top 5 Garden Fire Pit Benefits

charnwoodstoves
16 Mar 2021

Fire pits offer a whole host of benefits, making them an outdoor essential that you will be able to make use throughout the year – not just the summer.

A fire pit will not only keep you warm, but it will also offer lots of other practical benefits.

Here are our top 5 fire pit benefits:

 

Light up a fire pit and enjoy the garden

Whether you’re hosting an outdoor party and enjoying the summer evenings, or you’re looking to create a striking focal point which will become the centrepiece of any social occasion, a fire pit will add function and form to your outdoor space.

Ideal for chilly evenings or creating the perfect ambience, a fire pit makes it incredibly easy to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere outdoors.

Explore how to successfully light a fire put.

Dine al fresco even in winter

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a spot of al fresco dining. Whether you’re looking for a heating solution to see you through the chilly summer evenings or keep you warm and toasty on winter nights, a fire pit is a great addition to any outdoor dining space, adding warmth, style and practicality.

For those adventurous chefs, you can even cook a wide variety of food on your fire pit. Many fire pits double up as a grill. If your fire pit doesn’t already have a grill to cook on, they are relatively easy to find as an addition to your existing fire pit.

 

Socialising with friends and family

With the nation being encouraged to spend as much time outdoors with our loved ones as possible, a fire pit can make a significant difference. Adding a fire pit to your outdoor space will create a warm, toasty and comfortable outdoor environment that you can enjoy all year round with those you are closest to.

 

An extension of your home

With a fire pit, your outdoor space becomes an extension of your home where you can relax, unwind, and catch up with friends. Add some comfy seating and additional lighting and it’s sure to become your new favourite space.

 

Light up a special occasion

Fire pits are a great way to set the scene for special occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, bonfire night, Halloween or even Christmas, a fire pit will add a unique touch to light up any special occasion.

Check out our Charnwood Fireball – a British made, fun-to-assemble kit. Purchase one today, enhance your outdoor space and enjoy its countless benefits.

 

Bonus Benefit

A fire pit pairs perfectly with the stunning outdoor kitchens from our sister company Vlaze. Together, you can create the dream outdoor living space to enjoy those long summer evenings!

 

Contact Charnwood today

If you’re inspired to bring the outside warmth in, why not consider a wood burner or stove? Please get in touch with Charnwood today. Our experts are on hand and ready to answer any queries you might have.

Firewood Storage

charnwoodstoves
09 Mar 2021

The best way to store firewood is more important than you may think! If you have a wood-burning stove or wood-burning fire pit, proper firewood storage is crucial for maintaining the quality of your fuel.

Why?

Failure to store firewood correctly can result in a whole host of issues, including bug infestations, problems with mould and fungus, as well as issues with your wood’s moisture levels causing it not to burn as efficiently as you would like. For a clean and efficient burn, logs should have a moisture level of below 20%. So you must keep your firewood as clean, safe, and dry as possible when you store it.

We’ve created a handy guide to answer all your questions regarding how to store logs and the best practices for firewood storage. This guide will help you understand the most effective ways to store firewood and ensure your wood-burning experience is optimal.

 

What is the best way to store firewood outside?

Firewood is best stored outside. The best way to store firewood is to keep it neatly stacked, with the outside of the wood exposed to the air. If possible, you should place the wood on top of plastic sheeting or in a wooden log store to enhance firewood storage. Avoid tree cover if possible, as this can trap moisture, and don’t leave the logs in a heap, as this can lead to poor air circulation and potential mould growth. Properly storing your firewood and knowing how to store logs effectively will ensure that your wood remains dry and ready for use.

Also explore our best firewood to burn chart UK.

 

Does firewood need to be covered?

Firewood should remain uncovered so it can be properly dried. However, this is not always possible, especially during the winter months where ice, snow and rain can wreak havoc with firewood storage.

With this in mind, you should invest in a good cover to place over the top of your woodpile that will protect it from the elements when needed.

 

Can you store firewood on the ground?

As a general rule, firewood should always be stored off the ground to allow for proper ventilation. A great option is to store your wood on a wooden pallet.

 

Is it OK to store firewood in a garage?

If your logs are already dry, it’s fine to store them in a garage. If they’re not dry, there won’t be enough fresh or flowing air to help them dry out in a garage environment.

 

Is it OK to stack firewood next to a house?

All firewood should be stored around 20 feet away from the nearest door to your house. If you’re planning on stacking wood next to a structure, you should always make sure that it is a few inches away from the structure to optimise airflow.

Also explore our Wood-Burning Stove FAQs.

 

Why are log stores open at the front?

Most log stores have an open front to optimise ventilation. However, when the elements are against you, it’s worthwhile investing in tarpaulin to cover the front of the log store to ensure that the wood remains dry. Why? Dry firewood burns quicker and is easier to light, so however you store it, you should always make sure that it is dry.

If you’re thinking about buying a wood-burning stove and would like to find out more about storing firewood, 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’ve been perfecting the art of wood-burning stoves since 1972, and our expertise extends to every aspect of the wood-burning experience. We understand that knowing the best way to store firewood is crucial for optimal burning performance. Our team of experts can guide you through effective firewood storage techniques, ensuring your logs remain dry and ready for use. We’ll show you how to store logs properly, maximising their burning potential while minimising issues like mold and pest infestations.

Whether you’re looking for innovative ways to store firewood or seeking advice on maintaining your wood supply, we’ve got you covered. With Charnwood, you’re not just getting a stove; you’re gaining a partner in creating the perfect wood-burning experience. Trust us to help you make the most of your firewood, from storage to flame. Get in touch with our team today.

 

Boiler stoves: The beginner’s guide

charnwoodstoves
07 Jan 2021

If you are already the proud owner of a boiler stove, or are considering a future purchase, you will not be disappointed. Not only does a boiler stove offer a highly efficient heat source, it provides a homely ambience and a decorative and stylish focal point in your home.

If you are considering the cost-effective and energy efficient move to a boiler stove but need further information, we can help.

We have compiled all you need to know about boiler stoves, their benefits and the must-knows of this stylish and eco-conscious heating choice.

What is a boiler stove?

A boiler stove is an appliance that burns wood or mineral fuels to generate hot water and power radiators. The range of Charnwood boiler stoves are specifically designed for those wishing to run a full central heating system.

What are the benefits of a boiler stove?

Boiler stoves are a valuable addition to any home, and boast numerous benefits, including:

•  Option to link to your existing central heating system (run by oil or gas) to reduce home heating bills

•  Option to link to combi boilers, underfloor heating or solar thermal panels

•  Reduced carbon footprint

•  Looks stylish and inviting in the home

•  Available in modern or traditional designs

•  Used to heat water throughout the home

•  Generates and stores heat

How a boiler stove works

A boiler stove works by transferring heat from the burning fuel into water. This can then be piped and transferred where it is needed in the household. It can be used for both heating and/or domestic hot water.

A boiler stove can provide wood or coal fired central heating. It does this by being connected to the house heating system, usually radiators. The heat from the burning wood is then pumped around the house. If your house uses underfloor heating, the boiler stove is instead connected to a hot water tank and the underfloor heating is connected to this.

A boiler stove can be used to power your central heating system as well as providing hot water. This system will require input and knowledge from an experienced heating engineer.

Contact us for more information regarding your central heating and hot water from your wood boiler stove.

Using a back boiler for central heating

The term back boiler refers to the way in which the boiler is incorporated into the firebox itself.

It replaces the firebricks withing the stove creating an effective way to transfer heat from the fire to water.

How to choose a boiler stove

When it comes to selecting a boiler stove for your home, there are several key factors to consider:

•  Which type of boiler stove is most suitable

•  The correct size of your boiler stove – this should be calculated by an experienced engineer

•  The heat consumption and output of your stove

•  The size of your water tank

•  The level of hot water usage in your household

•  The number of radiators you have

•  Whether you have underfloor heating

Contact the experts at Charnwood for more advice on how to choose a suitable boiler stove.

How to get your boiler stove installed

A boiler stove must always be installed by a qualified heating engineer, with the skills, expertise and knowledge to ensure safe installation according to the recommended industry standard.

At Charnwood, our stoves are available exclusively throughout our network of selected stockists. We strongly recommend purchasing your boiler stove through an official Charnwood stockist, where you will receive the highest standards of installation and after-sales support. Click here to find out more.

Purchase your boiler stove today

If you are looking to purchase a boiler stove or are keen to find out more, contact Charnwood today. Our friendly, expert team are on hand and more than happy to answer any queries you may have.

Setting clearances & installing a heat shield behind your stove

charnwoodstoves
19 Oct 2020

The importance of wall protection when installing a freestanding stove

As the cold season is fast approaching, many homeowners are rushing to prepare for the winter, and one effective way is to get your fireplace ready. As you will be aware, the fireplace serves to keep you and your family warm and comfortable during the winter months. Whether it’s a wood-burning or multi-fuel burner, it produces controlled heat that can warm your home’s space.

However, did you know that a vital part of the overall equation in your wood-burning stove is the heat shield? As the name suggests, it is typically installed behind a freestanding stove and it is designed to protect your wall from heat damage. However, while most wood stoves come with heat shields, some don’t have one.

In this article, we’ll specifically cover how to set clearances and install heat shields for wood stoves:

Have adequate clearances

When it comes to a wood stove, there are two key safety features you must keep in mind – sufficient clearance and wall material behind. A properly installed and maintained wood stove can ensure the safety of your appliance. Yet, inadequate clearances can be extremely dangerous for your home.

The Fire Protection Association recommends that the common radiant-type stove must be spaced out at least 900mm (36 inches) from a combustible wall although different wood burning stove manufacturers will offer their own tested safe distances. This is extremely important as your wood stove can get very hot when in operation. As a result, combustible materials too close to the stove can catch fire. By cheating on your wood stove’s clearances, you can potentially create a fire hazard.

Reduce wood stove clearances

On the other hand, know that you can reduce the clearance of your wood stove without compromising your home safety. Although you cannot completely eliminate the clearance, you can significantly reduce it. There’s only one solution to this, and that is to install a properly constructed heat shield.

For your reference, there are various types of heat shields you may want to consider for your wood stove. Be sure to follow the guidelines set forth by the HETAS for the heat shielding requirements, from the appliance selection down to its actual installation.

Vitreous Enamel heat shields

When it comes to wood stoves, installing a wall mounted heat shield is an excellent way to reduce clearance and promote home safety. A vitreous enamel heat shield is a great solution.

Vlaze Heat Shields are designed to protect and enhance the wall behind a wood burning stove creating a modern fireplace.

The vitreous enamel panel features a dual skin that provides thermal protection and an effective convection system that distributes heat back into the room. Using their rail mounted system the heat shield is quick and easy to install and is available in 3 sizes and over 30 luxurious glazed finishes. When installed on a wall the shield reduces the stoves distance to the face of the panel to 95mm and in the case of a Charnwood stove to just 75mm – a vast improvement on HETAS regulations.

Conclusion

At this point, you now know several valuable tips for your wood stove. As mentioned above, be sure to have adequate clearance or reduce wood stove clearances by installing heat shields. Furthermore, it’s best to deal with a reliable manufacturer when purchasing and installing a heat shield for your wood-burning stove. Doing so will help you make the most of your stove, protect your home, and keep you warm during the cold season!

 

 

SIA ECODESIGN READY STOVES. YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED.

charnwoodstoves
21 Jan 2020

If you are looking into buying a stove this winter you may well have heard the term SIA Ecodesign Ready.

At Charnwood we offer a good range of these stoves but what does this mean and how should it affect your choice? Here we try to answer some of your questions:

Q: What is Ecodesign?

It is a new European-wide programme to help lower emissions and improve air quality.

 

Q: When is the new Ecodesign regulation coming into force?

1st January 2022 across the UK and Europe. All products manufactured after 1st January 2022 will have to comply to Ecodesign regulations.

 

Q: What are Sia Ecodesign ready stoves?

Charnwood and some of the key manufacturers within the SIA (Stove Industry Alliance) have risen to the challenge of Ecodesign and have designed a number of stoves that meet the Ecodesign criteria now. These stoves carry the ‘SIA EcoDesign Ready’ label and all have been independently verified by HETAS.

 

Q: Is it really going to happen, especially given Brexit?

Yes it will happen. While this is European legislation all EU laws are being incorporated into UK law via the ‘EU Withdrawal Bill’. In Defra’s latest consultation document on fuel quality they also refer to Ecodesign 2022 confirming that they are expecting it.

 

Q: What are the key differences between non-compliant stoves and Ecodesign ready stoves?

Ecodesign products have to meet a set of clean-burning criteria:

Efficiency must be over 75%       

Smoke particulates less than 40mg/m3

NOx less than 200 mg/m3           

OGC less than 120 mg/m3

CO less than 0.12%

These figures are achieved by clever air management. At Charnwood we have developed an ultra clean burning technology called ‘Blu’ that exceeds all of the above figures ensuring an excellent burn while reducing emissions.

The graph shows how our All New Island I compares to non-compliant models. This stove is 85% efficient too.

 

Q: How do I know which stoves qualify for Ecodesign?

Check the official list of SIA EcoDesign Ready products which is independently verified.

 

Q: If it is DEFRA-exempted, is this better than Ecodesign?

There is no obvious correlation between Defra exemption and Ecodesign as they are tested very differently. As a general rule it is much more difficult to achieve Ecodesign than Defra Exemption whereas most Ecodesign Ready stoves will meet the criteria for Defra exemption.

 

Q: If it is Sia Ecodesign ready, does it mean it’s also DEFRA-exempt?

No not necessarily – so do check if you live in a smoke control area.

 

Q: Can non-Ecodesign stoves be used past 2022?

Yes – although the new Ecodesign stoves are much better for the environment and will burn less fuel. Most good manufacturers will be phasing out non compliance stoves from 2020

 

Q: Will I use more logs on an Ecodesign stove?

No, they are more efficient therefore should burn less wood.

 

Q: Do Ecodesign stoves really work as well – are they highly baffled?

We have heard that in some cases Ecodesign Ready stoves are not performing well. However our Charnwood ‘Blu’ technology ensures the stove meets the new requirements and burns BETTER than our non compliance models.

 

Q: How is the flame picture affected?

With Charnwood ‘Blu’ technology our flame pattern is more impressive than before.

 

Q: Can I burn mineral fuels in a Charnwood Ecodesign ready stove?

Yes – in the Charnwood Arc, Skye and the All New Island ranges.

 

Good Wood

charnwoodstoves
21 Jan 2020

Burning well seasoned, dry logs is key to getting the most from your stove. You’ll keep emissions low, efficiencies high and get more heat for less fuel.

Here are our four top tips for when cutting and seasoning your own wood:

Split wood into logs in a range of sizes to suit your stove, no larger than 6 inches in diameter. Split some smaller pieces to use as kindling.  

Stack the wood in a place that gets plenty of sun and wind. Be sure the logs are stacked in a way that allows air to circulate. Ideally, keep the stack off the ground and away from the house.  

Cover the stack to protect it from rain and snow. You can cover just the top, or the sides as well – just make sure the air can get in and that moisture isn’t getting trapped.  

Store the wood for a year or more until the moisture content is below 20%. It’s a good idea to bring wood inside two or three days before you intend to burn it, to make sure it’s properly dried out and ready to use.  

 

Sourcing Wood

When buying firewood, it’s best to look for well-seasoned, hardwood logs from a local, sustainable source. Wood is only sustainable when it comes from well-managed woodland, so make sure your supplier is planting new trees as the old ones are cut down. We can’t emphasise enough the importance of wood that has been well-seasoned: one year is the minimum, two years are best. Kiln dried wood is another widely available option. The wood is cut into logs and dried in large ovens, which speeds up the seasoning process and guarantees a moisture content of less than 20%.