Content area
Full Text
Woodburning stoves bring character, charm and warmth to any home. Our guide explains everything you need to know before you buy
There isn't any mystery why woodburning stoves are so popular with self-builders and renovators. They don't just add physical heat to a room, but visual warmth and character as well, making them ideal for new properties, which sometimes lack the feeling of cosiness that's easy to come by in many period homes.
A woodburning stove is a great option heating a single space - perhaps in a home that has underfloor heating throughout but where a homey focal point is required to gather around.
There are now so many models of woodburners out there it can be hard to know which one will be right for you and your home - plus there are their eco-credentials to take into account, too.
Our guide will steer you through the buying process and offer some tips on installation and accessories along the way.
IS A WOODBURNING STOVE RIGHT FOR YOU?
The breadth of choice of woodburning stoves now on the market means that most people should be able to find a model that suits them. The first question you need to ask is whether you will be allowed to burn logs in the area you live in - ifyou're in a Smoke Control Area, your options will be somewhat more limited than they would be otherwise. You will still be able to have a woodburning stove, but you will only be allowed to burn DEFRA-approved smokeless fuel.
If you are desperate to burn wood, it's possible to get around this issue by investing in a 'DEFRA-exempt' stove (a list of which can be found at www.gov.uk/smoke-control-area-rules).
Another consideration will be the type of house you live in. Highly airtight modern houses such as those built to Passivhaus standards may require a stove with a direct air supply. The reason for this is that woodburning stoves rely on combustion air to feed the fire with oxygen. In older houses this air is taken from the room itself before being replaced naturally by the odd draught or air leak. However, in the case of new, airtight homes there is not always enough air spare for the stove...