Wood Burners: Answering the Top 8 questions asked
Posted in in Flue types, Tips for wood burning stoves, Wood burning stove installation
Wood Burners Unveiled: Answering the Top 8 questions asked
As winter approaches, the thought of a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove to bring warmth and ambiance into your home might be crossing your mind. To simplify your decision-making process, we’ve collaborated with Morsø to unravel the most common questions surrounding wood burners.
1. How Do I Determine the Right Size Wood Burner for My Space?
Before diving into a purchase, ascertain the heat requirement for your intended location. Calculate the volume of the room in cubic meters and divide by 14 to understand the heating demand accurately. Selecting the wrong size wood burner can lead to issues like over-firing or, more commonly, under-running, which can be detrimental to the stove, flue, and the environment.
2. Do I Need Planning Permission or Building Control Approval?
The installation must comply with Building Regulation Approved Document J 2010 with the 2013 amendments. It’s crucial to have your wood burner fitted by a qualified engineer, preferably a HETAS registered installer, authorized to commission and sign off the installation. Alternatively, a competent person can fit the wood burner, notifying a building control body accordingly.
3. What about Maintenance, Running Costs, and Energy Efficiency?
Regular chimney system maintenance is recommended, with sweeping at least once a year before the heating season. Ideally, the flue should be checked and swept twice a year to ensure efficient operation and minimize running costs. Understanding the energy efficiency of your wood burner is crucial for both cost-effectiveness and environmental impact.
4. Where Can I Install My Wood Burner?
The flexibility of modern wood burners allows for various installation options. Whether against a wall, in an existing fireplace, or at the center of an open-plan room, the flue can be fitted through a wall or ceiling. Insert wood burners can make a bold statement when flush-fitted into a wall, a dividing wall, or an old fireplace opening.
5. What Does Ecodesign Ready Mean and Why Is It Important?
Ecodesign is a European Standard ensuring that wood burners installed after January 1, 2022, meet higher minimum efficiency and emission reduction criteria. Ecodesign Ready wood burners are not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective for heating. From 2022, non-Ecodesign wood burners will no longer be available, emphasizing the importance of adopting cleaner, more efficient heating solutions.
6. Smoke Control Rules in the UK: What You Need to Know
The Clean Air Act 1993 dictates restrictions on wood burning in towns and cities. Verify with your local authority if your property falls within a smoke control area before purchasing a wood-burning stove to stay compliant.
7. Wood-Burning vs. Multi-Fuel: Unveiling the Distinctions
While multi-fuel wood burners can burn various fuels, including wood, natural smokeless fuel, and manufactured smokeless fuel, wood-burning stoves exclusively burn wood logs or briquettes. Environmental considerations and fuel compatibility should guide your choice.
8. Can I Burn Any Type of Wood?
Dry firewood is essential for effective and eco-friendly burning. Wood should be cut to the appropriate length, split, and stored in a dry place for 1-2 years after being cut down. Ensuring the use of quality wood in your wood-burning stove is vital for optimal performance.
With these answers, you’re now equipped to make an informed decision about bringing the warmth of a wood burner into your home.
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