Professional HVAC Contractors in Trowbridge

A multi-fuel stove will burn a variety of different fuels. Recommended fuels include smokeless fuel, wood and peat Please bear in mind that wood will normally burn better on a wood burning stove. A multi-fuel stove is significantly more efficient than an open fire. The best fuel to use is smokeless coal, as is specified by stove manufacturers. Petroleum based industrial fuels should always be avoided.

A wood stove will burn seasoned hardwood in the most effective manner. It will combine long burn times with the least amount of ash. A wood stove is significantly more efficient than an open fire. The best fuel to use is seasoned hardwood. For the best results this means dry wood with a moisture content below 20% that is well, but not too tightly, packed into the firebox. The more moisture there is in the wood, the more it will smoke and possibly cause tar to build up in the chimney. Not only that but it will produce less heat. Peat can be burned in turf or brick form, but the moisture content must be low. Household refuse will burn successfully but only if it is dry and fairly tightly packed. Never burn plastics.

A cast iron stove is made of panels that are bolted together, normally with rope joints, and is the traditional material used to manufacture a stove. The heavy panels take time to heat up and hold their heat, giving an even temperature during the operation of the stove. The most controllable stoves are often cast iron. A steel stove is made from a sheet of steel that is cut, pressed and welded together. It often heats up very quickly to give prompt heat to a room. The door seal is sometimes not as tight as a cast iron stove, but due to the elastic nature of steel it is very durable and resistant to damage.

Most wood burning and multi-fuel stoves can be run with the doors open or closed. To enjoy an open fire, spark guards are available for certain models It is worth remembering that with the doors closed, stoves can burn fuels up to 60% more efficiently than open fires, making them a very economical and fuel efficient source of heat. Some gas models can be run with the doors open.

It is good practice to fit at least a rain cap. When you are not using the stove and it is raining you are more likely to collect rainwater in the stove body if you do not have a cowl.