Brighton Wood Burners
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you need to anything beyond the below FAQs, just get in touch
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Wood burners are quite a valuable investment, so it's important to know some of the facts. Here are some of the questions we are often asked by new (and existing) customers. If there are any questions that you may have, which are not listed here, please do give us a call on 01273 911 630 or use the contact form below.
Can I save money on my energy bills?
Wood burners can significantly reduce heating costs, with the Energy Saving Trust reporting a potential 10% decrease in home bills. The Stove Industry Alliance estimates that running costs for an average household are one-third lower than electric heating and 13% cheaper than gas central heating.
Are wood burning stoves efficient?
Modern wood stoves are not only more environmentally friendly but also more efficient, meaning that a greater percentage of heat is used to warm your home instead of being lost up the chimney.
Some stoves can achieve an efficiency rating of over 80%, ensuring that only 20% of heat is lost through the chimney while the remaining 80% heats your home.
Older stoves typically have lower efficiency ratings, so upgrading to a newer model can significantly improve your home's heating efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. This not only saves you money but also benefits the environment.
Some stoves can achieve an efficiency rating of over 80%, ensuring that only 20% of heat is lost through the chimney while the remaining 80% heats your home.
Older stoves typically have lower efficiency ratings, so upgrading to a newer model can significantly improve your home's heating efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. This not only saves you money but also benefits the environment.
Are wood burning stoves safe for the environment?
Thanks to advancements in technology and materials, modern stoves are far less polluting than older models and open fires. To combat air pollution, the Eco-Design European directive requires all wood burning stoves to meet stricter emission standards by 2022.
Many stove manufacturers are already exceeding these requirements, offering Eco-Design Ready stoves that can reduce emissions by up to 75%. Wood is a renewable fuel source that is kinder to the environment than gas or electricity.
Wood burning stoves produce significantly lower CO2 emissions, generating only 0.008kg per kWh compared to 0.198kg for gas and 0.517kg for electricity.
Many stove manufacturers are already exceeding these requirements, offering Eco-Design Ready stoves that can reduce emissions by up to 75%. Wood is a renewable fuel source that is kinder to the environment than gas or electricity.
Wood burning stoves produce significantly lower CO2 emissions, generating only 0.008kg per kWh compared to 0.198kg for gas and 0.517kg for electricity.
Do I require planning permission to have a wood burner installed?
You won't need planning permission if you have an existing chimney stack with a liner and use a HETAS-accredited engineer like ours. However, if you're planning to build a new chimney stack, you may need to obtain planning permission from your local authorities. Always check with your local planning department before starting any work.
Do I require an air ventilator to be installed in the room housing my stove?
Whether you need an Aircore Ventilator depends on the size of the stove. If your stove produces more than 5kW of heat, an Aircore Ventilator is required to meet regulations. This ventilator provides a continuous supply of fresh air to the stove.
Do I require a non-combustible Hearth?
A hearth is a necessary component when installing a wood or multifuel stove. A non-combustible hearth of the appropriate size and specifications is required to protect flammable materials underneath the stove and to catch any embers or burning fuel that may fall. The hearth clearly defines the area where combustible materials, such as carpets, should not be placed.
Will I need to install a carbon monoxide detector with my new stove?
Since October 1, 2010, carbon monoxide detectors have been mandatory in all buildings. However, it's always a good practice to have a carbon monoxide detector near your appliances, regardless of legal requirements.
I already have an existing chimney, do I need to have a liner installed for a wood burner?
This will ultimately depend on the age of the house, the condition of the chimney and whether it has been previously lined with clay or pumice. Our engineers are HETAS accredited, we have the working knowledge to be able to answer this question in depth over the phone.
Is it possible to install a multifuel / wood burner in our home even though we don't have a chimney?
We can definitely help! Brighton Wood Burners offers premium rigid chimneys that enable us to install stoves in almost any part of your home. To determine the best location and installation method, we'll need to conduct a site survey before your appointment.
Should I buy a wood burning stove or a multi-fuel stove?
The decision between a multifuel stove and a wood burner depends on your personal needs and preferences. Many customers prefer multifuel stoves for their versatility, as they can burn both smokeless fuel and logs. The only significant difference between the two is that multifuel stoves typically have a grate and ashpan. If you'd like to learn more about the differences or discuss your specific needs, please feel free to contact us.
Should I buy a cast iron or a steel wood burner?
Cast iron stoves are known for their durability and heat retention, but they may take longer to heat up initially compared to steel stoves. To prevent cracking, it's essential to season a cast iron stove within the first week. While cast iron stoves can be more expensive, it's important to avoid cheap models as they are more prone to cracking. Cast iron stoves often feature decorative designs and patterns, while steel stoves typically have a simpler appearance.
What size of wood burner would be best suited for my room?
The ideal size of a wood burner or stove depends on the area you need to heat. Larger rooms require larger stoves, while smaller rooms can accommodate smaller ones. If you have a fireplace, it's crucial to ensure that the stove fits within the opening with adequate clearance.
We recommend scheduling an on-site survey before purchasing a stove so we can accurately determine the appropriate size for your fireplace and provide personalised recommendations.
Several factors influence heat distribution, including wall insulation, window type (single or double glazing), ceiling height, attic insulation, and the presence of stairs, archways, or doors near the stove. To avoid unnecessary expenses, we suggest having one of our HETAS-certified engineers conduct an on-site survey. This will help you choose a stove that meets your specific heating needs and saves you money in the long run.
We recommend scheduling an on-site survey before purchasing a stove so we can accurately determine the appropriate size for your fireplace and provide personalised recommendations.
Several factors influence heat distribution, including wall insulation, window type (single or double glazing), ceiling height, attic insulation, and the presence of stairs, archways, or doors near the stove. To avoid unnecessary expenses, we suggest having one of our HETAS-certified engineers conduct an on-site survey. This will help you choose a stove that meets your specific heating needs and saves you money in the long run.
What type of wood should I burn?
For optimal stove efficiency, ensure your wood has a moisture content below 20%. Wet wood produces less heat and releases more particulate matter into the environment. Burning dry wood in a Defra-approved stove helps minimise particulate emissions and improve overall performance.
What is meant by 'Clean Burn'?
'Clean Burn' is a technology that introduces superheated air into the top of the firebox, igniting the gases released by the burning wood. This process increases heat output, reduces soot emissions, and creates mesmerising swirling flames.
By maximizing the calorific value of the wood, Clean Burn technology offers high energy efficiency. This process is also known as 'secondary combustion'.
By maximizing the calorific value of the wood, Clean Burn technology offers high energy efficiency. This process is also known as 'secondary combustion'.
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