What Are the Benefits of Wood Burners?

Are you thinking of buying a wood burner, but are not sure what benefits it provides? In this blog, we will look at the different benefits of having a wood burner in your home. 

At Consumer Advisory, we can put you directly in touch with professional accredited companies who specialise in wood burners, chimney liners and chimney sweeping. 

Benefits of Wood Burners

1. Heat – A wood burner doesn’t just heat your home; it also creates a cosy atmosphere. It differs from central heating because central heating is impersonal. Wood burners create an atmosphere that is satisfying, and you also know the warmth comes from natural fuel. 
2. High Efficiency and Cost Savings – Modern wood burners are highly efficient compared to open fireplaces which can waste a lot of heat. With a well installed wood burner you can create more warmth in your room and lose less up the chimney. You save money as you burn less wood for the same amount of heat. 
3. Renewable Heating – If you choose seasoned wood, you’re heating your home in a more environmentally friendly way. Wood is part of the natural carbon cycle, this is why it differs from gas or oil. 

Chimney Liners

To make your wood burner safe and efficient, you usually need a chimney liner. 

1. Containing Gases and Heat – If you have an older chimney, it might not be designed correctly for the high temperatures that modern burners can reach to. If you don’t have a chimney liner, you could have major heat transfer through your chimney walls, which can cause damages and even fires. By having a proper chimney liner, it will help to make sure harmful gases are removed from your home, rather than leaking into your living areas. 
2. Efficiency – Older chimney liners are generally too big for modern stoves. This creates problems because a flue that’s too big can make it harder to maintain a fire that’s stable, because the upward push of smoke is too weak. By having a chimney liner, it helps to resolve this issue. 
3. Reducing Creosote – If smoke cools down too quickly in a large and unlined chimney, it can condense and leave behind tar, this is known as creosote. This is dangerous because creosote is known to be highly flammable. Overtime the build up of creosote can cause chimney fires. By having a proper liner installed, it helps to reduce the buildup of creosote. 
4. Longer Lifespan – Having a properly installed chimney liner is easier to clean. Liners protect the chimney from chemical and thermal damages; this helps to give a longer lifespan. 
5. Regulations and Insurance Requirements – Using a modern wood burner means you must comply with building regulations. By having a properly installed chimney liner it will help you to meet the correct rules. A lot of home insurance companies require chimneys to be lined in order to provide you with coverage for solid fuel appliances. 

Chimney Sweeping 

Here are some reasons why chimney sweeping is important.

1. Reduces the Risk of Fire – By having your chimney swept, it removes soot and creosote build-up. This is important because creosote is highly flammable.  
2. Good Air Flow – By investing in chimney sweeping, it will help to allow smoke and gases to leave your chimney properly. 
3. Stop Blockages – Your chimney can become blocked by birds, bats and leaves etc. This can cause dangerous situations such as carbon monoxide building up in your home. By having your chimney swept it will clear any blockages. 
4. Maintaining Your Insurance – A lot of home insurance companies will expect that your chimney is maintained properly by having regular chimney sweeps. 

Is a Wood Burner Right for You? 

Here are some points to consider if your thinking of getting a wood burner: 

• Do you want natural heat? A wood burner provides natural heat.

• Are you willing to maintain your wood burner? You should consider the maintenance costs, such as chimney sweeping etc. 

• Are you looking for efficiency? If you have a properly sized liner, you can burn less wood while keeping your home warm. 
• Do you want to invest in your home? A well installed wood burner can add long term value to your home. 

Choosing the Right Professionals 

If you’re looking to have a wood burner installed or need work done to maintain your wood burner, it’s always best to use accredited home improvement companies and suppliers. Keep in mind the following when you’re looking for a professional:

• HETAS Registered Installers – Someone who is HETAS registered is properly qualified to install wood burning appliances and chimney systems safely. 

• Accredited Chimney Sweeps – You need to hire someone that understands chimney liners, uses the correct tools and knows how to check for dangerous build up of creosote. 

• Clear Quotes and Certifications – Make sure that the quotes you receive are transparent. Any installation or maintenance work should come with proper documentations, such as HETAS certification. 

If you’re looking for guaranteed professionals at Consumer Advisory, we only work with accredited home improvement companies and suppliers. We specialise in 79+ home improvement categories. If you’d like to receive up to 3 free quotes, enquire today at https://consumer-advisory.co.uk/enquire-now/

Conclusion

Wood Burners are an investment as they add value to your home. Once you have your wood burner, you should try and maintain it to ensure a longer lifespan. If you’re looking to purchase a wood burner, you should hire a professional accredited company to ensure you receive a quality wood burner. An accredited company who specialises in wood burners will offer experience and knowledge and will install your wood burner efficiently and to the highest standards. Consumer Advisory will put you directly in contact with approved and accredited companies, to give you peace of mind.

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