3 Common Wood-Burning Stove Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Wood-burning stoves are making a fiery comeback in the market as modern models come with innovative, yet industry-established features that can shave off thousands of dollars on your heating bills. It combines the best of both worlds, making it a highly efficient yet energy-saving unit that can benefit an eco-conscious home.
Installing a wood-burning stove seems like a straightforward process, but many tend to cut corners to skimp out on a few hundred dollars. However, failing to follow the correct regulations when installing stoves can quickly turn this cost-effective appliance into a fire hazard, putting lives in danger in more ways than one.
With that in mind, here are some of the common mistakes to avoid when installing a wood-burning stove in your home:
1. Using Combustible Materials to Collect Debris
When breaking down the components of a wood-burning stove, the register plate plays a pivotal role in preventing gas leaks from spreading across the room. It serves as a crucial failsafe that also collects debris that can spark fires in your home, especially in stoves that don’t have flue liners.
Keep in mind that flue liners are a standard feature, though in case you don’t have one, it’s important to have a well-secured, steel register plate to contain any gas leaks. However, some opt for using combustible materials like chipboard due to its cheaper price, but this will only fuel your safety risk.
2. Poor Connection Between the Stove and Flue Liner
Carbon monoxide from the stove should securely pass through the flue liner and into the atmosphere, which means it’s important to ensure the connection between the two is reliably secure. In many cases, the connection can loosen up through time, so it needs regular maintenance to minimize the risk of spreading carbon monoxide.
This toxic gas is invisible to the naked eye, but it can have detrimental effects on your health since it deprives the body of oxygen. Fortunately, modern wood-burning stoves come with a carbon monoxide alarm, which should alert anyone in case the carbon monoxide increases to a dangerous level.
3. Failing to Comply with Building Regulations
People can proceed with installing wood-burning stoves without gaining the approval of your local authority building control department, but it can be extremely risky in both the legal and safety aspects.
Following regulations ensure the quality and security of the installation, so proceeding without the authority’s approval can put many people in extreme danger.
The Bottom Line: The Importance of Proper Wood-Burning Stove Installation and It’s Impact on Safety
If you’re looking for a reliable, HETAS-compliant company that offers installation and maintenance of wood-burning stoves in West Lothian, our expert team represents the best in the industry. We strive to provide stovetops that suit the style and dimensions of your space.
We supply leading brands like Merlin, Aduro, Pod, and more, so we're confident that we can find the perfect stovetop that matches your home. Our products can attractively and efficiently heat your space, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the warmth it brings.
Why Buy a Multi-Fuel Stove? 5 Reasons It Is a Great Investment
Wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves may look aesthetically similar, but they differ in the way they are used. As its name suggests, a multi-fuel stove is specially designed to allow you to use other fuels than wood. Its upfront cost may be more expensive than a wood stove, but it is a versatile choice that can handle any solid fuel you have at home.
If you are having second thoughts about buying a multi-fuel stove, here are some details that might convince you otherwise:
#1: Multi-fuel stoves can provide you with various methods of generating heat
A multi-fuel stove has a grate or tray inside it, allowing you to burn other solid fuel sources such as smokeless fuels, coals, petroleum coke, eco-friendly solid fuels, and wood. This flexibility is its number one advantage over a wood-burning stove. Because of this feature, people can save on expenses because they have more fuel options to choose from. Moreover, when it comes to generating heat, coal can produce greater amounts of heat per volume than wood. If heat is your priority, a multi-fuel stove can offer you so much more.
#2: Easy to clean
You can prolong the lifespan of any stove if you clean it regularly. When a furnace is free from any form of debris, air can flow freely within it, and the fuel can burn more efficiently. A multi-fuel stove is prone to get clogged easily due to the ashes and debris it can accumulate. Fortunately, this stove is also smartly designed to fix this problem. Its inside is different from a typical wood burner. As previously mentioned, a multi-stove has a built-in ash pan that collects all the dirt and makes it easy to remove and clean. This feature usually sits above the stove floor, allowing airflow to help the combustion of smokeless fuels.
#3: A traditional way to enjoy heat
People love having a fireplace for its primary purpose―producing heat when needed and even without electricity. You can enjoy a warm winter night even if you experience a power outage. It is also easy to use. You only need a match to light the stove. Simply turning the knob can bring you higher or lower temperatures. Because of this, you save on your energy bills while still keeping your home warm.
#4: Safe to use
Compared to wood-burning stoves, a multi-fuel stove has a lower fire risk. It will also not immediately produce carbon monoxide, unlike what usually happens when burning wood.
#5: It is a long-lasting investment
Besides keeping your house warm for many hours, you can enjoy the service of a multi-fuel stove for many years. The multi-fuel stoves we use are made from quality materials built to stand the test of time. Add to that the beautiful design that will make your home appear more elegant.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a versatile stove to invest in, a multi-fuel stove has so much to offer. Its modern and timeless design, plus the five enumerated advantages, are just some of the things you can enjoy from it.
Are you looking for multi-fuel stoves in Scotland? There is no need to look further. Stove Scotland can supply, install, and maintain your multi-fuel stove for you. Contact us today to get a free and no-obligation quotation.
Effective Ways to Clean Out Your Wood-Burning Fireplace
Households that maintain a fireplace can expect to benefit from the heat they give off, whether they use natural gas or wood to provide you with the necessary warmth to last you through the cold season. But if you’re using a wood-burning fireplace, they offer all kinds of great features.
It gives off more flames, presents a pleasing scent, and the sound of the crackling fire that you aren’t surprised if you feel relaxed each time you sit by the fireplace and cosy up with your loved ones. But to make sure you get the best out of your wood-burning fireplace, you need to make an effort to maintain it regularly.
That means cleaning your wood stove thoroughly to prevent the buildup of ash, soot, and other debris that could affect its quality and make a negative impact on your health over time. Keep reading below to find out how to initiate the maintenance of your wood-burning fireplace to assure you continue benefiting from it for the years to come.
Effective Ways to Clean Out Your Wood-Burning Fireplace
Dispose of the Ashes Regularly
With a log-burning stove, you can expect to deal with ashes each time you use it. That’s because every time you burn wood, it leaves behind ashes which you don’t necessarily have to take care of right away.
You first have to make sure the ashes have cooled down before you clean them up to prevent causing a mess in your home and achieving unwanted burns. Sweep up the ashes and throw them out in a metal container for proper disposal.
Inspect for Remnants of Soot
If you want to guarantee your fireplace is working correctly, you should examine the flue for any potential indicators of soot buildup. It comes in a powdery form that appears to be softer than creosote, so it tends to lodge itself inside cracks and corners of your wood-burning fireplace.
The moment you see soot piling up in your fireplace, you should use a brush and vinegar to scrub it off. Applying vinegar serves as a non-toxic solution to getting rid of soot without harming your health and has acidic properties that make removing soot much quicker.
Always Use Dry Firewood
If you ask the advice of reliable fireplace installers on what kind of wood you should utilise for your fireplace, they will always recommend that you use dry firewood. Considering wet or moist wood is never a bright decision because aside from being challenging to light, they won’t come in handy.
Besides, igniting damp firewood that contains too much moisture will end up producing more soot and creosote that will only end up sticking all over your fireplace. Instead, remember to gather kiln dried firewood to serve as the best source of fuel for your wood-burning fireplace.
Never Start a Fire with Paper
Lighting up your fireplace with the help of paper, regardless if it’s a newspaper, scratch paper, or magazine paper, is not a good idea and should not be tolerated by homeowners handling fireplaces. In fact, you can’t expect the paper to burn as effectively as wood.
Even though it’s quick to light, you can expect to clean up plenty of ashes after the paper has disintegrated. To maintain the cleanliness of your fireplace, use tinder or kindling for your wood-burning fireplace instead.
Conclusion
As the winter season arrives over Scotland, people can expect to spend most of their days indoors, away from the freezing temperatures out in the open. If you want to maintain the comfort and warmth of your home, you have to take precautionary measures to ensure you get the best out of your wood-burning fireplace. Remember to dispose of the ashes often, inspect for remains of soot, use dry firewood all the time, and avoid starting a fire with paper.
Are you looking for fireplace installation services in Scotland for your lovely home? Stove Scotland offers multi-fuel and wood-burning stoves and fireplaces to households. We carry some of the top brands like Merlin, Aduro, Pod, Askgard, Termatec, and Burley to guarantee you have a variety of choices to match your needs. Get in touch with us today to receive a free quote!
The Right Way to Use and Maintain a Multi-Fuel Stove - Our Guide
There is nothing like having a fireplace to warm up your home in the cold winter. It is a classic choice in the design of many homes across the UK. One amazing trend that is resurging in popularity is the use of wood-burning stoves. They offer a classic look and feel to a home while serving multiple functions as a source of heat and a thing to prepare food with.
For those that have problems storing tons of wood for the winter, multi-fuel stoves might be a better option, as multi-fuel stoves can be used with wood, coal, or manufactured fuels. Like any piece of equipment, these stoves require proper maintenance.
If you want your stove to last, give it a little TLC. To help you get started, we have created this guide to properly using and maintaining your multi-fuel stove so that you can avoid damaging it and help it function efficiently.
Familiarise yourself with the components
Both wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves generally have the following components: the firebox, door, air vents, and flue.
The firebox is the main compartment of the stove; it is the section into which fuel is loaded and lit. The door allows access to the firebox and often comes with a glass window to provide a view of the flames. The air vents allow you to moderate the stove’s air supply, which can control temperature and how quickly your fuel burns. Finally, the flue is a pipe connected to the roof of the stove through which smoke escapes. More often than not, it connected to the chimney for safe dispersal of the smoke.
The beauty of these stoves is that they are built with the latest technology, despite using age-old techniques. They reduce emissions by reigniting particulates burned from fuel, which fully utilizes the materials and reduces the production of pollutants. Multi-fuel stoves, in particular, are built for efficiency, as they are sometimes more efficient than regular stoves depending on the design.
How to use a multi-fuel stove
Lighting the stove begins with creating a bed of fuel and placing some firelighter on top of it. Cover this stack with kindling, and then place more logs, coal, or manufactured fuels (like briquettes) around it. Light the firelighter directly, and once the fire begins to burn consistently, add more of the fuel.
Open the air vents immediately to ensure that the fire has plenty of air. This helps the fuel to catch fire. Once the fire is at a sufficient level, close the primary vent to halfway. This will conserve your fuel and prevent it from burning up too quickly.
If the fire is dying, you can add more kindling, then fuel. Reopen the air vents to give the flames an extra dose of oxygen. If it becomes too hot, tame the fires by shutting the primary air vents.
Basic maintenance
One thing you have to routinely do is to remove ash from your stove. If the ash piles up, it may cause your stove to run inefficiently. Luckily, there is an ash pan to catch this debris, which you can throw away easily. Just make sure the pan is secure when you return it.
The glass window may also catch dirt and grime, so it is important to keep it clean. Make sure to use a product that’s specifically designed for stoves.
Every once in a while, you will also need to have your chimney cleaned. For that, you’ll need the services of professional chimney sweeps. This should be done at least once a year to ensure the efficiency of your stove, and to reduce the production it might produce if unclean.
Final thoughts
As with anything, it is important to treat the parts of your home with care. Using your multi-fuel stove properly and maintaining it regularly can not only increase the lifespan of your stove, but it can also ensure that the residents of your home remain safe and healthy.
If you are looking to have a multi-fuel stove installed in your home in the UK or Scotland, give us at Stove Scotland a call. We are a family-run business with a burning passion for stoves. Our first priority is to offer reliable service at an affordable price.
4 Reasons Your Wood-Burning Stove Fire Is Too Smoky
It’s that time of the year when lighting up the fireplace is a good idea, especially to keep everyone warm and comfortable inside the home. You light up your wood-burning stove, and you’re about to sit back and relax when you see nothing but thick smoke from the fire. Sure, it's obvious that fire produces smoke, but it shouldn’t be too smoky!
If you have ever experienced a wood-burning stove that produces too much smoke, then there could be something wrong with the quality of wood you used. Keep in mind that fires in your stove are meant to be beautiful and a great source of warmth and comfort, as mentioned, and not something that will make people’s eyes burn.
4 Reasons Your Wood-Burning Stove Fire Is Too Smoky
If your wood-burning stove is giving out too much smoke, here are four common reasons it happens:
1. Using Wet Wood
Wet wood will create smokier fires due to several reasons. For one, the moisture in the wood will burn off and turn into steam. The steam will then mix with the burning wood smoke and make it thicker. Wet wood also makes it difficult for the wood to burn as hot as possible. The best way to prevent this is by getting only quality dry firewood.
2. Burning Wood With Mold Or Fungus
Leaving seasoned firewood or wood that has been outside for too long is prone to grow mould or fungus. However, a common mistake is burning off wood infested with mould or fungus thinking that it will solve the issue. Indeed, it will eliminate the mould, but it will create a lot of smoke at the same time! Moreover, the smell of mould is not what you want to be released into the air, especially when your loved ones are around. For this reason, before you burn off your firewood, make sure you first inspect the wood.
3. Not Letting Your Fire Breathe
When you stack your logs too tightly together, it will reduce the available oxygen that could make it difficult for the fire to get going. Because of this, it can snuff the flames out even before it starts and can cause it to smoulder instead of burn. Keep in mind that when wood smoulders, it will produce more smoke. What you can do is stack the logs in a way that they’re close enough to share heat, but there’s still ample amount of space for each to allow them to breathe so that the fire doesn't "suffocate."
4. Burning Yard Debris
Many homeowners have the habit of starting a fire using leaves, pinecones, and other debris. Sure, they can create a quick flame, but they will also generate lots of smoke. This is because most of the time, the pieces of debris are still a bit wet, and the moisture will contribute to the smoke. Additionally, yard debris can reduce oxygen flow and make it harder for the fire to heat up and burn well.
Conclusion
Avoiding smoky fire is important, especially if you’re hosting an event at home. It all comes down to the quality of firewood you use, meaning that you need to ensure you’re getting the best type of wood for your wood-burning fire stove. If you encounter a smoky fire, listed above are the possible reasons that you can use to figure out a solution to solve the problem!
Are you looking for a wood stove in Scotland that you can use for those cold nights at home? We have a wide selection of wood stoves you can choose from, and our experts can also install and maintain them for you. Get in touch with us today for a free quote!
Why It’s Time to Consider Installing a Wood Burning Stove
Why It’s Time to Consider Installing a Wood Burning Stove - Winter has officially arrived, signalling the season to bundle up in layers, drink cups of hot chocolate, and keep a comfortable temperature at home to last you through the chill. You can expect the weather outside to be below negative degrees, forcing you to stay inside where it’s warm and cosy.
If you think having a heater isn’t enough to satisfy your needs, you could consider getting a wood burning stove to supplement it. Since you can expect to spend most of your time indoors during the cold season, you can guarantee to make the most out of your heating system!
Keep reading below to find out why purchasing a wood burning stove is your next greatest investment yet.
Why It’s Time to Consider Installing a Wood Burning Stove
It Brightens a Room
Any room that lacks the sense of relaxation can benefit from having a wood stove because it keeps you snug and relaxed—which you need after spending a long day working. It also has an aesthetic finish that can improve the design of your space by brightening it up.
A wood burning stove can uplift the interior of your home, regardless if you choose a modern finish or a classic look. You can select from various styles that will complement your household best and look forward to spending every night cuddled up with your loved ones in front of the crackling fire.
It Provides Adequate Warmth
Having a central heating system to rely on at home throughout the winter season can result in higher energy bills, especially since it offers a convenient way for you to gain access to warmth whenever you want. But if you get a log burning stove that produces the necessary heat, you only have to operate it when your family’s all in one room together.
With a wood burning stove, you and your loved ones get to spend more time together and avoid retreating in each other’s rooms. It helps you cut back on your electricity bills as well, and it gives you more time to bond and enjoy each other’s company!
It’s an Alternative for a Fireplace
Not all households get the chance to install a fireplace because it can be quite expensive to maintain one. But that shouldn’t stop you from asking for the right stove installation service to meet your expectations. Fortunately, all homes can get a wood burning stove, given that the design you choose fits your space perfectly.
When it comes to selecting the best wood burning stove, you have to plan out where to install the flue and ensure to maintain safety precautions at all times. You can choose from various designs, lengths, and styles, depending on what will work for your situation.
It Offers Benefits Throughout the Year
If you want to make the most out of your wood burning stove, then it’s safe to say that these aren’t used for the winter season alone. You and your family can take advantage of it all year if necessary, as you can depend on a wood burning stove for instant heat at any time.
In addition, you can make your stove visually pleasing based on the seasons. You can add fresh flowers and various plants during the summer, and in the winter, you can hang up holiday ornaments around it and place blankets and cushions to make it feel homier.
Conclusion
A wood burning stove offers various benefits for households looking for an alternative to their fireplace or those who want to stop relying on their central heating system too much. Installing a wood burning stove can help brighten up a room, provide adequate warmth, and offers benefits all-year-round. You can ask a stove fitter to hook you up with a good-quality fixture to help you get through the upcoming cold mornings and chilly winter evenings.
Are you looking for a supplier of wood stoves in Scotland to help prepare your home for the winter? Stove Scotland offers multi-fuel and wood burning stoves that fit the style of any room. We carry well-known brands to meet your needs and help you find the perfect match for you. Get in touch with us today to receive a free quote!
The Hot Truths Behind Wood-Burning Stoves You Must Know
The Hot Truths Behind Wood-Burning Stoves You Must Know, now that the colder months of the year are upon us, keeping your home warm means keeping everyone comfortable. Considering this, you need to make sure that you have the most efficient heating unit for your abode.
The conventional options are central heating units and boilers. However, there are other increasingly popular options such as wood-burning stoves.
These fireplace inserts are capturing the attention of many homeowners for various reasons. Aside from their visual appeal, wood stoves are also efficient and simply charming to witness.
If you are exploring options and would like to know more about log burning stoves, you’ve come to the right place! Here are just a few of the many truths about these fireplace inserts that may help you decide.
They Are More Efficient Than Open Fires
If you simply want an occasional cosy blare, open fires may be sufficient. However, take note that they also provide certain disadvantages.
Open fires are only around 20% efficient; most of the heat goes up the chimney. A log burning stove, on the other hand, burns at a much higher temperature and produces a thermal efficiency of around 80%. On top of that, it is less smoky and produces less ash. It is also safer as the fire is enclosed; effectively eliminating the risks of stray sparks or hot coals on the carpet.
They Are Carbon Neutral
Here’s a little fun fact for you: wood emits the same amount of carbon monoxide, regardless of whether it is burned or left to rot in the ground. This means that burning wood does not necessarily harm the environment.
Furthermore, wood is considered a renewable source of energy. It comes from trees which could be easily grown. On top of that, wood products can be processed using less energy, carbon, and water compared to other raw materials.
They Increase Your Energy Usage Awareness
Usually, owning a wood-burning stove entails growing, felling, chopping, storing and drying out the wood. Furthermore, as you start using your fireplace insert, you will realise that you need to burn a lot of wood to keep your home comfortably warm.
This experience will naturally teach you the importance of using energy wisely. It will also inspire you to discover your own hacks to preserve energy. It could be as simple as wearing thicker clothing and using less wood, which is much better than wearing a T-shirt and using more wood!
Owning a wood stove will make you more aware of the amount of energy used to heat your home—something which you may not have given much thought of before.
There Are Many Reasons to Use A Wood-Burning Stove
There are just a plethora of reasons why investing in a wood stove is worth it. Here are some of them:
- Wood is more cost-effective than other fuels. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, it is a renewable energy source.
- You can stay warm despite a boiler breakdown or power outage. Your wood stove can also serve as a reliable energy backup in these instances.
- Cutting and collecting timber is a good exercise—it can also be a way for you to bond with your family!
- Watching wood burning in the comfort of your own home (without stray sparks) can be truly relaxing.
Conclusion
Log burning stoves are enjoying a surge in popularity recently, and for a good reason. These fireplace inserts are known to beautify different types of abodes and complement various interior designs. Most importantly, they provide an efficient and reliable way to heat homes without significantly harming the environment.
We hope you were able to understand wood-burning stoves better with the items listed above. If you are interested in getting one for your home, get in touch with our professional stove fitters in Scotland today! With a variety of packages and installation options, we can help you get the perfect stove for you and your family.
How a Wood-Burning Stove Impacts Your Energy Bills
No rustic, culinary-forward home is complete without a wood-burning stove. From baked potatoes to chicken stroganoff, the possibilities with a wood-burning stove are virtually endless. However, avid home cooks may be twiddling their thumbs over skyrocketing energy bills—will a wood-burner work to your advantage or manifest an abundance of new issues?
Consult the Energy-Saving Trust
If you’re concerned about household energy use, consult the Energy Saving Trust, a well-respected independent body with in-depth access to the appropriate information. According to experts at the Trust, wood-burning stoves can reduce energy bills by up to 10%.
Naturally, this number will vary from user to user, though you can study rich information to determine how best to utilise your new appliance.
Burn the Correct Fuel
Running a wood-burning stove is an art. Incorporate a non-recommended fuel and wet wood, and you could be negatively impacting its longevity. As you would expect, damp wood will force your machine to work double-time to dry the material before it burns.
If you aren’t carefully researching the appropriate materials for use with your brand-new wood-burner, you could be unknowingly creating harmful gases.
Maintain Your Stove Well
A well-maintained and regularly-inspected machine makes for a reliable and long-lasting household appliance. At face-value, a wood-burning stove may appear particularly robust—and it is—but any damage can impact its ability to maintain heat within the system.
Remember, your appliance is doing more than it looks—it’s maintaining and releasing heat in a controlled manner. Suppose your fire bricks are cracking and are in desperate need of a repair or replacement. The longer you leave the problem to linger, the more heat will escape in an uncontrolled manner.
Loose heat will affect the outer later of your wood-burner and can cause a plethora of inefficiencies and further damage.
Consider a Boiler Stove
The jump from a traditional boiler system to a wood-burning machine isn’t as wide a gap as most people assume. Nowadays, commercially available wood-burning equipment is far more efficient than they once were.
Use Your Stove Correctly
It should go without saying that improper use can directly impact your household energy bills. While your durable machine can pack on some intense heat, you don’t want to drown your firebox in fuel. If your stove overheats, it won’t be able to maintain its optimal temperature effectively.
Equip your flue pipe with a thermostat to create better control over the heat you apply to your system. With one, you’ll learn the right amount of fuel to fill your firebox with.
Don’t Brush Off Minor Damage
A small crack on the stove glass door or slightly loose seals are nuances you might brush off as “no big deal.” However, damage mounts over time, and you may find yourself having to replace your entire machine.
If a part needs replacing, replace it immediately. Your short-term fee will make for long-term savings when you realise you can avoid costlier repairs in the future.
Conclusion
While there is no hard number regarding the potential savings you’ll make with a wood-burning stove, you can rest assured that it makes for an excellent addition to your culinary set-up. Overall, by maintaining your system well and learning how to use it best, you’ll save a buck on your energy bills regardless.
For wood-burning stoves that never fail to satisfy, shop our wide array of equipment at Stove Scotland. Our experts are well-equipped to install your brand-new machine. Does your existing wood-burner need an inspection? Don’t hesitate to call us up!
2 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Wood-Burning Stove
For most Scottish and UK homeowners, the idea of buying a wood-burning stove is much like the honeymoon phase of a relationship.
When you start thinking about all the things you can do and the new life with your fancy little stove (before you even have one), you’ll end up blushing and dreaming long after you get it installed. Thanks to the fact that today’s options are built far better to cater to all types of needs and preferences, it’s impossible to not find the perfect option!
Although it may seem like getting a wood-burning stove is all rainbows and butterflies at first, the honeymoon phase can actually quickly disappear or last a lifetime depending on the buying experience.
The mistakes you must avoid when buying a wood-burning stove
Many British homeowners end up jumping way too fast into the process of buying a fancy new stove because they get caught up in the whole daydream of finally owning one.
Instead of getting carried away with having a wood-burning stove and rushing through the whole buying process, it’s important to understand that it pays to be more careful than ever. Thankfully, you won’t have to be like the thousands of other buyers who ended up getting the wrong stove because simply keeping an eye on the different vital factors can make a world of difference.
If you’re about to get a wood-burning stove but don’t know how to ensure that all your efforts pay off, then there’s no need to worry because here’s a guide to the two mistakes you must avoid:
Mistake #1: Overlooking the heat output-related aspects
Considering the fact that you’re purchasing a wood-burning stove to heat things up in your home, it would be essential to ensure that the heat output matches up, right?
Unfortunately, far too many British homeowners make the same mistake of overlooking this crucial aspect every year.
Just like an air conditioner, a wood-burning stove heavily relies on a presence of compatibility with the size of a room, the present ventilation set-up, and the location of the doors and windows in the space. Instead of solely purchasing a stove based on its appearance, you must remember to focus on the heat output-related factors and look into the details to make sure that everything pans out correctly!
If you’re not entirely familiar with the concept of heat output or whether or not a model matches your space’s specifications, feel free to contact the experts at Stove Scotland so that we can help you find your perfect match!
Mistake #2: Cutting corners when it comes to installation
While most first-time buyers get things right when it comes to picking out the right heater and not cutting corners on wood-burning stoves themselves, they tend to cheap out on the places where costs matter most: Installation.
Given that the UK has tightened its regulations on wood-burning stove installations, it’s clear that homeowners must now exercise extra care in terms of how their appliance is installed and who gets the job done. Fortunately, you can ensure that your installation needs are in the right hands by not only shelling out some more cash but also getting a HETAS-accredited installer, such as Stove Scotland’s experts!
Conclusion
As dreamlike as the idea of finally owning a wood-burning stove may be, things can easily go wrong if you don’t make the needed adjustments and exert the necessary efforts to avoid common mistakes. With this guide's help, you can ensure that your experience of a honeymoon phase with your stove lasts for as long as possible!
Are you looking for a stove fitter in Scotland that can help you pick out the best wood-burning appliance for your home's needs? Our team of experts has got you covered. Get in touch with us today to learn more!
4 Tips to Improve Your Stove's Lifespan and Efficiency
Stoves, whether wood-burning or multi-fuel, are made to be sturdy and durable. This has caused many homeowners who have such stoves to leave them as is throughout their entire lifetime.
However, the truth is that, while stoves are made to last, there are many things you can do to extend their lifespan and even improve their performance. Also, stoves are susceptible to damage. If you do not take care of yours and let problems develop, it can start to perform poorly and eventually break down.
If you want to maximise your stove in terms of efficiency and lifespan, here is what you can do: 4 Tips to Improve Your Stove's Lifespan and Efficiency
1. Check the ash pan
After using your stove, you may be tempted to leave the ash pan as is. While this may not present a problem immediately, leaving it unattended will allow the ash to pile up. Over time, a large pile of ash can build up below the grate, exposing it to high temperatures. This can cause the grate to distort, which can negatively affect the performance and safety of the stove. To avoid this headache, remember to empty the ash pan after every use.
2. Clean the glass fitting
Most modern stoves will have glass fittings in front to allow light to enter the surrounding area and enable you to peer inside it. Unfortunately, as you use the stove more frequently, the glass can become dirtier and cloudier. If this is left unaddressed, it will impact the stove's aesthetics and even damage it.
While many stoves have a system in place to keep the glass clean, you will need to clean it manually from time to time. To do so, grab some newspaper and some vinegar to scrub the glass clean! Avoid using any abrasive products to ensure the glass does not get scratched.
3. Look for signs of rust
Rust is always a bad sign. If you find signs of corrosion forming on your stove, you should treat it right away. You can use wire wool to scrape the rust away and paint over the affected area to restore its original appearance. Be sure to be thorough with the scraping because it can come back even worse than before if you miss any spots.
4. Check the rope seals
Your stove will have rope seals built around and inside it to ensure its internal environment is separate from the outside. If the seal is broken, the heat will come out of the stove uncontrollably, making the stove less efficient and the surrounding area hotter than usual. Be sure to check around your stove for any signs of damaged seals. If there are any, change them right away.
Conclusion
While meant to be durable and strong, your stove will still need tender love and care to maximise its performance and lifespan. Follow the tips we have shared above to check your stove for potential issues and carry out the necessary fixes.
If you find more problems besides simple rust and believe that you cannot tackle them yourself, do not hesitate to hire professionals to care for your stove. While it is certainly an investment to work with experts, they will be able to give your stove the care it needs to function at maximum performance.
We are multi-fuel and wood-burning stove experts, providing services to install top-quality stoves in any home. If you are looking for maintenance service for your fireplace installation in Scotland, work with us today!