Frequently Asked Questions About Wood Burning, Multi Fuel & Bioethanol Stoves

Choosing the correct output size for a woodburning or multifuel stove is crucial to ensure efficient heating of your room. The process involves calculating the heat output required in kilowatts (kW) based on the volume of the room you wish to heat. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to calculate it:

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1. Measure the Room: Determine the length, width, and height of the room in metres.

2. Calculate the Volume: Multiply these three dimensions together to find the volume of the room in cubic metres (m³).

3. Determine the Heat Output: Divide the volume by a factor that varies depending on the insulation level of the room:
   

   • For a medium insulated room, divide by 14.

   • For a poorly insulated room, divide by 10.

   • For a well-insulated new build, divide by 25.

The result will give you the approximate kW output needed for your stove. You will want this to be around the middle of the heating range the stove is able to provide.

In relation to a log burner or multifuel stove, the term “range” typically refers to the spectrum of heat output that the stove can provide, measured in kilowatts (kW).

Manufacturers often quote a range of heat outputs for a stove to account for its variable performance under different conditions. For instance, a stove might be rated as “5 kW” but have a quoted range of “3 - 7 kW", meaning it can operate within this scale depending on the factors of fuel load and air intake. The more air and fuel, the more heat is produced and visa versa.

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The range is important because it gives you an idea of the stove’s flexibility in heating a space. A wider range means the stove can be adjusted to provide more or less heat as needed, making it suitable for a variety of room sizes and temperatures. It’s essential to choose a stove with a range that matches the heating requirements of your space for optimal efficiency and comfort.

The primary difference between a radiant stove and a convection stove lies in how they distribute heat within a room.

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Radiant Stoves:

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• Emit heat directly from the stove’s surface.

• Heat travels in straight lines and is absorbed by objects and surfaces in close proximity.

• Provide intense heat at the front, which diminishes with distance.

• Ideal for less insulated spaces with high ceilings or large open areas.

• Can also be used for cooking due to their direct heat.

• Radiant stoves will gain many of the benefits of a convection stove with the simple addition of a stove top fan.

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Convection Stoves:

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• Feature channels that circulate warm air throughout the room.

• Draw in cool air, heat it up, and then release it, creating a convection current.

• Distribute heat more evenly and gently around the space.

• The stove’s outer casing remains relatively cooler, making it safer around children and materials.

• Better suited for well-insulated rooms and can effectively move warm air to adjacent areas.

The main difference between a woodburning stove and a multifuel stove is the type of fuel they can burn. Woodburning stoves are designed exclusively for burning wood based products, multifuel stoves can burn various fuels, including wood & smokeless fuels.

Woodburning Stoves (Log Burners):

• Fuel: Only wood.

• Design: Typically have a fixed grate and no ashpan, as wood burns best on a bed of ash.

• Advantages: Environmentally friendly as wood is carbon-neutral and a renewable energy source whilst generally they are cheaper than multifuel stoves.

Multifuel Stoves:

• Fuel: Wood, smokeless fuels, and coal.

• Design: Equipped with a riddling grate that allows for the removal of ash, which is necessary when burning coal or smokeless fuels.

• Advantages: Allow you to burn a wider range of fuels such as smokeless fuel which will burn for a longer time period that wood.

Choosing between the two depends on your needs and preferences:

• Woodburning Stove: If you prefer a simpler, more cost-effective option and have a good supply of wood, whilst wanting a more environmentally friendly heat source, a woodburning stove can be the right choice.

• Multifuel Stove: Allows more flexibility with fuels you can use. And remember, it can always just be used as a woodburner!

If you are purchasing your fuel through a supplier, always look for the Woodsure 'Ready To Burn' logo. This ensures that you fuel will be below 20% moisture, allowing for a clean, efficient burn. Further information can be found at www.woodsure.co.uk.

When selecting firewood for your woodburner, understanding the characteristics of different types of wood can help you make an informed choice. Here are some common firewoods and their benefits:

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1. Ash (Hardwood):

   • Low Moisture Content: Ash wood has naturally low moisture content, even when freshly cut. This makes it an excellent choice for efficient burning.

   • Steady Heat Output: Ash provides consistent heat output and burns slowly.

   • Clean Flame: When burning ash, you’ll notice a clean flame with minimal smoke.

   • Seasoning Matters: Like all wood, ash performs best when properly seasoned.

2. Beech (Hardwood):

   • Higher Moisture Content: Beech wood contains more moisture, so it requires a longer seasoning period.

   • Spark Potential: While it burns well, beech can produce sparks.

   • Mix with Slower-Burning Wood: Consider blending beech with slower-burning woods like oak or elm.

3. Birch (Hardwood):

   • Easy Ignition: Birch ignites easily and can even be burned unseasoned.

   • Quick Burn: It burns rapidly, so it’s often best mixed with other woods.

   • Birch Bark: Birch bark makes excellent fire-lighters.

4. Apple (Hardwood):

   • Slow Burn: Apple wood burns slowly and emits a pleasant aroma.

   • Ensure Proper Seasoning: Make sure your apple wood is well-seasoned for optimal performance.

5. Cedar (Softwood):

   • Aromatic: Cedar burns well and provides lasting heat with minimal flame.

   • Less Spitting: It doesn’t spit excessively, and small cedar pieces can be burned unseasoned.

6. Oak (Hardwood):

   • High Heat Output: Oak is renowned for its high heat output and longevity.

   • Slow Burn: It burns slowly, making it ideal for overnight heating.

   • Dense and Hard: Oak is dense and hard, ensuring a steady flame and minimal sparking.

7. Hornbeam (Hardwood):

   • Similar to Beech: Hornbeam shares characteristics with beech, including moderate moisture content.

   • Steady Burn: It burns steadily and provides reliable warmth.

   • Mix with Other Woods: Combine hornbeam with other hardwoods for optimal results.

Remember that regardless of the wood type, proper seasoning is crucial for efficient and safe burning. Choose the right wood based on your stove’s needs, and enjoy the cosy warmth!

Distances to combustibles for a solid fuel appliance refer to the minimum space required between the appliance (and its flue pipe) and any combustible materials, such as wood, fabric, or certain types of insulation. These distances are crucial for safety reasons, as they prevent the high temperatures from the appliance and flue from igniting nearby combustible materials.

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The UK Building Regulations specify these distances to ensure that there is sufficient clearance to reduce the risk of fire and all manufacturers will provide their certified requirements within their installation instructions.

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It’s essential to adhere to these guidelines not only for compliance with safety standards but also to protect property and lives. Installations that do not respect these distances can pose a significant fire hazard and may also invalidate home insurance policies. For precise requirements and to ensure a safe installation, it’s recommended to consult the appliance’s installation manual and seek advice from a qualified professional.

We would always recommend that a masonry chimney is lined with a flexible liner when installing either a woodburner or a multifuel stove. Not only will it mean your stove performs at it's most efficient but it will also prevent smoke and carbon monoxide leaking through the masonry.

Maintaining a solid fuel appliance is essential for safety, performance, and longevity. Here’s what is typically required:

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• Annual Inspection and Service: Have the appliance inspected and serviced annually by a qualified person such as a chimney sweep or registered installer.

• Chimney Sweeping: Regularly clean the chimney to prevent soot and creosote build up, which can lead to chimney fires. The frequency of cleaning depends on usage and fuel used but is typically recommended at least once a year.

• Regular Checks: Perform regular checks on the appliance for any signs of wear or damage. Replace seals and gaskets as needed to ensure the appliance is airtight.

• Ash Removal: Clean out the ashpan (if applicable) regularly to prevent clogging and maintain good airflow.

• Fuel Quality: Use the correct type of fuel and ensure it is of good quality. For wood, use well-seasoned logs with a moisture content of 20% or less.

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Following these maintenance steps will help ensure your solid fuel appliance operates safely and efficiently. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific maintenance instructions for your appliance.