Staying warm while saving money and energy

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Christmas may be over but that doesn’t have to mean the end of cold winters and cosy living rooms.

And there’s nothing more cosy than a roaring wood-burning stove.

There are so many advantages to having stoves as a heat source. Apart from their beautiful presence, they are also very energy efficient.

A growing number of people are opting for renewable heating sources such as wood burning stoves.

While an open fireplace is around 20-25% efficient, a stove - such as a wood burner - can be as much as 80% efficient and the wood used to fuel the stove is also much cheaper compared to electricity, gas or oil.

If your interest in getting a stove has been well and truly stoked, then the next all-important thing is to get the right kind of stove.

“While the right stove has tremendous benefits, the wrong one can be a nightmare and it’s so important not to cut corners when selecting one for your home,” said Chris Rawlinson, who is the Director of Grate Stoves & Fires.

When it comes to stoves, also make sure you use the right kind of fuel.

“A stove - wood burning or not - is not just another appliance to your house or flat.

“Getting the wrong kind could leave you well and truly out of pocket, not to mention be very polluting.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT STOVES AND FIREPLACES AT GRATE STOVES & FIRES

“Make sure you get expert advice before deciding on which kind of stove to get.

“Here at Grate Stoves & Fires, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you make the right choice that is both cost saving and eco-friendly.”

Grate Stoves & Fires' top five tips when buying the best the right wood-burning stove:

1) Picking the right stove for you - When searching for a stove online, one of the first things that can come up is the pollution that they can create. But when used correctly and with the right kind of fuel, they can also burn very efficiently. Like most things, there will always be some pollutants. Gas and electric stoves are great options for those who have health concerns. They actually look the same and are probably easier to use.

2) Use your stove properly - This may sound like a cliche but you should never cut corners and follow the operating instructions carefully. When it comes to stoves, also make sure you use the right kind of fuel. For example, the wrong kind of burn wood will do more harm than good.

3) Getting the right kind of fuel - Once you’ve decided on the type of stove you want, then that will ultimately decide the type of fuel you’ll be burning. Multi-fuel stoves can burn wood and other fuels while log burners will only burn wood.

Different stoves have different extra features and knowing what you need or don’t need from these features will actually save you money.

4) Seeking something really efficient when it comes to wood burning stoves - When it comes to wood burning stoves, look at how efficient they are and go for maximum efficiency. This will also make sure that pollutants are minimised. Older stoves can be between 60% and 80% efficient but the right kind of newer models are at least 80% efficient. Opt for as high an efficiency as possible, to ensure your stove minimises pollution and burns effectively. Having the right wattage for your home is also imperative.

5) What else would you like to get out of your stove - Different stoves have different extra features and knowing what you need or don’t need from these features will actually save you money. Would you be wanting a hot plate for cooking too, side windows or even a stove riddling grate to help remove ash airwash system to help keep glass clean? These are all things to consider.

Grate Stoves & Fires is a family run stove and fireplace shop based in Aylesham near Canterbury and Ashford.

The team has been fitting stoves, liners and chimney systems for over 15 years.

For more information about Grate Stoves & Fires, visit their official website by clicking here or email warm@gratestovesandfires.co.uk.