Wakefords Fireplaces and Stoves

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The Best Wood Burning Stoves By The Telegraph

The Telegraph has written an article on the best wood burning stoves and covers some of the latest developments in the world of wood burning stoves. Having a wood burning stove is one of the biggest trends for any middle-class homes, with new installations booming in recent years. However, Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, introduced a new ban on some of the most polluting wood burners. So, what does this mean for those looking to invest in a new wood burning stove and those who already have one that may not comply with the new ban? Firstly, don’t panic, the new ban doesn’t immediately take effect! It comes into action in 2022, giving you ample time to assess your stove and upgrade if necessary.

Some existing log burners already comply with the new legislation, being marked as “Ecodesign ready”. Any modern model (built within the last 5 years) are more likely going to be compliant, check with HETAS for a list of Ecodesign ready wood burners. Because of modern developments, wood burning stoves have higher efficiency ratings; reach over 80pc (compared to open fire at 30pc). Look for this rating when purchasing your own unit to ensure you are Ecodesign ready. There are over 400 models of stoves that are Ecodesign ready already with more expected to be available before 2022.

It’s important to get the right stove for you and your property; consider the size and location of the installation. It’s more than just a new appliance but an extension of your property. Talk to our experts if you have any questions about choosing the right log burner and we’ll be happy to help. Get in touch with our team today for our advice and take a look at the Telegraph’s best wood burning stoves article here.

 

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We Are Open and Safe

Well, it has certainly been a trying few months, and we are all clearly still very worried about the future. However, we are very pleased to be open again as are many Surrey businesses. Our showroom is now open with social distancing measures being strictly adhered too along with lots of handwashing and all the other precautions you would expect. But perhaps, more importantly, we are able to do home visits when required so people who had planned to get that amazing new stove, electric or gas fire fitted in their Surrey home now can.

Gas Fire Servicing

One very important part of our work we are now able to do again is gas fire servicing across Surrey.  Thankfully it has been nice and warm throughout this pandemic so fires have not been needed but the Autumn is not far away and as people begin o want to use their gas fires again we urge everyone to make sure they are serviced properly. There is always a rush in the Autumn as people want to use their gas fires so it is often much easier to book your service in the Summer. We can assure you our team will be sticking to all the guidelines. Where vulnerable people are concerned it may be helpful to ask a relative or friend to be there to answer the door to our engineer and the homeowner can isolate in another room during the service.

Fireplace Installations and More

We are very much able to discuss and book in your fireplace installations from now on. As with our servicing, we can work around your requirements in terms of distancing and isolating. We are very happy to discuss this on the phone prior to booking an appointment. There is no reason why Covid-19 should stop you from having the fireplace you really want to be installed and set up ready for some chilly Autumn evenings in a few month’s time!

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Domestic Wood Burning Stoves are NOT Being Banned

Wood burning stove

Contrary to some recent national media coverage, the announcement last month by DEFRA to phase out the sale of coal and wet wood for domestic burning does NOT mean that wood burning stoves are being banned or discouraged by the government.  It is not the end of the roaring hearth or cosy fireplace as many headlines stated – it simply means people will need to use cleaner fuel alternatives such as dry wood for their stoves at home.

Defra Announcement on Polluting Fuels

Defra announced on 21st February 2020 that sales of bagged and pre-packaged traditional house coal and wet wood in units under 2M3 will be phased out by 2021. The sale of loose coal direct to customers via approved coal merchants will also be banned by February 2023, meaning members of the public will need to switch to cleaner fuels by these dates.

There will also be limitations on the sale of manufactured solid fuels for domestic fires by February 2021 – fuels with a low sulphur content which emit a small amount of smoke will still be allowed.

Defra said in a statement ‘this phased implementation will ensure that public and suppliers have time to move to cleaner alternatives such as dry wood and manufactured solid fuels, while continuing to be able to use their stoves and open fires at home.’

Environment Secretary George Eustice also commented ‘Cosy open fires and wood-burning stoves are at the heart of many homes up and down the country, but the use of certain fuels means that they are also the biggest source of the most harmful pollutant that is affecting people in the UK. By moving towards the use of cleaner fuels such as dry wood we can all play a part in improving the health of millions of people.’

You Can Still Use Dry Wood

Most domestic stoves and fires can use dry wood as their fuel and will therefore not be affected.  Coal and wet wood are being banned as they are the two most polluting fuels, contributing to around 40% of harmful levels of the pollutant PM2.5 in the UK. These announcement form part of the government’s Clean Air Strategy which aims to tackle a range of pollutants including PM2.5, ammonia and sulphur dioxide in the UK.

The advantage of dry wood – both kiln and air dried – is that it is cheaper and more efficient to burn than wet wood and coal and therefore people who rely on stoves for heat will not see their fuel costs rise.

The Stove Industry Welcomes the Regulations

The Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) has welcomed the government’s announcement and emphasised in a press release that modern Ecodesign compliant stoves burning the correct fuels continue to be a sound, environmental heating solution. Ecodesign ready stoves produce 90% less emissions than an open fire and use a completely renewable and sustainable fuel.

The SIA encourages the public to burn approved dry wood and smokeless fuel in a modern Ecodesign ready appliance. These fuels are widely available and if you’re unsure whether your appliance is Ecodesign ready, speak to us for advice.

Wood Burning Stoves are NOT Being Banned

DEFRA’s announcement does not in any way suggest that wood burning stoves are being banned.  The Stove Industry Alliance has called for more accurate reporting on this story as the industry employs over 25,000 people and their livelihoods are being put at risk by misreporting.

Morley Sage, chair of the SIA, commented: “We welcome today’s announcement that will see the most polluting fuels phased out and encourage homeowners to use approved dry wood. As an industry that employs over 25,000 people across manufacturing, retailing, installation and servicing, headlines that suggest that wood burning stoves are being banned are not only categorically untrue, they are also very damaging to people’s jobs and livelihoods.

Contact Us for Advice

If you want any advice on this announcement or want to know more about Ecodesign ready stoves, please don’t hesitate to contact us, and we’ll be happy to chat to you.

More from our blog

The ultimate guide to wood burning stoves – everything you need to know

The advantages of gas fireplaces

 

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Gas Fireplace – Advantages

gas fire

Fireplaces are an incredibly popular feature in people’s homes. They give a great sense of focus to a room, and a cosy heat in the colder weather. Whilst fireplaces might first make you think of ‘real’ fires, gas fires offer a host of benefits to those who can’t, or choose not to have a wood or coal burning option.

Efficient

We are increasingly aware of our energy use. Using gas can actually be an incredibly efficient and therefore cost-effective way to heat, and may even reduce heating bills. Modern models require very few kilowatts of energy to rapidly warm a room, and glass fronted options can be up to 90% fuel efficient. Of course, there is also the fact that you can just heat the room you are in and not the whole house. In addition to all this, gas fires are usually pretty easy and inexpensive to install.

Style

Whether you are seeking a traditional look fire or a modern wall mounted unit, gas fires cover a full range of stylistic options for all tastes. It’s not the 80s any more. Today’s gas fires are many and varied, and tasteful!

Available and flexible

Gas fires do require some kind of vent, but not a chimney and for this reason, most homes can accommodate one. There are a vast range of options on the market, and the right gas fire for you will depend on the set up you have at home – the type of flue or chimney you do or don’t have – but a reputable supplier will be able to advise you on all this.

 Easy to manage

For many, gas fires offer an easy to manage heating and comfort fire source without the hassle of buying, storing and cleaning up after wood or coal. For those who want to just turn it on and off, this can be a great option.

Real flames

Unlike their electric counterparts, gas fires do provide the comfort of a real flame. If a real fire is not for you, or not available to you, but you still want to bathe in the comfort of a steady yellow, orange flame then the gas fire is a good alternative.

Over the last few decades, the technology behind gas fires has seen some significant developments. They now offer an incredibly safe, easy to use, stylish option for your home. They also offer great efficiency. Just ensure you take some expert advice from our team to ensure you have the right kind and size of fire for your rooms and requirements. Our trained engineers are happy to answer any questions you may have about gas fire installation in Surrey.

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What wood would be best?

It’s definitely the time of year to enjoy the wonderful warming atmosphere of a fire. It’s so satisfying and comforting. But have you ever found that sometimes your wood burning stove seems to burn better or worse than others? If so, it could be down to the wood you use. Here are some top tips on what sort of wood to use and how to store it to get the best and most efficient results from your fire.

Use seasoned wood

This is one of the most important considerations. Seasoned means wood that has been left to dry.  It should have a moisture content of no more than 20% for the best results. Using full-seasoned wood will ensure it burns better, for longer, providing greater heat and less smoke. It will also have a lower carbon footprint. You can either store and season it at home, or find a local provider who has seasoned it for you. It takes 1-2 years for wood to be properly seasoned. Drier wood is lighter and any bark on it will peel away more easily.

Hard vs Soft

There are plenty of opinions on the best types of wood to burn and you can read for hours on the merits of different sources. In general, hardwoods are reputed to be better for wood burning stoves. They are slow growing and therefore denser, which leads to a longer burn and better heat provision. Ash is often cited as the best, but oak, birch and beech are also good. Softwoods will burn quicker, so you will need more. Any resinous woods are likely to need longer to season properly.

Storing your wood

Whether your wood was pre-seasoned or whether you are doing it yourself, you will want to keep the wood as dry as possible when storing it at home. The best way to achieve this is to avoid stacking directly on the ground – simple pallets or the like can provide elevation. Also try to keep the wood covered to avoid the worst of the weather, but in a manner that still allows the wood to breathe. Be aware that your wood stack will be a haven for insects, so you might need to shake them off before taking into the house!

Then sit back and enjoy the wonders of a roaring fire….and if you don’t have a fire or a burner and you would like one, please do get in touch!