Category: Uncategorized

We welcome the latest UK government figures for particulate matter emissions. It reveals that indoor wood burning is responsible for less than half the emissions previously speculated (17% rather than 38%). This is based on the latest data which now recognises errors in the previous data set. 

17% is still significant, however, this figure includes all wood burning from open fires and old closed faced stoves. This suggests there is significant room for improvement as we know that Ecodesign stoves are 90% more efficient than open fires and 80% more efficient than stoves 10 or more years old. The SIA has established that Ecodesign stoves are in fact currently contributing just 2.7% to emissions. 

A government study in 2016 reports 40% of domestic burning is from open fires, while we know that Ecodesign regulations only just came into force this year. Therefore, there is real potential for significantly reducing the PM output of domestic wood-burning by encouraging open fire users and those with an old stove to upgrade to an Ecodesign stove.  

Commenting on the latest data Andy Hill, chair of the Stove Industry Alliance, said: 

“We welcome the revisions to the government’s statistics on PM2.5 from domestic combustion sources that have been announced. The SIA has long maintained that the volume of wood fuel used to calculate the previous figure had been significantly overestimated, and this has now been officially acknowledged.” 

“There is huge potential to lower PM2.5 emissions from domestic combustion even further by encouraging homeowners to upgrade their open fires to an Ecodesign stove, such as a clearSkies certified appliance. These stoves produce up to 90% less particulate matter emissions than an open fire so the further reduction in emissions levels that could be achieved is significant. A professionally installed, regularly serviced modern Ecodesign stove used with correctly seasoned wood fuel* is a very low carbon, low emission, sustainable and cost-effective way to heat our homes.” 

It is important to remember that a world without any PM emissions is not a realistic goal – certainly not with the current technology available and so it is right to pursue a strategy that seeks to minimise PM levels while maximizing the benefits of various heating solutions. With oil and gas prices rising and with the existing limitations of wind and solar power, there is absolutely a need for an efficient domestic combustion solution which Ecodesign stoves provide.

Read more on what to do about rising energy prices

Eco-design wood burning stove benefits:

1/ They can produce heat for long periods.

2/ Allowing them to work in conjunction with wind, solar and other energies helps make these great technologies more viable – They are not in competition with each other.

3/ An ideal emergency/low-frequency heat source.

4/ 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.

5/ Ability to source fuel locally and without fracking and deep-sea oil drilling.

6/ A good quality stove can last many decades and provide an affordable source of heat for low-income households.

7/ The right to repair. 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.

8/ Charnwood stoves and packaging are fully recyclable.

9/ Significant well-being benefits as a result of owning a wood-burning stove. Read about the Charnwood wellbeing survey and all the amazing benefits of owning a stove for your wellbeing.

The perfect open fire replacement

The Charnwood Cranmore is perfect to replace an open fire or old stove and suits an open fireplace beautifully. It is a classic new wood-burning stove that is traditional in style, however, benefits from the very latest in clean burn technology. The Cranmore draws inspiration from the Regency era with a single framed glass door and archetypal detailing. The stoves’ pleasing proportions make it well suited to a traditional fireplace and with its large picture window and mesmerising flame pattern it is an ideal replacement for an open fire. Read more about the Cranmore here… 

Proper stove usage is key

The benefits of an Ecodesign stove can only be realised with proper usage and by selecting the right type of fuel. – This is wood that has been stored and allowed to dry until the moisture content has reduced to 20% or less. Freshly cut or ‘green wood’ holds up to 70% water which causes far more smoke to be produced. It is for this reason we have long stressed the importance of using seasoned wood because it produces a significantly cleaner burn – reducing emissions by up to 50%. Additionally, improved efficiency equals cheaper running costs, while a cleaner fuel means your stove and chimney will require less maintenance. It’s a win-win. 

More information on sustainable firewood choices. 

_____________________ 

We believe that Ecodesign regulations will have a hugely positive impact and will improve emission targets further. Since regulations have only just come into force this year, most stoves surveyed were older inefficient stoves and open fires. Therefore, as more people make the switch to new efficient Ecodesign stoves, we will see emission output for domestic woodburning fall significantly – particularly if you help us spread the word! 

Sources:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/emissions-of-air-pollutants/emissions-of-air-pollutants-in-the-uk-particulate-matter-pm10-and-pm25 

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/517572/Summary_results_of_the_domestic_wood_use_survey_.pdf 

https://www.clearskiesmark.org/ 

Will energy prices rise in 2022?

Martin Lewis of Money Savings Expert fame has recently said “I’ve been calling for Government intervention to prevent an energy bill crisis before 1 April, when the price cap – which most bills are now based on – is predicted to rise 51%, adding typically £600/year to bills.”

This is sobering reading and it is understandable that this situation is leading people to question what alternatives there are that could help in the short, medium, and long term.

For most families, the optimum long term home energy solution involves a combination of renewable energy systems (such as wind and solar) alongside an Eco-design wood-burning stove.

Comparing alternative domestic energy solutions

This unprecedented price rise is coinciding with a greater appreciation of the need to do more to help our environment and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. We are big supporters of wind and solar energy – in fact, our factory roof on the Isle of Wight is covered with panels and many of us have installed solar on our roofs at home. However, they are only a part of the solution as they don’t offer a constant supply and there are still significant upfront costs involved. Heat pumps are also expensive and are not suitable for a substantial portion of housing stock.

Fossil fuels on the other hand are non-renewable and, as we all know, polluting. The main advantage is the ability to provide power 24/7 – but they are not a sustainable part of the world’s future and as we have seen they are no longer the cheap option!

Fortunately, there is a more sustainable way to provide consistent heat energy that doesn’t require burning fossil fuels – Wood-burning stoves! To be clear we are not advocating open fires, nor old stoves, we are talking about new EcoDesign that provide superb efficiency and are a far greener alternative.

Here is a useful breakdown of information for the domestic user regarding solar power, wind power, heat pumps, and eco-design wood-burning stoves:

These figures are estimates

Analysis: Renewable energy systems benefit significantly from working alongside clearSkies wood-burning stoves as any shortfalls in energy production are mitigated. It depends on your budget and if you can afford to go straight to wind or solar, however for most families, adding a woodstove will be the most straightforward and affordable next step.

Eco-design wood burning stove benefits:

• They can produce heat for long periods.

• Allowing them to work in conjunction with wind, solar and other energies helps make these great technologies more viable – They are not in competition with each other.

• An ideal emergency/low-frequency heat source.

• 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.

• Ability to source fuel locally and without fracking and deep-sea oil drilling.

• A good quality stove can last many decades and provide an affordable source of heat for low-income households.

• The right to repair. 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.

• Charnwood stoves and packaging are fully recyclable.

• Significant wellbeing benefits as a result of owning a wood-burning stove. Read about the Charnwood wellbeing survey and all the amazing benefits of owning a stove for your wellbeing.

The latest data on domestic wood-burning supports the use of Eco-design stoves

There have been some reports in recent years that have attributed inaccurate emissions figures to domestic wood-burning stoves. It has long been argued that lumping open fires, bonfires and stoves together is misleading. Now, a new study has just released new data that confirms this. An overview of the results can be found below. For a deeper look click here.

“Outdoor wood burning was found to account for 51% (17,518 tonnes/year) of all domestic wood-burning PM2.5 emissions (total of 34,465 tonnes/year). These results therefore signify the importance of accounting for these outdoor sources and has implications for the future design of regulations which currently largely neglect outdoor domestic burning.

This therefore suggests that bonfires are one of the major sources of domestic PM2.5 emissions, possibly contributing as much as all wood burnt indoors.

Lastly, it was found that Ecodesign stoves contribute just 2.7% of PM2.5 emissions from the burning of wood logs (including waste wood and briquettes) despite using 9% of the fuel. On the other hand, open fires contribute 39% of the emission from burning of wood logs whilst burning 26% of the wood. These results therefore highlight the substantial improvements in emissions from indoor sources that can be made by switching to modern Ecodesign stoves.”

Wood burning best practices

Sustainable firewood choices

Wood can be a renewable energy source as trees suck carbon out of the atmosphere as they grow. Of course, there are best practices that need to be followed and selecting the right type of wood from the right sources is key.

Ideally, rather than felling a healthy tree, it is always much better to use wood from trees that have fallen naturally or have been removed via coppicing. When that isn’t an option, it is still important to source locally which experts consider to be within an 11mile radius. This way non-native insects and parasites are not introduced into new regions while emissions from transportation are reduced.

3 essential steps to burning wood with your stove efficiently

1/ Good fuel – This is wood that has been stored and allowed to dry until the moisture content has reduced to 20% or less. Freshly cut or ‘green wood’ holds up to 70% water which causes far more smoke to be produced. It is for this reason we have long stressed the importance of using seasoned wood because it produces a significantly cleaner burn – reducing emissions by up to 50%. Additionally, improved efficiency equals cheaper running costs, while a cleaner fuel means your stove and chimney will require less maintenance. It’s a win-win.

2/ Efficient stove – Charnwood is proud to have stoves certified in the inaugural clearSkies listing, an independent emissions and energy performance certification mark for stoves. Many Charnwood products carry a level 5 certification (the highest available rating) which guarantees performance levels and exceed the minimum EcoDesign criteria by a sizable 30%. This is only awarded to stoves that significantly reduce particle emissions while ensuring high efficiencies and a superior flame picture.

3/ Correct use – this is a variable that has until now been dependent on the experience and diligence of the end-user, providing mixed results. That is why Charnwood are developing new technology that will give the user the option of automating this process. This will mean the stove will burn at the most efficient rate possible, further improving its green credentials. Watch this space!

______________
References:
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2022/01/martin-lewis–the-energy-price-cap-s-now-predicted-to-rise-a-hor/
https://stoveindustryalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/22-01-31-The-contribution-of-domestic-outdoor-burning-to-UK-particulate-matter-emissions.pdf

Using your wood-burning stove every day for cooking is not for everyone, however, for special occasions, it can be a real treat and add something memorable to a meal. With Valentine’s Day coming up it’s the perfect opportunity to do something a little different and impress your partner or just treat yourself if you are on your own this year. Here are a few ideas and best practices for cooking some simple recipes with your stove that will help add a little magic.

A wood stove that is installed using the rear outlet, allowing one of our fantastic cooking plates to be fitted to the top of the stove, is the ideal scenario for regular cooking. This will allow you to cook with a much wider array of pots, pans and trivets and gives more control over the cooking temperatures. It’s a surprisingly versatile and delicious way of cooking with soups, stews, roasts and even baking possible. However, for those without this option, there are still some simple, but wonderful, ideas to try. Here are a few of our favourites!

Valentine’s Day Wood-Stove Breakfast.

Breakfast in front of the fire feels luxurious and is invigorating – the perfect way to start a special day. Here are two great options:

1/ Warming croissants in some tin foil on top of your stove will fill the house with lovely fresh-baked aromas. Lather with real butter and your choice of conserve – it’s simple but truly feels special.

2/ Toasting bread, muffins or crumpets with a Charnwood Toasting Fork is such a treat – for the eyes, nose and mouth!

Designed for use on all our models, simply fix the magnetic holder to the stovetop and suspend the fork in front of the glass for perfect toasting. The fork and holder are British made from stainless steel with a turned beech handle – doubles as a great Valentine’s Day gift! You can purchase yours here.

A Valentine’s Day Starter on Your Wood-Burning Stove

A simple much-loved starter is the trusty baked camembert. This also works well with a vegan camembert substitute, several options now widely available.

• Simply unwrap the cheese and remove/throw away the plastic covering.
• Add some complementary ingredients (see below) and put the cheese back in its box.
• Wrap the box in some tin foil and warm slowly on top of your stove until the cheese is oozy and delicious.
• You can even warm some baguette in tinfoil to accompany the dish. Cheese, warm bread and a glass of red – what’s not to love?!

We recommend rosemary and garlic as flavourings. Slice the garlic into thin disks, break off a sprig of rosemary and insert evenly throughout the cheese to taste. Alternatively, if you aren’t feeling the garlic breath, here are some other flavour options you can combine and experiment with:

• Herbs: rosemary / thyme
• Veg: garlic / caramelised onion / chopped chilli
• Jams & chutneys: chilli jam / cranberry jelly / fig jam / spiced apple chutney /
• Sweetness: a drizzle of honey

Finally, a great tip is to enjoy your starter in front of the fire while your main course is happily cooking away in the oven – the time will fly so set a timer!

Valentine’s Day Dessert on Your Log-Burner

As far as we’re concerned it has to be chocolate and our simple hot chocolate pot recipe is a decadent way to end a special meal – plus it’s fun!

• Place a heatproof bowl about 50 cm from your lit stove.
• Break up the chocolate and add to the bowl, which will then melt slowly from the ambient heat – stir to help things along.
• Adding a small pinch of salt brings out more of the chocolatey flavour – stir well.
• Once the chocolate has melted you can dip fruit, marshmallows, pretzels, churros etc for a treat that can’t fail to please.

This one is flexible to fit around your plans. A great idea is going out to a restaurant for your meal and either skipping or sharing a dessert then coming home to enjoy the ultimate chocolate treat in front of the fire. There is nothing better than when finally feeling full, not having to go anywhere and just relaxing with the romantic light and warmth of your wood-burning stove.

________

We hope you have a wonderful time, but we urge you to be careful, particularly if you haven’t cooked with your stove before (we have to say, do so at your own risk). The main thing is to not leave food unattended on/near your stove. However, we feel it’s well worth giving these recipes a go, as any one of them will add something extra special to your Valentine’s Day this year.

A very Happy New Year to you all!

Before the festive break, we ran a competition that encouraged you to share your favourite #CharnwoodFestivePhoto via email or on Instagram. We were delighted to receive some lovely images that showcase the joy of owning/using a woodstove throughout the festive season.

After all, a wood-burning stove provides the perfect antidote to the cold and darkness; Providing a unique warmth and light that lifts spirits, calms minds and restores bodies. Helping families form core memories that last a lifetime and building traditions that encourage a coming together year after year.

Thank you all for your wonderful photos!

We are happy to announce that this year’s winner is the fabulous photo below which we have dubbed ‘Toasty Toes’. Whilst we had many wonderful entries, we felt that this photo really tells a story – capturing a celebratory vibe as well as the warmth and utility of owning a wood-burning stove. It also resonated with us Island dwellers who all love a winter walk and there is nothing quite like warming up by the fire afterwards.

And the winner is…

Bringing the Festive Cheer

Below are some survey responses from Charnwood owners about owning a stove during the festive period and particularly on Christmas Day.

“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.”

_____________

Now you’ve seen and heard just how wonderful a Christmas can be with a Charnwood, we recommend planning early so that you are up and running for next year. We have seen record demand for wood-burning stoves over the past 18 months and despite significant investment, our factories are still running at capacity which can lead to waiting times for some stoves. So, it makes sense to start getting ready for next year now so that you and your family can make the most magical time of the year even more special!

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

2021 has been another challenging year, but from a business perspective, there have been some significant steps taken forward and some good times along the way. While most people are understandably happy to see the back of 2021, we encourage reviewing all positives, however small, because they hold added weight considering the context of adversity in which they were achieved. By doing so it’s possible to create and carry forward a little optimism for the new year ahead. In this spirit, we’ll look at some of our business highlights for the year. 

New Investment: Automated Storage and Laser Cutting System

With more emphasis being placed on the home environment in the last couple of years, we have seen a huge increase in demand for these aspects of the business. We were very pleased to announce this year that due to this surge in demand we could make a significant investment in our infrastructure with the installation of a state-of-the-art automated storage and laser cutting system.  

This expands our ability to prototype and manufacture designs with even greater complexity. With a storage capacity of up to 87 tonnes of both processed and unprocessed sheet material, it increases our cutting capacity by over 100%. Automation of such a high volume allows for 24/7 cutting and enables rapid part turnaround. Read more… 

Crossrail Elizabeth Line

The Elizabeth line railway, built by Crossrail for Transport for London, is now spanning more than 100km across the capital. The railway serves 41 stations including 10 major new London stations from Paddington to Abbey Wood. A.J Wells & Sons designed, developed, manufactured, and installed a range of signage and cladding solutions across the network including Tottenham Court Road, Paddington, Whitechapel and Canary Warf. Read more…  

TfL Northern Line Extension

London saw the first major tube expansion this century open to the public on Monday 20th September 2021. A.J Wells & Sons are proud to have surveyed, designed, manufactured, and installed the signage throughout the 1 billion pound Transport for London Northern Line Extension (NLE) project. 

The NLE extension will serve two new stations; Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station. The whole area is undergoing a massive redevelopment, with homes being built and many jobs created. Read more… 

The Charnwood Wellbeing Study 2021

This year we conducted a pioneering survey of stove users to better understand the significant and unique benefits that wood-burning stoves provide for their owners and family’s wellbeing. The response was phenomenal, with 1227 users providing deep insight into the wider benefits of owning and using a stove. 

This survey is the first of its kind (that we know of at least) and brings real weight to the argument in favour of wood-burning stoves beyond their already strong heating and environmental credentials. Read more… 

The Charnwood Cranmore

This year we were proud to release the Charnwood Cranmore, revealed at the virtual dealer event in June. It is traditional in style while using the very latest in clean burn technology. The stove’s pleasing proportions make it well suited to a traditional fireplace and with its large picture window and mesmerising flame pattern it is an ideal replacement for an open fire.  

The Cranmore uses our clean-burn BLU technology and is exceptionally efficient, with a level 5 clearSkies rating, while exceeding all minimum criteria for Eco Design Ready status. Victorian, Georgian, and Regency period properties all provide a perfect backdrop for the traditional aesthetic of the Cranmore. The elegant and timeless design blended with the latest technology makes the Charnwood Cranmore nothing short of a modern classic. Read more… 

Charnwood.US 

We launched Charnwood.us to help us reach our customers and grow our market across the pond. As part of this launch, we were proud to reveal another new stove – the revolutionary Charnwood Skye E700. It has a new intelligent microprocessor that is set to revolutionize the way we burn wood. Load the fire, close the door, set your room temperature using the Charnwood app on your phone and let the stove do the rest. Simply blissful! 

The Skye E700 is coming soon to the U.S.A & Canada and then to other markets. Read more… 

Charnwood Dealer Event 2021

Whilst we missed seeing you all in person, the team really made this year’s Charnwood dealer event (albeit virtual) a special one. With the numbered gift boxes and the big reveal of a new Charnwood stove, it was certainly one to remember. However, there’s no doubt we are crossing all fingers and toes so that we can meet in the flesh next year to celebrate our 50th anniversary in style! 

50th anniversary next year

It is fitting that our 50th anniversary coincides with significant industry-wide changes due to Ecodesign regulations coming into force next year. In the 1970s the founders’ innovations shaped the stove industry, helping people heat their homes more efficiently amongst great uncertainty caused by the Dutch Elm Disease and Oil crises. Now, in 2022, with even greater global challenges to face, Charnwood will hold on tightly to its core tenets and continue to innovate and lead the way towards another highly significant 50-year milestone, in Net Zero 2050.  

Everyone connected to A.J Wells and Charnwood would like to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year!

The four weeks of Advent are traditionally used to prepare and remember the real meaning of Christmas. This period of reflection is a chance to focus on what is truly important in one’s life, which is typically the coming together of family and friends in a spirit of love and celebration.

Much like opening the next window on the Advent calendar, lighting a fire is a ritual that can also provide a daily treat. Feeling the unique heat from a wood-burning stove is the perfect way to mark another cold winters day. The warmth and cosiness created in the home will help carry you and your family all the way through to spring.

Add the wood-burning process to your advent/winter traditions

Whether you’re a new stove owner or just need a recap, here is the best method for lighting your wood-burning stove.

Here is the top-down method:
1) Leave some ash – the most efficient way to light a wood burning stove is to leave a little bit of ash from previous fires. However, you should still ensure the majority of the ash is cleaned out to avoid blocking air circulation.
2) Place 2-3 smaller logs on the stove bed
3) On top of this build a stack of 6-8 softwood kindling sticks
4) Then place a natural fire lighter inside
5) Fully open the air control as this will maximise the supply of oxygen in the wood burner needed to get the fire going.
6) Light the fire lighter and close the door but leave it slightly a jar
7) This helps to heat the chimney flue and burn hot and clean
8) Once the fire is burning well close the door and reduce the air intake
9) Re-fuel little and often
10) Every time a log is added open the air control again until the fire is burning well and then return the control to normal

A highly recommended accompanying read: Elf & Safety – 8 Tips For Wood-Stove Users Over The Holiday Season

Here’s what our customers have to say

These Charnwood customer quotes give great insight into owning a stove and why they are such an important part of their lifestyle – particularly in winter!

“I find the process of building and lighting the fire therapeutic and sitting watching the flames is very relaxing.”
“Something the whole family enjoy doing together and it makes us all feel incredibly relaxed and happy.”
“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.”
“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.”
“My grandchildren ask for the fire to be on when they are having a hot chocolate on a frosty day.”
“The stove is the catalyst for family bonding, which helps with relaxation & mood improvement. It helps to unwind after a days exertions at work.”
“Christmas spent with all the family and grandchildren gathered around our stove brings happy memories all year round.”
“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)

If you’ve been dreading the months ahead, adding a new tradition of regular wood-burning could change your perspective on winter. The ‘top down’ process outlined above quickly becomes second nature and will enable you to, almost magically, transition from anything the day has thrown at you towards a positive state of being. The atmosphere created allows you to let go of the unimportant stuff and to come together as a family and focus on what Christmas is really all about.

Finally, to celebrate the festive season we are inviting you to share your best #CharnwoodFestivePhoto! With a chance to win a beautifully handcrafted mini companion set worth £150! It’s easy and free to enter. To qualify send photo entries to Photos@charnwood.com or just use #CharnwoodFestivePhoto with your post on Instagram.

Be as creative as you want, all we ask is that your Charnwood stove features in the photo. Whether it’s a photo putting up the decorations from this year or the family gathered unwrapping presents from years ago – old or new we’d love to see them!

(Please note that submitting photos constitutes permission for us to use them across our various channels)

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

For all the info needed read: Setting Clearances & Installing Heat Shields for your fireplace.

­­­­­­­­­­_____________

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

Fact: Modern, eco-design compliant wood burning stoves create lower 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.

Explore our range of stoves here.

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.