Wood burning stove guidance |
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Wood Burning Stoves
If the property has been fitted with a wood burning/multi-fuel stove, they are very efficient however problems arise from their incorrect operation.
Please note:
As a result of occupiers burning wood that has not been fully dried, or putting the stoves on very low settings, there can be a build-up of acidic residue in the flue pipe. In extreme cases this can severely damage the flue pipe or cause a fire in the chimney. This is a particular problem with those stoves which have been fitted with a back boiler behind the stove and has led to the flue pipe having to be replaced as the acidic residue has eaten through it causing noxious fumes in the properties.
In order to ensure the proper operation of these stoves, it is essential that:
If the property has been fitted with a wood burning/multi-fuel stove, they are very efficient however problems arise from their incorrect operation.
Please note:
As a result of occupiers burning wood that has not been fully dried, or putting the stoves on very low settings, there can be a build-up of acidic residue in the flue pipe. In extreme cases this can severely damage the flue pipe or cause a fire in the chimney. This is a particular problem with those stoves which have been fitted with a back boiler behind the stove and has led to the flue pipe having to be replaced as the acidic residue has eaten through it causing noxious fumes in the properties.
In order to ensure the proper operation of these stoves, it is essential that:
- Only wood that has been dried for at least 12 months and properly stored should be burnt on these fires
- The flue pipe should be professionally cleaned at least once a year, preferably at the beginning of winter. This is your responsibility under the terms of your Tenancy Agreement. At property inspections, Trustees will ask to see evidence that this has been done, e.g. sweep’s receipt
- Adequate ventilation must be provided to the room. Where a property has been double glazed, the ventilation may be inadequate, especially if any vents have been sealed. Whilst this may seem a contradiction, it is essential for the stove to draw properly
- May we remind you that it is your responsibility to ensure that carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are working properly and batteries are correctly fitted
- Any problem with the operation of your stove should be reported to the Trust’s office immediately
Further information - Choosing the best wood for your stove.
Which tree is best for me (from jotul.com/uk/home/choosing-the-best-wood-for-your-stove)
Wood has been the natural choice of fuel for domestic fires since it was first used many millennia ago. Nowadays, being able to burn wood for heat in your stove gives you more freedom and options for fuel.
By using your wood burning stove to heat your home, you become no longer dependent on energy utilities but there are many different wood types to choose from, and they all have their own individual burning qualities.
HARDWOOD OR SOFTWOOD?
Do you know the difference between hardwood and softwood? Hardwoods are any broad-leafed, deciduous trees, such as Beech and Elm, while softwoods are conifers including Cedar and Fir.
When it comes to burning wood in stoves, hardwood is better than softwood as it burns slower. The density of softwood is also around half that of hardwood, which results in it burning twice as fast – meaning you’ll need twice as much!
DRY WOOD IS ALWAYS THE BEST WOOD
No matter what type of wood you choose for your wood burning stove, it is important that the wood is dried before you burn. Wood that hasn’t been dried wastes much of the energy created while burning in removing water from the log and producing steam.
Fresh wood contains a high amount of water of between 65-90%, depending on the species. We recommend that wood is seasoned for at least a year, or preferably two before burning.
You can dry out your own wood in a wood store or, if you don’t have the facilities, ensure you buy seasoned wood from your supplier. The best kiln dried wood has a moisture content of less than 20%.
WHICH TREE IS BEST FOR ME?
While all woods burn better when seasoned, in general the best woods for burning in your wood stove are the ones you are most likely to come across. Here are our recommendations:
*Wood treated with preservative should not be used.
If you have any questions in respect of this, or the operation of the stove, please do not hesitate to Contact Us
Wood has been the natural choice of fuel for domestic fires since it was first used many millennia ago. Nowadays, being able to burn wood for heat in your stove gives you more freedom and options for fuel.
By using your wood burning stove to heat your home, you become no longer dependent on energy utilities but there are many different wood types to choose from, and they all have their own individual burning qualities.
HARDWOOD OR SOFTWOOD?
Do you know the difference between hardwood and softwood? Hardwoods are any broad-leafed, deciduous trees, such as Beech and Elm, while softwoods are conifers including Cedar and Fir.
When it comes to burning wood in stoves, hardwood is better than softwood as it burns slower. The density of softwood is also around half that of hardwood, which results in it burning twice as fast – meaning you’ll need twice as much!
DRY WOOD IS ALWAYS THE BEST WOOD
No matter what type of wood you choose for your wood burning stove, it is important that the wood is dried before you burn. Wood that hasn’t been dried wastes much of the energy created while burning in removing water from the log and producing steam.
Fresh wood contains a high amount of water of between 65-90%, depending on the species. We recommend that wood is seasoned for at least a year, or preferably two before burning.
You can dry out your own wood in a wood store or, if you don’t have the facilities, ensure you buy seasoned wood from your supplier. The best kiln dried wood has a moisture content of less than 20%.
WHICH TREE IS BEST FOR ME?
While all woods burn better when seasoned, in general the best woods for burning in your wood stove are the ones you are most likely to come across. Here are our recommendations:
- Apple – Burns slowly with a small flame size and produces a pleasant scent
- Ash – Considered the best wood for burning; it produces a steady flame and strong heat output
- Beech – Burns similar to Ash
- Birch – Produces a strong heat output but can burn quite quickly
- Hawthorn – A traditional firewood with a slow burn and strong heat output
- Horse chestnut – This wood is burnt well in wood stoves but it can spit. It produces a good flame and strong heat output
- Oak – The density of the wood produces a small flame and very slow burn
- Robinia – A good burning wood with a slow burn and strong heat output. Can produce an acrid smoke but if using a stove this of course is not a problem
- Sycamore – Produces a good flame, but with only moderate heat output
*Wood treated with preservative should not be used.
If you have any questions in respect of this, or the operation of the stove, please do not hesitate to Contact Us