North Wales Stoves News...

New Showroom Coming Soon!

Work is finally under way for our new showroom.

Due to be completed later this year, the new purpose built showroom will enable us to have live models on display and also to show our customers some of their many options when installing a stove into their own home. 


We will keep you updated with its progress,  so watch this space!


In the meantime we still have over 50 stoves on display in our current showroom as well as flexible liner and flues in stock, so if your thinking of buying a stove why not call in and see what we can offer? Or you can visit our website.

Can having a solid fuel fire really save you money?

 As gas oil and electricity prices continue to rise so does the demand for cheaper fuel, but can changing to solid fuel really save you money on your heating bills?

A recent energy summit held by our government urged homeowners to switch suppliers in a bid to save money and avoid falling into the ever increasing poverty fuel bracket. But what if you don’t have to put your money in the pocket of the big energy companies, what if you can put it back in your own pocket?

Detailed research into alternative forms of energy has shown that heating an average sized three bedroom semi can cost well over £960 per year using gas central heating. There are ways in which homeowners can reduce costs such as only heating the rooms they are using. 

Heating a main room using a smokeless fuel can cost around £450 a year on an open fire but as little as around £250 a year on a multi fuel stove, this is due to a stoves high efficiency. Many stoves are also available with boilers to replace or assist your current central heating system.

If you would like to save money on your heating bills by having a solid fuel stove installed contact us.  

Survey and estimate for HETAS registered stove installations in North Wales, Cheshire and Wirral areas. 

Stove maintenance tip.

How to change the fire rope on a solid fuel appliance.

The rope seal around a stove door is there to stop excess air entering the chamber through any gaps and making your fuel burn faster. For a stove to be controllable, it is important that you keep this rope in good condition. The rope is made from a heat resistant fibre which is soft and easy to manipulate and is held in place with a heat resistant glue.

You should replace any ropes which have frayed, split or are coming away from the stove.

Rope seal sizes and shapes differ between stoves so make sure you have the correct size to replace your damaged seal and a suitable adhesive to hold it in place.

To change your rope seal first remove the door from the stove, ensure there is nothing that can break the glass or scratch the door in the way and lay on a flat surface such as a table top or floor.

Remove any old rope and clean the channel the rope has been sat in, you may need to scrape this with a wire brush or screwdriver to remove any rope which is still stuck firmly and tough tar like deposits can be helped with a stove cleaner or some solvent such as WD40. Once clean wipe with a clean cloth to remove any grease or solvents.

Your door is now ready for its new rope seal. Cut your new rope to the correct length and run a line of glue all the way along the groove, pushing the rope into place starting at one end and moving around until the whole groove is filled and the rope meets itself.

Leave for 10 minutes so the glue can become tacky and then replace the door back onto the fire. Gently close the door, this should close without excess pressure if you can feel resistance do not force the door as this can break the glass, if it doesn’t close correctly ensure you have used the correct size rope an there is nothing obstructing the door and stopping it from closing.

Once the stove door us in place you can have a fire in the stove, this will help the glue to cure and hold the rope in place.

Remember to check your rope seals regularly and replace when required as this small job can save you a lot of money in the long run.

We have Fire rope in stock at our showroom in various diameters, we can also have stove glass cut to any size and delivered to your door. Call us today for a competitive quote 01745 822344 or visit our website and order online 24 hours a day. www.northwalesstoves.co.uk

Featured stove range

Firebelly FB. Is this the stove range that has it all?

After it appeared on our featured installation article last week, this week we would like to take a closer look at the FB range of stoves by Firebelly. 


"Heat reflective technilite firebricks line every face of the firebox keeping the firebed at optimum temperature and helping the stoves achieve their high efficiency rating. 
The intuitive controls and stay cool door handles make the stoves a joy to operate."


Options include a wide range of colours, a drop in multifuel kit for burning mineral fuels, a log box that raises the stove and provides a safe area for log storage underneath, a boiler model to supply domestic hot water and central heating, double sided models and an inset model. 


Made in the UK by a family run business Firebellys FB range starts with the 4kw FBT1 and the original FB which is rated at 5kw, both of which can be installed with no additional ventilation. The FB has the option of an additional log box.  Both come in a wide range of colours. 

If you have a larger area to heat then the FB range has something for you too, The FB1 rated a 6kw, The FB2 at 12kw and the FB3 which gives a whopping 18kw. All these models are available in a range of colours and for that distinctive modern look you can also opt for stainless steel legs. These models are also available as double sided models and with log boxes and the FB2 is also available as a boiler model capable of producing 27000btu of hot water to your system.

In addition to the freestanding models Firebelly have also introduced the FBi inset model, rated at 6kw this stylish semi-recessed inset stove is available in Firebellys full range of colours.

We have a range of Firebelly stoves on display at our showroom, based in Betws Yn  Rhos, Abergele. Just 3miles from the A55. Why not pop along and see if there is one for you….

Featured Installation.

This week we would like to show you what we do best! 

The following installation was completed by Lloyd at solid fuel solutions. 
He is one of the Hetas registerd installers that works closely with North Wales Stoves to give our customers the best service possible. 


Originally when our customer came to see us they were looking for two stoves to heat two seperate rooms which backed onto each other.


However after completing a free no obligation survey at their property the engineer discovered that one of the chimneys the customer wanted to use was a false chimney, which meant that they could not use it for a solid fuel appliance. If the customer wanted a second stove they would either need to have a class 1 chimney built or install a factory made metal chimney both of which were more cost and building work that the customer wanted to avoid.


As a solution to this we suggested the customer use the one working chimney witha double sided appliance to heat both rooms.The chimney was lined and insualted to ensure optimum performance from the stove.
The installation engineer knocked through to the oposite room and lowered the customers hearth to make room for the new larger appliance and a Charcoal grey Double sided Firebelly 2 stove on a log store was installed.

This saved the customer from having additional building work completed and becaue they only had one chimney to prepare for use and buy one appliance we saved them a lot of money too.


This is the kind of advice you wont get when you buy a stove off the internet so it's always a good idea to visit your local stove retailer for advice when purchasing a stove, you might be pleasantly surprised.


North Wales Stoves showroom is just 3 miles from the A55 (j24) Abergele. We have a wide range of appliances on display and can offer you advice on stoves and flues or arrange HETAS registered installations in our local area. We cover Holyhead, Anglesey, Bangor, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Cheshire and Wirral and surrounding areas. 

Multifuel stove V's Woodburner

Which is best for you?

When we talk about stoves may people often refer to them as woodburners, But in the UK market the Multifuel stove is a more popular choice. So what’s the difference?


A woodburning only stove can burn only wood, Often there is no grate or ashpan as wood burns well on a bed of ash at the bottom of the stove with the air regulator positioned above the fuel. 


Often woodburners have a higher efficiency (fuel to heat) than multifuel stoves, a larger firebox so you don’t need to cut your logs very small and burning timber is carbon neutral, so they are kinder to the environment. 


The down side is you are limited to burning only wood. When burning a hot stove this can mean you will need to load the stove with fuel more often than with a mineral fuel. 


Timber should be burnt when it is seasoned and less than 25% moisture content to help avoid creating a tar build up in your flue way and to produce heat from the fire itself. If you burn wet timber the fire focuses its energy on drying the timber rather than giving off heat. 


If you want to burn wood only you will likely need a way to store your timber so you can season it yourself . Timber can be purchased as seasoned from your wood supplier and buying in bulk is always the cheapest option but if you want guarantees about the moisture content you can purchase kiln dried logs by the bag or wood fuel logs which have their moisture content recorded on the packaging so you know exactly what you are getting. 


Multifuel stoves allow for more choice in fuel. A multifuel stove will have the ability to burn wood but also other solid fuels such as coal and smokeless fuels but you will need to read the manufacturers recommendations as some list specific fuels as unsuitable and using these can void your warranty. 
A multifuel stove will have a grate and an ash pan and many have a riddling mechanism on the grate which can be positioned internally under the grate or externally outside the stove. 


Some multifuels have removable or adjustable grates which allow for more efficient burning of timber on a multifuel stove. Solid fuel likes to burn on a grate with air coming underneath so the stoves air intake regulators will usually be positioned under the multifuel grate to help with this.

Solid mineral fuels will also burn for longer than timber so you will need to load the fire less and also because you are not limited to one kind of fuel you can shop around on price and find one that works best for your situation and available storage. 


If you are looking for a stove and need advice on what kind would suit you best why not call North Wales Stoves Ltd on 01745 822344 or email us northwalesstovesltd@gmail.com

Featured Stove - ACR Earlswood.

Buying a new stove can be a minefield of choices especially if you have no previous knowledge of how they work and what will work best for you. There are many stove manufacturers in the UK and many more across the world so there is no shortage of choice for the consumer, but what makes a good stove? This week we take a closer look at the Earlswood 5kw multifuel stove from ACR Heat Products. Is this one of the best stoves on the British market right now? We will let you decide….

With over 25 years  experience in designing stoves to the highest standards ACR heat products presents The Earlswood stove. The Earlswood has received DEFRA approval which means it can be used to burn wood in a smokeless area and is also suitable for burning a range of smokeless fuels.

Equipped with a very powerful airwash system to help keep the glass clean the Earlswood has a Large glass window which allows you a relaxing view of the flames. The ample sized firebox allows for burning logs up to 310mm in length.

At 5kw the Earlswood is suited to many room sizes and requires no additional ventilation. With a top or rear 125mm flue exit the stove can be adapted to a range of installations.

Finished in traditional matt black the Earlswood prides itself in it’s attention to detail, the stove is easy to maintain and operate. Constructed from high quality steel and cast iron for strength and efficient heat transfer.

With a high efficiency rating of 78.3%, a 5 year manufacturers warranty, and an RRP of just £710.00, If you are looking for design, function and affordability, The Earlswood stove is definitely worth considering when making your stove shortlist.

And for our Blog readers we are offering an additional £50 off the Earlswood stove when you use this voucher code, BLOGOFFEARL,  either by placing your order by telephone 01745 822344 or in store at our showroom in Betws Yn Rhos. Offer limited to one stove per customer while stocks last, Ends Friday 15.06.12.

Types of chimney liner

Types of chimney liner.

Many people are becoming more aware of the benefits of lining their chimney when installing a solid fuel appliance, but which flexible liner is right for you?

Gas and oil liner

Gas and oil liner has a lower tolerance to heat than solid fuel liner, It is often made from a single wall from either aluminium or 316 grade stainless steel. This grade of flexible liner is not suitable for using with a solid fuel appliance.

316 Grade twin skin

This grade of stainless steel liner is classified as a class 1 liner and is suitable for gas, oil and multifuel, including wood burning appliances with maximum flue temperatures of around 500deg C. It is manufactured using two layers of steel folded together to create a smooth inside wall to prevent friction and a tough outer wall for protection.

316/904 Grade twin skin

As with the 316 grade this liner is suitable for solid fuel appliances and is the most economical for burning smokeless fuels. The inner layer is made from a 904 grade stainless steel for protection against the fumes created by the combustion of  smokeless fuel. While the outer layer is made from a 316 grade shell for protection.

904 Grade twin skin

Manufactured in the same way as 316 grade but with a 904 grade steel inside and out, This liner is the best you can buy and is recommended when burning mostly smokeless fuels, for heavy usage and if you are slumbering the stove overnight.

Flexible liners usually come with a guarantee from the manufacturer for 10, 15 and 25 years depending on the grade of steel, however it is always a good idea to read the small print as many impose conditions relating to insulating the chimney or only using only the manufacturers components on the installation .

If you live in the Holyhead, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Cheshire, Wrexham or Wirral areas and are considering installing a stove call North Wales Stoves on 01745 822344 or email us 

You don't need a chimney to enjoy a solid fuel stove.

One of the fantastic benefits of having a solid fuel stove is that it can be adapted to pretty much any situation. Unlike other types of heater which may need to be piped or plugged in solid fuel is an independent source of heat.


Even if you have no exsisting chimney, a solid fuel stove can be installed with little fuss using an insulated flue to create a class 1 chimney system almost anywhere.


Insulated flue, also known as double skin and twin wall flue or factory made metal chimneys are produced by using a layer of insulation sandwiched between two pieces of metal pipe.


This means that the flue gasses can keep warm whilst travelling away from the appliance meaning they stay as a gas and float off. 
Cooled flue gasses (below 100deg) become solid and can settle along the flue way causing a flammable tar like build up which can create a blockage in the flue and prevent further gasses leaving the appliance safely.


Traditional single skin flue does not have these insulating properties and loses heat quickly. A chimney needs to be warm to draw the gasses away. 
Double skin flue also remains cooler on the outside meaning it can safely pass through walls and celings without causing a risk of fire once it starts to get warmed up.


There are many insulated flue manufacturers but unlike a single skin vitreous enamel flue which is usually a universal fit, Insulated flues are usually made to fit only the manufacturers own components, therefore it is important to be aware of the brand you buy in case you need any replacement parts or additional parts along the way. 


There are various ways in which the pipes can connect together depending on the manufacturer, some are twist lock, others are push fit but in most cases each length is locked to the next with an additional locking band for extra safety. The internal diameter or insulate flue pipe is usually 2" smaller than the external.


The pipes will need 50mm spacing around them from combustiable materials, should be boxed in if passing through cupboards etc. so that things cannot be leaned against them by accident and to be supported every 2mtrs either internally with appropriate floor and celing plates or externally with brackets to take the weight.


In cases where it is not possible to acheive the recommended 4.5mtr height for a chimney there are additional fans that can be added to help with draw if this cannot be acheived naturally.


If you are thinking of installing a stove and need advice on the correct flues to use why not give us a call on 01745 822344 or email us 

Building Regulations and legal requirements.

Building regulations in England and Wales apply to most new buildings and also any alterations to exsisting buildings. 


They are used to control methods and materials used in construction, fire protection and the operation, safety and efficiency of services within the building.


The same buiding regulations do not apply to every country and there are a seperate set of rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland.


This article addresses the requirements for new and replacement solid fuel systems in exsisting or extended dwellings. It discusses in a basic way what is and is not permitted under current building regulations in England and Wales.  
It is not an installation guide. We recommend that anyone wishing to install a solid fuel appliance contact a HETAS registered competent person for advice. If you are in North Wales, Wirral or Cheshire we can offer this service, call us on 01745 822344. 


Approved Document J provides guidance and sets out the requirements in respect to installation of a solid fuel appliance.
From this document you can find guidance on the construction and size of the hearth, Details of the chimney dimensions, position and construction and also methods for testing.
It advises ventilation requirements, advice on proximity of combustiable materials to an installation and also advice on notice plates and how these should be fitted and where they should be located. 


There is no regulation that requires you to line an exsisting chimney. 
However, a competent installer of any appliance needs to be sure that the chimney is free from defects and suitable for it's intended use. 
If any work undertaken on the chimney (which includes a new liner) is done in conjunction with installing a heating appliance then that work falls under a controlled service and therefore must be carried out by a competent person OR approved by your local area building control. Also any alteration to a fireplace which changes the fuel it uses e.g. changing from gas to solid fuel is also subject to building regulations.

Choosing a central heating and hot water system.

Regulations govern the type of heating and hot water systems that may be put into new  dwellings or as replacement in existing ones.
This is to create the most energy and carbon efficient installation possible. 
So choosing the correct system and also fuel is very important.
With new buildings there are complex calculations to be made to make sure they reach carbon emissions targets.


Wood fuel is generally accepted as carbon nutural, so choosing a woodburning stove for a new house will allow for more flexibility with other enegy and carbon saving elements.
Solid mineral fuels have a higher carbon content and you may have to compenstae elsewhere if you consider a system of this type.

Efficiency of a stove

All solid fuel appliances must meet minimum requirements for efficiency. This is specified in part L of building regulations. All HETAS approved appliances conform to these requirements.


When looking for appliance efficiencies and comparing be aware that some efficiences quoted in manufacturers literature will list 'net' others are dispalyed as 'gross'. HETAS lists an appliances gross efficiency and in a HETAS showroom such as North Wales Stoves Ltd you will be able to find the gross efficency of each appliance displayed for easy comparrison. 
As a guide to convert net to gross you can use the following sum. 
For woodburning stoves. net x 0.91 =gross
For Multifuel stoves. net x0.98 =gross
Appliances that have not been approved by HETAS may also be suitable but this must be verified by your installer prior to installation.

Replacing an existing appliance. 

When replacing any heating appliance, the new one should be more efficient with its carbon emissions than the old one. This does not have to mean the appliance efficiency is higher as the fuel type is also an important factor and may offset a reduction in appliance efficiency.

Thinking of installing a solid fuel applaince?

In England and Wales there are two ways in whiuch this can be acheived legally.
1. Use a competent person. such as a HETAS engineer. They will certify their work, fit in accordance to building control and take care of the required paperwork. 
2. DIY fit with the guidance of your local building control. Building control consent is required prior to installation or replacement of a solid fuel appliance and also once the installtion is complete. A building control inspector will visit the installation and decide if it is safe for use.

Smoke control?

If you live under a smoke controlled area then your solid fuel heating appliance must meet the following criteria:


You must use either an 'exempt' appliance.(using only the fuel specified in the appliance instructions, information is also listed on the DEFRA website.)


Or use an authorised smokeless fuel. 


Failure to adhere to these guidelines can lead to a £1000 fine for each offence.


To check if you live in a smoke control zone visit the DEFRA website.

Who makes legislation regarding smoke control zones? 

The governmemnt has the power to authorise smokeless fuels and exempt appliances in England. 
With Scotland and Wales the power rests with the ministers in ther respective parliaments. In Northern Ireland clean air order 1981 applies.


Stoves that are not an 'exempt' appliance  that are used in a smoke control zone can use an authorised smokeless fuel. 
A popular choice is anthracite which is high in carbon and low in volatile matter. You can find a list of authorised smokeless fuels on the DEFRA website.
Exempt appliances are tested to show they meet DEFRA's smoke control standards for emissions when they burn non authorised smokeless fuels such as wood. Firewood is not an authorised smokeless fuel and is only permitted for burining in a smoke control zone on an exempt appliance that has been exempted for wood burning.


Wet wood which has not been seasoned will burn ineficciently with lots of smoke. Seasoned wood or kiln dried wood will burn with minimal smoke. Wood should have a moisture content less than 25% to burn effectively.
In an exemption notice on an appliance it may state that the wood must be seasoned or even specify a maximum moisture content. 


North Wales Stoves Ltd is a HETAS registered retailer and can provide advice and information on suitable appliances and the parts required for a DIY installation or we can arrange a full installation with a HETAS Registered competent person in and around North Wales. Areas covered include Conwy, Anglesey, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham, Cheshire and Wirral. Call us on 01745 822344 to arrange a survey.

What is Chimney Lining?

A Chimney is made to safely remove the smoke from a fireplace or stove to the outside of a building, without causing danger to the people who live there.


A chimney works well because hot air rises and moves from high to low pressure. 


Chimney gasses need to remain hot so that they can stay as a gas and rise. 
Things like running a stove at a very slow rate or cold air leaking into the flue will cool the gases and this will affect how the chimney performs. 


Flexible liner and other methods of lining chimneys are designed to replace the flue in an existing chimney, The diameter of liner used will depend on the requirements of the appliance.


You may add insulation or this might be already intergrated into a flue system to improve the efficiency of the draught. This is a particular requirement for external situations. 


There are various methods and materials suitable for lining chimneys.


Chimneys with existing flues can be relined in several different ways. These 
include:


1.  Using rigid sections of clay, pumice or refractory liner installed by cutting 
into the chimney wall or by lowering sections down from the top of the 
stack and infilling with an insulating material.


2.  Insulating concrete, pumped in and around an inflatable former by a 
specialist contractor.


3.  Stainless steel flexible liner in a continuous length lowered down the 
chimney.


4.   Spray on coating by a specialist contractor.


5.   Ceramic coating by a specialist contractor.


The suitability of any of these methods of lining is dependent on each 
individual system. You should seek professional advice on what is the most 
appropriate solution for your need.




Why Line Chimneys?


Chimneys should be lined for a number of safety related reasons. 

New chimneys may require relining depending on the suitability of the current system, However systems built before 1965 will usually require a modern lining solution for the following reasons:


1. The flue walls may have broken down and can leak smoke into the room or other parts of the building, or if terraced or semi detached into the next building.


2.  Condensates or tar can seep through chimney walls causing staining, inside or outside of the building.


3. Lining with added insulation improves the operation of appliance and flue (particularity important when the chimney is on an external wall). Because flue gasses must be warm to rise.

4. Old flue systems may be worn and rough. This can cause frictional resistance to the flow of the gases resulting in poor updraught.


5. Large flues (over 200mm) particularly ones containing voids may affect appliance performance as gasses may cool and set before they can be expelled from the void.


It is important to follow the manufacturers advice on the correct size of flue to use with your appliance.


Before having a liner installed in your chimney,you should have it swept to remove soot and tar deposits by a professional chimney sweep. 


For those that already have a chimney lining, a competent sweep will be able to inspect for the following faults:


1.   Liners fitted the wrong way up
2.   Out of line or overlapping liner
3.   Obstructive ledges hindering updraught
4.   Protruding cement at joints
5.   Liner removed during previous service work or installation
6.   Damage through incorrect sweeping 
7.   Masonry damaging the liner
8.   Blocked terminal (cowl or rain cap)


These faults can lead to a number of problems with the operation of a solid fuel appliance. 


More importantly, faults with chimney lining can pose a risk to the safety of everyone in the house and should be rectified immediately.


Safety First! Always ensure that you have a working carbon monoxide detector fitted in any room where a solid fuel applince is installed and that you test this regularly.


For a HETAS registered stove installation service, advice on your stove and chimney requirements or to book a free stove installation survey throughout Cheshire, Wirral and North Wales including Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Mold,Wrexham and surrounding areas call us on 01745 822344. or email northwalesstovesltd@gmail.com 

Common problems with Chimneys and how to solve them.

Every chimney is different, even if they are built in the same way they will still behave differently due to other factors such as air and pressure, as such, a cure for a problem in one chimney will not always work in another. Here are some common problems with chimneys and ideas on how you might solve them. It is always advisable for you to seek the help of an expert to diagnose and cure chimney problems such as a HETAS registered company.. 


If you are based outside our local area you can find your local HETAS registered company at their website hetas.co.uk 

Smoking:

• Have the chimney swept including the flue connecting the stove to the chimney. 
• Check for soot build up on the baffle plate inside the stove 
• Check the joints in the stove; these can be resealed with fire cement. 
• Check the rope seals around the doors and glass and replace if missing or frayed. 
• Ensure that your chimney is high enough to give a good draw. 
• Your chimney may need to be lined. 
• Check that your chimney pot or cowl are big enough and that you are using the right type for your chimney 
• There may be strong winds, which could cause a pressure difference outside your house causing air to be sucked down the chimney; a chimney fan could help this. 
• Is there enough ventilation for the stove?Current building regs state that for each KW above 5, 550 sq mm of ventilation is required this can be in the form of an airbrick or a ventilator near to thestove. 

Downdraft:

• Check that the chimney has a clear passage of air over it, if it does not terminate high enough or becomes covered by trees etc this can cause downdraft. 
• Check the cowl and if necessary fit an anti downdraft cowl. 

What is downdraft?
Downdraft is recognised by the chimney smoking and is caused by air blowing back down the chimney, this will result in smoke puffing out of the stove.There can be other reasons for smoking chimney, which may be confused with downdraft. Smoking caused by downdraft will not be continuous. Downdraft is often caused when a chimney is not high enough or when the chimney is shadowed by high buildings or trees which will effect the wind flow; remember that wind can travel from all directions so downdraft may only occur for you on certain days when the wind blows in a particular direction.

Sometimes raising the height of the chimney can help or adding a taller chimney pot, another solution could be to add an anti downdraft cowl.

Low heat or slow to start:

• Have the chimney swept including the flue pipe. 
• Check for soot build up on the baffle plate. 
• If you have fitted a damper to the stove check it is operating correctly. 
• If the stove goes into a large chimney area which is uninsulated then it may require lining. 

Runs to fast or wont shut down:

• Check the stove joints and reseal with fire cement if necessary 
• Check the rope seals and change if frayed or missing 
• Check for any cracks in the stove 
• Fit a flue damper to the stove (only if it is safe to do so) 

Tar build up

• Burn dry seasoned wood less than 20% moisture content, or slow burn with coal on a multifuel stove. 
• Use an anti tar powder between sweeps 
• Line chimney often chimneys that are large inside contain lots of tar because the flue gasses cool and harden before they can be released.

What's the best kind of wood to burn?

What kind of wood should I burn?

Alder:  low in heat and does not burn for long,
Apple:  Great It bums slowly and steadily when dry, with little flame, but good for heat.
Ash:  The best wood for burning; has both flame and heat, and will bum when green, but burns best when dry.
Beech:  Nearly as good as ash, and only fair when green. If it has a fault, it will shoot embers a long way.
Birch:  good for heat but it burns quickly. A nice smell.
Cedar:  Good when dry. It gives little flame but lots of heat, a lovely scent.
Cherry:  Burns slowly, with good heat. Another wood with the advantage of a nice scent. 
Chestnut. OK. Will spark. Small flame and heating power.
Douglas Fir:  Poor. Little flame or heat.
Elder:   Average . Very smoky. Quick burner, with not much heat.
Elm:  Commonly sold for fuel. To bum well it needs to be dried for two years. Even then it will smoke.
Hazel:  Good.
Holly:  Good, will burn when green, but best when dried for a season.
Hornbeam:  A rival to beech.
Laburnum:  A poisonous tree, foul smoke, taints food, best never used.
Larch:  Crackles, nice scent, and fairly good for heat.
Laurel:  Gives a brilliant flame.
Lime:  Poor. Burns with dull flame.
Maple:  Good.
Oak:  New oak gives a poor flame and the smoke is foul, but dry old oak is excellent for heat, burning slowly and steadily until whole log collapses into cigar-like ash.
Pear:  Good heat and a good scent.
Pine:  Bums with a wonderful flame, but often spits. The resinous Weymouth pine has a lovely scent and a cheerful blue flame.
Plane:  Burns nicely, but will spark if very dry.
Plum:  Good heat and smell.
Poplar:  Very bad.
Rhododendron:  The thick old stems burn well. 
Robinia (Acacia):  Burns slowly, with good heat, but with foul smoke. 
Spruce:  Burns very quickly and with lots of sparks.
Sycamore:  Burns with a good flame, with medium heat. But do not use green.
Thorn:  Very good. Slow burning, with good heat and little smoke.
Walnut:  Good, and so is the scent..
Willow:  Poor. It must be dry to use, and then it burns slowly, with little flame. Will spark.
Yew:  Among the best. Burns slowly, with strong heat, and the scent is nice.


Need a Woodburner? Great deals on Woodburning and Multifuel stoves

Wood Fuel Guide

Wood is a major source of renewable heat energy and if burned efficiently, it produces virtually no smoke. Using wood from sustainably managed trees reduces net CO2 production compared to using fossil fuels. So heating with wood significantly reduces our reliance on fossil fuels while reducing CO2 emissions.

Select a fuel type that matches the appliance instructions and warranty to ensure that you stay safe: then the appliance will provide a long and reliable service. Log burners can use dry hardwood or soft-wood logs - less than 25% moisture content is the usual requirement.

Where possible, use locally produced wood as it improves fuel security and encourages local

community.  

Logs - Factors to Consider

1. Moisture content—Dry wood (well seasoned) burns better than wet wood (green logs). Wet wood is much less efficient and if you can get them to light at all, logs that are not dry provide a fire that

smoulders and creates lots of tars and smoke. These tars can be corrosive, potentially damaging the

lining of the flue and increasing the danger of a chimney fire. Wet logs will tend to blacken glass in stoves even if the stove is designed to keep the glass clean. When trying to burn wet wood, the fire has to boil off the water before any heat is provided to the room. Well seasoned logs can have twice the heating value of green logs.

Only burn dry wood, either by buying it dry, or by seasoning green logs. Dry in a sunny, well aired space for one or two summers, keeping rain off in the winter. Radial cracks and bark that comes off easily

suggest well-seasoned wood; better still, check with a moisture meter. First

calibrate the meter and then measure a freshly split surface to get the best reading.

2. Wood density—When buying logs, the seller should advise whether they are from hardwood or softwood tree species (or mixed). The general difference is that hardwoods tend to be denser than softwoods. This means that a tonne of hardwood logs would occupy a smaller space than a tonne of softwood logs.

Denser wood tends to burn for a longer period of time meaning fewer “top ups” are required to keep a log stove burning for a given length of time. Since the heating value is approximately proportional to the weight of the wood (for the same moisture content), hardwood logs are typically priced as more expensive than softwoods when bought by volume.

3. Contamination—Ensure that your firewood is not contaminated e.g. with paint or preservatives. Treated wood should never be used in a stove because it could produce harmful gas emissions which may affect health. Burning

contaminated wood is also more likely to corrode flue lining and damage the chimney as well.

Other Fuel Types

Briquettes - typically made from sawdust, a by-product from industrial manufacturing processes. The sawdust is compressed and lignin in the wood can be softened, allowing it to act as a natural binder, giving a reformed log size product. Briquettes are dense and this reduces the amount of storage space required. They are clean to handle and easy to take home in ‘ready to burn’ retail packs. Usually, they can be used as an alternative to firewood. The burning characteristics are different and the settings on a stove may need to be adjusted to get the best out of the fuel. Start by using less briquette fuel than you would firewood, as a briquette can produce more heat. They can usually be broken into smaller pieces to suit requirements.

Wood chip - Good quality chip should be processed to the European specification (EN 14961-4) which states guidance on both particle size and moisture content. Adherence to this will mean that the chips will help the appliance (especially domestic sized boilers) work at their optimum efficiency and reliability. Typical wood chip from a tree surgeon is too wet and variable in chip size for most appliances.

Wood pellets - are typically comprised from the same raw materials as a Briquette. Pellets are much smaller, with the European standard (EN 14961-2) providing diameter options of 6mm or 8mm. Pellets are widely used for biomass boilers, however pellet stoves are increasingly more commonplace in the market. Poor quality pellets that have too much dust are prone to crumbling, whilst over-long pellets will clog the feed mechanism.

Look for the HETAS logo when buying your wood fuel.

More Information

The Biomass Energy Centre provides a great directory of wood fuel producers in the UK, including all HETAS certified wood fuel producers, along with other related advice.

Finding a Wood Fuel Supplier

HETAS certify producers for their consistency of producing a good product with suitable description. See the HETAS fuel quality webpage for listings. When purchasing, check-out the following:  

Is the fuel the right type and size for your stove?

For firewood users, are the logs green or seasoned? (is there a specified moisture content?) Consider how much space you need if drying your logs - you need space for at least one winter, preferably two).

Some log suppliers supply by the “load” - what does this mean? Request a volume measurement in cubic metres.

Where is the wood fuel coming from? Is the woodland sustainably managed, and reasonably nearby? (have they been imported?)

Hardwood or Softwood logs?

Does the supplier offer a stacking service?

Quality Assured Fuel

HETAS certify producers that meet high standards in the production of firewood, briquettes, wood chip and pellets. 

More Information

The Biomass Energy Centre provides a great directory of wood fuel producers in the UK, including all HETAS certified wood fuel producers, along with other related advice.

Information provided by HETAS The official body for solid fuel and biomass heating systems, fuels and services hetas.co.uk

North Wales Stoves Ltd is a HETAS registered retailer so you can buy your wood fuel with confidence....

Blazers wood fuel logs are a HETAS registered fuel producing less than 8% moisture, Blazers are available to buy from our showroom in Betws Yn Rhos call us on 01745 822344 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            01745 822344      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            01745 822344 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            01745 822344      end_of_the_skype_highlighting      end_of_the_skype_highlighting for our latest prices and special offers or visit our showroom.

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