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Are you part of the 85% of UK homes that are currently relying on mains gas for heat? With the volatility of international gas markets leading to unprecedented price rises, these feel like uncertain times. In this blog we will look at how owning a wood-burning stove can redress the balance and bring some much-needed certainty to our lives.

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What are the benefits to Investing in a wood-burning stove?

With the energy price cap rising 54%, millions of households will see their bills rise by around £700 to £2,000 per year. According to The Office for Budget Responsibility, this represents the largest fall in living standards since 1956. With this being the case, there’s never been a better time to look at the benefits of investing in a wood-burning stove.

For more information around energy prices & energy solutions, check out our blog here.

Eco-design wood burning stove benefits:

• Affordable and good value for money

A good quality stove can last many decades and provide an affordable source of heat for low-income households. The upfront costs are significantly less than wind or solar power and indeed far less than a heat pump. The majority of components used within a Charnwood stove are modular and can be replaced when or if they wear out, further extending the life of your stove.

• Locally sourced fuel

Using a wood stove means you can source reasonably priced fuel locally and sometimes for free. Wood is an energy source that doesn’t rely on the destructive practices of fracking and deep-sea oil drilling. You are not reliant on gas or oil!

• Whatever the weather

Wood-burning stoves can produce heat for prolonged periods whatever the weather conditions.

• Work in conjunction with wind and solar

This allows them to work in conjunction with wind, solar and other energy solutions which helps make these great technologies more viable – They are not in competition with each other.

• An ideal emergency/low-frequency heat source.

A wood-burning stove provides a 100% self-contained heat source. For those of you who live in a region that suffers occasional power cuts you will know just how valuable this is! A wood-burning stove can provide heat and even a way to cook food when you need it most.

• Environmentally friendly

Wood is a carbon-neutral fuel as it gives off the same amount of carbon whether it is burnt or decays naturally. The carbon released from burning wood is balanced out by the carbon absorbed by the tree during its lifetime. Charnwood stoves and packaging are all fully recyclable.

• Wellbeing benefits

Owners report significant wellbeing benefits directly as a result of owning and using their wood-burning stove.

Read about the Charnwood wellbeing survey and all the amazing benefits of owning a stove for your wellbeing.

Wood-burning stoves vs wind, solar and heat pumps

We support all these other technologies, however, there are significant upfront costs for these solutions that make them less realistic options for many people. Also, battery storage is not where it needs to be to fully support the world’s energy needs. Therefore in 2022, a wood stove is the most viable option for the majority of people affected by energy price rises. The table below breaks down and compares some of the key financial information surrounding the different technologies.

How to save on your fuel bill – free sources of wood for your wood-stove!

1. After a storm

Storms bring wood foraging opportunities! After a storm, fallen trees and branches become available which, with permission, you can collect, season and use for firewood – all while helping to tidy up your local area.

2. Industrial woodworkers

Woodworkers, sawmills, and joiners near to your home are worth contacting to find out if they ever have any off cuts of wood that they need to get rid of.

3. Freecycle websites

Whether it is left over wood from a recent home improvement or a tree that had to be cut down, people often advertise free wood on sites like Gumtree and Freecycle if you are happy to collect it.

It’s very important to make sure that wherever you source your wood from, it is untreated and free from paint, finishes or other potentially harmful substances. Also, make sure it has a moisture content of less than 20% which you can check with a moisture meter. This reduces harmful emissions and will increase the lifespan of your stove. For a list of the best types of firewood check out our Firewood chart.

The elephant in the room!

Are wood burning stoves bad for the environment?

There are lots of myths circulating about wood burning stoves being bad for the environment, but they simply aren’t accurate.

Whilst wood burners can give off fumes containing microscopic specks of soot, using approved fuels and a modern appliance significantly reduces the risk of this. As of January 2022, all stoves sold must now meet with Ecodesign regulations which ensure a much cleaner burn. If you are burning wood correctly, it can become part of a carbon-neutral process, being balanced out by the carbon absorbed by the tree as it grows.

It’s also important to keep in mind that, as long as trees are replanted and woodland is responsibly managed, using wood for fuel can be part of a sustainable energy process.

Find out more about the environmental impact of wood burning stoves here.

Does my home suit a Wood-burning stove?

Another huge benefit of wood-burning stoves is their flexibility in terms of where you can place them and the spaces that they can heat. From tiny homes, to large farmhouses and townhouses, Charnwood has the ideal woodstove to suit. Follow the checklist below before contacting your Charnwood stockist.

Checklist before buying a wood-burning stove

1/ Firstly, measure the height, width, and length of the room you plan to install your stove. This will allow a stove supplier to recommend a suitable stove with enough kW output to heat the space.

2/ We recommend taking a photo of your fireplace (if the room has one) and the outside of your property including the roof area.

3/ Contact environmental protection at your local council to find out if you live in a smoke control area and require a DEFRA approved stove. Please note: Charnwood offers many DEFRA approved stoves so there’s still plenty of choice!

4/ Contact an approved installer to arrange an appointment to survey your home and get a quote for works required.

Here is a list of approved installers.

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We have seen demand rocket for Charnwood stoves and despite increasing our factory capacity, there is still some delays for some models. The same can be said for installation specialists – they are in high demand! Therefore, now is a great time to start preparing for next winter so that you are up and running and saving on your heating bill when the cold snap arrives!

After a long tough year, we are all starting to feel the urge to nestle down and hibernate so that we feel restored for the new year. The onset of winter, with temperatures plummeting and days drawing in, depriving us of much-needed light, can be ominous for many. However, believe it or not, there are some who not only tolerate the season well but actively look forward to it – wood-burning stove owners!

After all, a wood-burning stove provides the perfect antidote to the cold and darkness; and yet a wood-burning stove is much more than just a heating device. The recent Charnwood Wellbeing Survey provides some fascinating insight into life with a stove. Relating to Christmas and the holiday period, participants detailed the huge impact a stove made on their experience. Providing a unique warmth and light that lifts spirits and restores the body, while being the perfect focal point to gather around for present sharing and game playing. Helping families form those core memories that last and sustain a lifetime and building traditions that encourage a coming together and a sense of reconnection year after year.

For additional information on how to use a wood-burning stove, check out our additional blog here.

Making special occasions even more special

Below are some survey responses from Charnwood owners.

“Christmas Day spent with all the family and grandchildren gathered around our stove brings happy memories all year round.”

“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.”

“It’s a ritual on Christmas morning to rekindle the stove, and to unwrap the presents without a fire is unthinkable. There’s something magical about children in their pyjamas sitting on the rug in the cosy space in front of a blazing stove.”

“My young nephew visited at Christmas & we built the fire together. It was the first time he had ever lit a real fire. We celebrated with toasting marshmallows! It wasn’t just building a fire – it was building a memory.”

Also explore how to prepare your wood-burning stove for winter.

Peace of mind

The inclement weather can naturally make us feel a little more vulnerable and with recent gas price rises and supply issues, those worries are perhaps a little more valid than usual. Stove owners report, however, that they benefit from the peace of mind gained from having a backup power source.

“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.”

“Lighting the stove after a walk by the sea during winter is a joyful experience. Has helped to alleviate the worry of power failures as we live in an area prone to electricity outages during bad weather. Just knowing that we have our lovely stove for independent heat and low light is fab.”

“Having a wood burner means I am less vulnerable in power cuts. I can still have heating, boil a kettle, cook food if I need to.”

If you’d like a stove as a backup or main source of heat but thought you couldn’t have one without a traditional fireplace – Vlaze and Charnwood offer the solution!

For further information on how our wood-burning stoves help families tackle energy bill costs, view our blog here.

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A wood-burning stove is much more than just a heating device. Preparing a stove and experiencing its unique heat with the family has a hugely positive impact on wellbeing and helps ensure the most Christmassy of Christmases. If you’ve been dreading the months ahead, a wood-burning stove could change your perspective on winter…

Speak to our team or a local supplier to discuss your requirements.

Pro Christmas Tip: When you pack the decorations away this year, add a bottle of something festive and enough money for a takeaway so that you have a treat for when the task comes around again.

Charnwood recently surveyed over 1000 wood-burning stove users to better understand stove accessory preferences. Many interesting and useful insights were gained, including wood-stove users’ top 7 must-have stove accessories!

Read on to learn about the Charnwood Stove Accessory Survey and the top wood-burning stove accessories you should consider next!

Stove accessories are an important consideration for wood-burning stove owners. Not only do they help you ensure the optimal running of your stove, but they look great too! From vintage pokers to contemporary log storage, there are so many to choose from. That is why we asked the Charnwood wood-burning stove community to share their ‘must-have’ stove accessories.

The Top 7 ‘Must-Have’ Stove Accessories.

The following quotes are from Charnwood wood-burning stove owners.

1/ Log Storage/Basket

This is a great accessory, especially if you plan to burn wood in your Charnwood Stove on a regular basis. It helps keep your logs and kindling organised so they are ready for use at any time.

“Having a full wood basket during these crazy days makes me feel safe and secure, whatever happens I know I have heat and hot water and light.”

“Keeps all the logs tidy and looks great beside the stove. Also useful for carrying in logs from the store outside!”

“It reminds me of my grandparents’ days as they always had one. It also keeps all my logs safe and tidy away from the children.”

“It adds to the ambient feeling of the room when partially or fully loaded but I suppose more importantly it stops me from having to pop outside too frequently to get more logs, thus letting me enjoy the fire uninterrupted.”

“It saves us fighting about who is going to get more logs when it’s cold!”

For a full range of log holder storage click here!

2/ Stove Pipe Thermometer

A thermometer is an essential piece of equipment that allows accurate monitoring of your stove’s temperature. This helps burn wood efficiently, protecting your stove and chimney, while reducing emissions and maximising heat output.

“Makes it so much easier to see if my fire is working at optimum temperature and if I need to adjust amount of wood/air flow.”

“It means that I always burn my logs in the most economical and environmentally friendly way.”

“I hadn’t realised just how hot the stove gets at full output making this an essential piece of it when topping it up with firewood.”

“It allows me to regulate my stove temperature to maximise the life of the stove and have efficient burning of my wood”

“Ensures the fire is hot enough to keep down the accumulation of creosote. Wouldn’t be without it!”

“I constantly use it to check that the stove is burning in its optimum range for efficiency and to prevent damage and tarring.”

You can get a Charnwood Stove Pipe Thermometer here!

3/ Stove Gloves

Good quality heat resistant stove gloves are a necessity for protecting your hands from burns and splinters.

“Without them it would be very difficult and dangerous to use the burner”

“Provides confidence in 100% protection when refueling the stove.”

“Just love them, total safety when loading the stove”

“Offers safety when handling logs, opening & closing stove and promotes attention to avoiding burns.”

“They just make life so much easier handling logs and placing logs in the stove. No splinters or burns!”

Watch this space – Charnwood stove gloves are on the way!

4/ Dustpan & Brush

A dustpan and brush are essential for keeping the area around your stove clean. We recommend a metal version so that you can be confident when dealing with any errant hot embers.

“It makes emptying the stove so much easier and cleaner, the house is relatively dust free after clearing.”

“Keeping the hearth clean and tidy stops ash and debris, from the stove and wood pile underneath it, from spreading to the floor and messing up the room.”

“Whenever the stove is used it is necessary to clean up small amounts of ash that fall out. The brush and pan are thus used very frequently.”

“The dustpan & brush makes removing the ash so much easier, our charnwood is used every day from October to February so we collect a lot of ash which we use as compost.”

5/ Poker

A poker is great to have on hand when you need to move logs around to ensure an even burn.

“An absolute must have accessory to reposition burning logs and coal.”

“Can re-arrange wood in the stove when going, safely.”

“Brilliant for getting fire going”

“I can poke the logs to get maximum burn.”

“Great to look at, well made and does the job perfectly.”

“You can move the logs about to create space and so regulate heat a bit better.”

Our sister company Bodj offer a beautifully hand-crafted blow poker. Click here for more information!

6/ Ash bin/carrier

Having an ash bin or carrier is important for easy and mess-free disposal of ash and embers. Once you use one, you won’t want to do without!

“Easy to use. Metal. Compact. Stops dust flying around. Carry handle is useful.”

“I have two Charnwood stoves. One has the ash bin/carrier and the other doesn’t. It’s SO difficult to get the ash out of the stove that doesn’t have the ash bin/carrier.”

“It is a safe and clean way of dealing with the only downside to a log burner, the ash.”

“Makes it easy to empty ashes no fear of dropping them all over the floor.”

“Makes it more convenient to remove ash over several days without having to fill smaller bin bags thus reducing plastic waste.”

“Easy to use with minimal dust released when moving around can hold at least 1 month’ worth of ash.”

“Simplifies the worst job – cleaning out the ashes and getting them to the bin without being covered in ash from head to foot in a gust of wind.”

Charnwood ash carriers are available here.

7/ Tongs

Tongs are great pieces of equipment to have around the stove. They can help you move logs or stoke the fire safely and they look great too!

“Can’t beat a good solid pair of tongs for keeping away from the heat and flames, whilst topping up the stove.”

“I can position logs to maximum effectiveness.”

“Handy for falling logs.”

“Fantastic for putting more wood in when the stove is really hot!”

“Looks rustic and very useful”

“Allows me to place logs where I want them in my stove, but it is also the most universal tool”

Hand forged tongs are available here.

Having the right stove accessories can make all the difference when it comes to getting the most out of your Charnwood Stove. We hope this list helps you choose. Happy Burning!

It’s that time of year again. To enjoy the holiday season to the max with your wood-burning stove we strongly recommend reading our list of Elf and safety tips!

With fuel prices going up across the board it is hard to know which fuel now offers best value for money. Well, the SIA’s latest data release reveals that seasoned wood is now the cheapest domestic heating fuel!

Read on to find out how much you could save by switching to wood-burning

Seasoned wood logs are now the least expensive domestic heating fuel, costing 74% less per kWh than electric heating and 21% less than gas heating. The Nottingham Energy Partnership have also found that using a modern Ecodesign wood burning stove costs 29% less to run than an air source heat pump.

Not only does using seasoned wood save you money, but it also has by far the lowest carbon intensity of any domestic heating fuel. Wood logs release 87% less carbon than gas, 88% less than electricity and 74% less than an air source heat pump.

In addition to reducing your energy bills and carbon footprint, modern wood burning stoves also help lower harmful emissions, by replacing open fires and old wood stoves.

A recent survey of wood burning stove retailers and installers showed that, of the stoves installed in the last 12 months, 82% were replacements rather than new installations. A modern Ecodesign compliant wood burning stove emits up to 90% less particulates than an open fire and up to 80% less than an old, basic model.

Here are some top wood-burning tips from the SIA

Choose an Ecodesign compliant wood burning stove such as a clearSkies certified appliance. If you currently use an open fire or an older, very basic wood burning stove consider upgrading. A modern Ecodesign compliant wood burning stove, such as a clearSkies model, releases up to 90% less emissions than an open fire and can be up to 80% less than some older stoves. Your local SIA Retail Group member can help advise on the best stove for you and your family.

-If you live in a Smoke Control Area, your stove will also need to be Defra exempt. All clearSkies Level 3 and above models are certified as Defra exempt.

-Visit your local stove retailer for guidance on choosing the right size stove for your property and for a detailed installation quote. You can find your nearest SIA Retail Group member showroom here.

-Use seasoned wood with a mositure content of 20% or less. Never used chemically treated wood or burn waste on your stove.

-Ensure your stove is fitted and maintained by an appropriately qualified competent person such as one who is HETAS or OFTEC

-Have your chimney swept at least once a year by a registered sweep. The Federation of British Chimney Sweeps has links to all the main sweep associations. Chimney sweeps are a valuable source of information for good practice and advice – and they are happy to engage and encourage you to “Speak to a Sweep”.

-Keep your stove in tip top condition by having it regularly serviced.

Best Firewood Chart UK

When it comes to burning seasoned wood, most people are looking for the most sustainable option. Wood is not only a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, but it’s also an extremely affordable heating source. To make things simpler for you, we’ve put together a chart with all the different types of firewood and their benefits. Click here, to find the best option for your needs.

The importance of using seasoned wood

Whatever wood species you choose it will require seasoning (drying) until it reaches a moisture content of 20% or less. This will keep harmful emissions to a minimum and significantly improve efficiency while protecting your stove and chimney.

Look out for the Woodsure Ready to Burn label which guarantees a moisture content of 20% or less.

For a list of approved firewood sellers in your area click here.

Related reading:

Why burning the RIGHT wood saves you money & protects the environment!

‘A Charnwood Christmas in the Cotswolds’ is a short video that illustrates the sheer joy of owning a wood-burning stove and the magical moments they help create. It was captured during a recent visit to our friends Charlie Irons and Josie Fear (aka @charlieirons and @josieldn ) and their wonderful and aptly named Strawtop Cottage.
 

It’s an idyllic Grade II listed thatched cottage built with original Cotswold stone. Traditional features are sensitively blended with the contemporary, reflecting their impeccable taste. Warm tones, wood paneling, aged brick and stone, finished perfectly with the warmth of Charnwood wood-burning stoves throughout.
 

Charlie and Josie are huge fans of their log-burners and Charnwood have been delighted to supply them with a number of stoves for their main home too. The warm and inviting atmosphere they have managed to create showcases the very best of country living and it is no wonder they have a steady stream of bookings at the cottage.
 

Chatting while walking the dogs in the cold but stunning Oxfordshire countryside and later over a lovely roast (the first Christmas dinner of the season), it was clear how integral wood-burning is to their lifestyle. This is particularly true in the festive winter period when one wishes for nothing more than cosy evenings with loved ones by the fire.
 

Now, we might not all be able to reach such high levels of festive perfection (I know I don’t!), but no matter, because the significant benefits of wood-burning can be felt by any stove owner. To that point, here are some comments from other Charnwood owners regarding Christmas and their stove:

“It’s a ritual on Christmas morning to rekindle the stove, and to unwrap the presents without a fire is unthinkable. There’s something magical about children in their pyjamas sitting on the rug in the cosy space in front of a blazing stove.”
“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.”
“My young nephew visited at Christmas & we built the fire together. It was the first time he had ever lit a real fire. We celebrated with toasting marshmallows! It wasn’t just building a fire – it was building a memory.”

(Source: Charnwood Well-being Survey)

Winter can be a difficult season for many, but as you see from the video images and quotes above, there is a way to flip the script. The onset of winter, with temperatures plummeting and days drawing in, needn’t be something to dread. Join fellow wood-burning stove owners and start to actively look forward to those long cold wintery nights!

The Strawtop cottage sleeps four adults and up to 2 well-behaved dogs and if you would like to book a stay (highly recommended) then check out the previous link and their Instagram page.

We were delighted to attend The Glamping Show, on the 15-17th of September at NAEC Stoneleigh Park. The Glamping Show is the UK’s only luxury camping show and attracts the most exciting companies in the industry.

It was fascinating to see how the range of luxury camping options continues to grow, reflecting glamping’s growing popularity. Log cabins, yurts, shepherds’ huts, and other ‘tiny home’ accommodation and products were on full display for glamping business owners and homeowners looking to add a little extra space in the garden.

It was also exciting to offer the first public viewing of The Charnwood Haven, a new compact wood-fired range cooker designed for cabins, bothies, off-grid living and smaller homes. It was incredibly well received along with the other Charnwood products we had on display.

Read on to learn about The Glamping Show and the Charnwood Haven our exciting new range cooker!

The Glamping Show 2022

We were situated on pitch 510, under a lovely oak tree, displaying a wide range of Charnwood products including the new Charnwood Haven, Cranmore 3, stove pods and accessories. The team really enjoyed meeting you all and from the conversations they had, it was clear that wood-burning stoves are a hugely popular addition for all types of tiny accommodation. 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.

We were also honoured to have an Aire 3 on display on the Blackdown Shepherds Huts pavilion and a Stove Pod and Cranmore 3 on the Yurts For Life pitch.

The Charnwood Haven

It was so exciting to finally give an exclusive preview of The Charnwood Haven. It combines the charm and functionality of a traditional range with the very latest efficiencies and clean burn technology.

Based on the size and dimensions of our iconic Island III model, the Charnwood Haven is a stunning focal point, producing a rated output of 6kW of heat into the room. It comes equipped with a well-sized oven and large hot plate enabling you to cook with a wide array of pots, pans and trivets. The integrated thermometer allows for greater temperature control and cooking accuracy. It’s a surprisingly versatile and delicious way of cooking, allowing you to create soups, stews, roasts, baking and more!

The feedback we received was incredible and confirms there is a real appetite for a contemporary wood-fired range cooker.

The perfect glamping stove package

The Aire 3 and Cranmore 3 are Ecodesign ready and 5-star clearSkies rated, with both demonstrating 86% efficiency on independent tests. This makes them two of the most efficient stoves on the market. With a 2-5 kW output, they are the perfect size for most glamping spaces and provide a crystal-clear burn. They are 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 is a freestanding unit that doesn’t require affixing to any walls. It is exceptionally sturdy, and the curvature of the design focuses heat into your space. The steel skin is magnetic, with Charnwood offering tools and pots that can be attached. The flue support incorporates a handy warming shelf for plates, pots and pans – ideal for Glamping!

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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It is wonderful to witness the continued growth in alternative styles of living. It’s clear that this movement is not only driven by a desire to live differently but to live better. To live in greater harmony with the environment and with a focus on nurturing the relationships that allow us to thrive.

Finally, thank you to everyone who came to see us, it was lovely to meet you all and we hope to see you again very soon!

Find out more

For more information we recommend getting in touch with your official Charnwood dealer for the best before and after sales care.