While choosing a stove for your home is an incredibly practical option, the right stove will also be a stunning visual visual feature in your property. So to keep your stove looking fresh and new, there are some cleaning and maintenance steps you should take. So what are the important steps for cleaning your wood burning stove?

Important tips for cleaning your wood burning stove

To keep your wood burning stove clean, you should consider some regular cleaning and maintenance tasks, including:

• Cleaning the glass- over time the glass on your stove can become ashy, sooty or dirty. It is also a trap for fingerprints and smudges too. You can use specialist stove cleaning products for this, or just a microfibre cloth. Be sure the clean the inside and the outside of the glass for the best results.
• Cleaning the exterior- the exterior of the stove can also become dirty over time, due to ash and dust. This can be cleaned easily using a vacuum cleaner with a mouthpiece with soft brushes. You should never use a wet cloth to clean this, as this can ultimately lead to rust.
• Scratches in the paintwork- occasionally scratches can develop in the paintwork, usually as a result of accidental damage. However, these can easily be fixed with heat resistant spray paint. Simply make sure that the surface of the wood burning stove is clean and dry before you paint it.

For more information or advice, get in touch with the professionals today, here at JMS Wood Burning and Multi-Fuel Stoves? We are leading stove experts. From wood burning stoves to multi-fuel, and cast iron stoves to steel, we offer something for everyone. Get in touch today?

If you’re thinking about switching to a wood burning stove this summer, you have chosen the perfect time. In the summer months it is easier to find an installation team and it gives you plenty of time to learn how to use and maintain your new stove, before the winter steps in and you really need to rely on it. But what are the important considerations to bear in mind? And how can you be sure to achieve the right results with your new stove?

What are the important considerations when switching to a wood burning stove this summer?

There are a number of important considerations to bear in mind before switching to a wood burning stove this summer. These include:

• The suitability of your home- Consider the available space, chimney condition, and any necessary safety precautions to ensure that your home is suitable for a wood burning stove. This is because adequate ventilation and proper installation are vital to minimize the risk of fire hazards and ensure the stove functions optimally. Consulting a professional chimney sweep or installer can help determine the feasibility of installing a wood-burning stove in your home, before you make a purchase.
• Availability of a sustainable and reliable wood supply- Using responsibly sourced firewood is crucial to minimize any environmental impact and maintain your air quality. As a result, you should ensure that you have access to a reputable supplier who can provide seasoned wood with low moisture content, as this burns more efficiently and produces fewer emissions.
• Understand the maintenance requirements of a wood-burning stove- Regular cleaning, inspection, and chimney sweeping are necessary to ensure safe and efficient operation for any wood burning stove and it will be important to keep up to date with maintenance tasks. As a result, you may need to invest in appropriate tools, such as a stovepipe thermometer and cleaning brushes, to help maintain the stove’s performance and longevity.
• Local regulations and restrictions on wood-burning appliances- Some areas have specific guidelines regarding emissions, installation permits, and restricted usage during certain times of the year. Complying with these regulations will not only avoid potential fines but also contribute to reducing air pollution and protecting public health.

Here at JMS Wood Burning and Multi-Fuel Stoves, we are leading stove experts. For more information or advice, or to choose your new wood burning or multi-fuel stove, get in touch with the team today!

If you’re looking for a new stove, you may have noticed that some have catalysers, which might be something you’d expect in a vehicle, but not a stove. So what are these for in a stove? And why do some stoves have a catalyser?

So what is a catalyser for in a stove?

A catalyser, also known as a catalytic converter, has been a very effective addition to some stoves, as these have the ability to improve efficiency when burning fuel, while also reducing the harmful emissions that might be emitted. 

How does a stove catalyser work?

When a stove is burning fuel, the unburned particles and gasses can be released into the air, which leads to an increase in air pollution. By opting for a stove with a catalyser, you can reduce these emissions, and make sure that more of the fuel is used for heat. This is because a catalyser initiates a secondary combustion process that converts some of these potentially harmful byproducts into more heat, and reduces the harmful emissions released. 

What are the benefits of catalysers for stoves?

There are a number of benefits to choosing a stove with a catalytic converter. These include:

• Reducing the environmental impact
• Improving energy efficiency
• Reducing creosote 

Reducing the environmental impact 

Lowering emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other pollutants is the main goal of a catalytic converter in a stove. These pollutants are converted into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapour through oxidation reactions that are facilitated by the catalytic material found inside the converter. This improves indoor air quality, lessens the impact on the environment, and makes the stove safer for users.

Improving energy efficiency 

Another advantage of choosing a stove that has a catalyser is the increase in energy efficiency that you can expect. By ensuring that more of the fuel is used for heat, this can reduce fuel wastage, and provide more heat for your home from the same amount of fuel. If you are relying on a stove for heating and cooking, this can lead to notable cost savings as well as a reduced environmental impact, and a lower carbon footprint. 

Reducing creosote 

Catalysers also help to lessen the development of creosote inside the stove and chimney. A highly combustible chemical called creosote is created when wood or other organic materials burn insufficiently. A catalytic converter minimises creosote generation by encouraging more complete combustion, lowering the danger of chimney fires and the frequency of maintenance.

For more information or advice, get in touch with the team today, here at JMS Wood Burning and Multi Fuel Stoves! We are Birmingham’s leading stove experts, so get in touch to find out more about wood burning stoves, multi-fuel stoves, catalysers and EcoDesign.

Recently, we discussed the environmental aspects of burning wood on a wood burning stove. And while this is essentially carbon neutral, and great for your carbon footprint, some older types of wood burner, and wood burners built without a filter, can create environmental issues. These include being responsible for reducing the quality of the air, and releasing larger particles into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gases. This is where EcoDesign comes in. So what is EcoDesign? And what are the advantages of EcoDesign wood burning stoves?

What is EcoDesign?

So, first of all, what is EcoDesign? Well, EcoDesign is the new standard that stove manufactures should be aiming to meet. This is an award given be DEFRA to confirm that these stoves produce less smoke and particle emissions than other wood burning stoves. The Government is aiming to make all stoves DEFRA certified by 2022, which isn’t too far into the future.

What are the advantages of EcoDesign wood burning stoves?

So, why should you choose a wood burning stove that has been DEFRA certified as an EcoDesign? Well, there are a number of reasons, including:

• Protecting the environment- we are in a climate emergency, with drastic measures necessary to protect the planet for future generations. With an EcoDesign stove, you can be sure that your stove will release up to 90% less particle emissions, which is great news for the environment.
• Saving money- not only do EcoDesign stoves save the environment, they can also help you save money too. This is because they are designed to maximize the airflow into the fire, reducing the amount of smoke that is created. This helps the fuel burn much more efficiently, so that your fire burns hotter for longer, using less fuel.

For more information or advice, get in touch with the team today, here at JMS Wood Burning and Multi Fuel Stoves! We are Birmingham’s leading stove experts, so get in touch to find out more about wood burning stoves and EcoDesign.

A multi-fuel stove can be the perfect solution to the current energy crisis, helping to save energy usage in your home, and ultimately reduce bills and monthly costs. But how can the right stove change this? And how can a multi-fuel stove help reduce energy bills? Well, here at JMS Wood Burning and Multi-Fuel Stoves, we are leading stove experts. From multi-fuel stoves, to wood-burning stoves, we have a wealth of knowledge, skills and expertise. And this is our guide to everything you should know about how multi-fuel stoves can help to reduce your energy bills.

So, how can a multi-fuel stove help reduce energy bills?

A multi fuel stove can be very effective for saving money on energy bills in a number of ways. These include:

• Heating the home- central heating is one of the most popular option for home heating but this is becoming increasingly expensive. A multi-fuel stove can provide suitable heating for your property, helping you to stay warm all year round, without having to use the central heating at all. But even reducing your central heating reliance can make a notable difference to your monthly gas bill.
• Impressive energy efficiency- during the manufacturing process, new multi fuel stoves are rigorously tested for their functionality, heat output and most importantly energy efficiency. If you are running an older boiler, even an older combi boiler, you might be surprised to know that a multi fuel stove can actually be more energy efficient than this older central heating system. What this means is that more of the fuel is converted into heat successfully, with less heat lost or wasted during the process. So not only is fuel for the stove cheaper to buy and use than energy from the gas supplier, but this can actually heat your home more too.

For more information or advice, or to choose your new multi-fuel stove, get in touch with the experts today, here at JMS Stoves.

Multi-fuel stoves are popular heating appliances that can burn a variety of fuels, including wood, coal, peat, and even certain smokeless fuels. As a result, these provide an efficient and cozy heat source, making them a popular choice for many homeowners. However, during the springtime, the sudden change in temperature can create challenges for these stoves and their chimneys. Spring chimney syndrome, also known as the “reverse chimney effect,” is a phenomenon that occurs when the weather transitions from colder winter months to warmer spring days. This condition is particularly relevant for multi-fuel stoves in UK homes. So what is Spring chimney syndrome? And what does this mean for your multi-fuel stove?

What is Spring chimney syndrome?

As the outside temperature rises, the air inside the chimney warms up and creates an upward flow of air. This creates a vacuum effect within the stove, pulling air from inside the room and causing smoke, fumes, and potentially harmful gases to enter the living space instead of being directed up and out of the chimney. This reversal of airflow is known as spring chimney syndrome.

What does this mean for multi fuel stoves?

To mitigate spring chimney syndrome and ensure the safe operation of multi-fuel stoves, several measures can be taken. These include:

• Installing a chimney cowl or anti-downdraught chimney pot- These devices can help regulate the airflow and prevent the reverse chimney effect, allowing the stove to function as intended.
• Regular maintenance and chimney sweeping – This is also crucial to prevent blockages and ensure efficient ventilation. Cleaning the chimney and inspecting it for any obstructions or damages should be performed at least once a year or more frequently, depending on usage.
• Burning properly seasoned wood or approved fuels in multi-fuel stoves- Wet or unseasoned wood produces more smoke and increases the likelihood of chimney blockages, exacerbating the potential for spring chimney syndrome.
• Professional advice and guidance- Consulting a qualified chimney sweep or stove installer can provide valuable insights into the specific requirements and maintenance needs of their particular stove and chimney setup.

Here at JMS Wood Burning and Multi-Fuel Stoves, we are leading stove experts. For more information or advice, or to choose your new wood burning or multi-fuel stove, get in touch with the team today!

Now that the dark nights are drawing in, its the perfect time to be putting your feet up in front of a multi-fuel or wood burning stove.  And here at JMS Stoves, we offer an amazing selection of top of the range of stove products perfect for any home. But once your stove has been installed, how can you keep it looking new? Well, as Birmingham’s leading stove experts, we have produced this guide to everything you should know about maintaining your multi-fuel stove.

What are the important steps for maintaining your multi-fuel stove?

Keeping your stove in tip top condition isn’t just important for the aesthetics. It’s also important for the efficiency and effectiveness of your stove. So as part of your maintenance, you should be:

• Removing ash and soot- ash soot and any remaining debris should be removed before lighting your stove up again. This will help keep the air circulating inside the stove, and keep the fire well lit, and your home warm.
• Internal check up- every so often you should be checking the internal parts of your stove for damage and obvious build up of soot, ash or debris. Make sure you pay close attention to the firebricks, glass and rope seals.
• Get your chimney swept- its good practice to arrange for a chimney sweep to sweep your chimney on an annual or bi-annual basis. It may even need to be more regular than this. Check inside your stove for any signs of build up of debris above the flue baffle. This is in the upper part of the firebox. You might need a torch to see them.
• Clean the glass- for a stunning stove, you need to keep on top of the glass care. This means waiting for the stove to cool, and cleaning the glass using a specialist glass cleaner for the best results. You don’t want to smudge the ash around, you want to remove it completely.

For more information or advice, get in touch with the professionals today, here at JMS Stoves.

Here at JMS Wood Burning and Multi-Fuel Stoves, we are leading stove experts. From multi-fuel stoves, to wood-burning stoves, we have a wealth of knowledge, skills and expertise. And we offer professional installation and advice to homeowners and property developers across the area. We have produced this guide to everything you should know about installing multi-fuel stoves for open plan living spaces.

What are the considerations when installing multi-fuel stoves for open plan living spaces?

There are a number of considerations to take into account when installing a multi fuel stove in any open plan living area. These considerations include:

• The direction of the stove
• The size of the stove
• The stove style

The direction of the stove in an open plan living area

In an open plan living area you will need to distribute the heat evenly around the room to effectively warm the ground floor. However, you may want it to become warmer around your main seating area, where you’ll be spending your evenings. As a result the location of the stove can be an important practical consideration.

The size of the stove for an open plan living area

The size of the stove is an important consideration in terms of providing enough heat to the ground floor of your home. A professional team like us here at JMS Stoves can help you determine the size of the stove you need.

Stove style in an open plan living area

In an open plan living area the stove will be visible from all directions. As a result, it is essential that you choose the right stove for the style of your interior decor. Stoves are available in both traditional and contemporary styles so you can make the right choice for your property. You can also choose the shape of the stove as well, including cylindrical stoves and hexagonal stoves, as well as the more traditional square or rectangular shaped stoves.

For more information or advice, or to choose your new multi-fuel or wood burning stove, get in touch with the experts today, here at JMS Stoves.

Choosing home improvements as part of a list of New Years resolutions is a popular trend. And as part of this, you could consider installing a new stove. Choosing between wood burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves is never easy, and will ultimately be down to individual preference. But there are a number of reasons to choose a multi-fuel stove this New Year. Here at at JMS Wood Burning and Multi-Fuel Stoves, we are leading stove experts. And this is our guide to everything you should know about multi-fuel stoves.

What are the different reasons to choose a multi-fuel stove this New Year?

There are a number of reasons why a multi-fuel stove could be the perfect option for your home in the up coming year ahead. These include:

• Range of fuels to choose from- While a wood burning stove is limited in fuel choice to just timber, a multi-fuel stove can successfully burn a variety of different materials. This means you can still burn wood and timber, but you can also choose other fuel types, like smokeless briquettes. However when burning wood, its important to remember that you should only choose wood that is FSC approved.
• Keeping warm throughout the winter- In the cold winter months a real fire is something many homes can enjoy, and benefit from. Not only can this be a stunning visual centerpiece for any living area, but this is also the perfect way to keep your property warm, especially in winter. A multi-fuel stove can allow any room to warm up quickly, and stay warm for a generous period of time too. This is also a great way to reduce your heating and energy bills, saving you money every month.
• Style and visual design- from cast iron stoves with a traditional, detailed design, to stainless steel stoves, there are a variety of different styles and designs of multi-fuel stoves to choose from. So whether your property is contemporary or traditional, you can find the perfect multi-fuel stove to become a key feature for your home.

For more information, or for your multi-fuel stove installation, get in touch today, here at JMS Stoves.

With winter fast approaching and cold weather and snow on the horizon, you might be thinking about your heating. A multi-fuel stove can bring a number of benefits and advantages all year round, but what are the benefits of a multi-fuel stove in cold weather? And why should you consider a multi-fuel stove for your home or property?

So what are the benefits of a multi-fuel stove in cold weather?

A multi-fuel stove can be highly beneficial in cold weather, especially in the UK where winters can be damp and chilly. These benefits include:

Versatility in Fuel Types– With a multi-fuel stove, you will be able to burn wood, coal, or smokeless fuels, depending on what is available and suitable for your area. This means that you will be able to stay warm all year round, and if one fuel type becomes expensive or hard to source, you have access to a range of alternatives.

Reliable Heat Source-Unlike gas or electric heating, a multi-fuel stove doesn’t rely on external utilities, making it dependable during power cuts, which are often common in very cold, snowy weather. You can also rely on a multi-fuel stove to provide a steady and intense heat output, keeping your home warm even during prolonged cold snaps.

Cost-Effectivenes-When you choose a multi-fuel stove, you will be able to use whichever fuel is the most economical or accessible at the time. In addition, modern multi-fuel stoves are designed to burn fuels efficiently, maximising heat output while minimising waste. This means you can get more heat from a smaller amount of material.

Heat Retention– Multi-fuel stoves are often made of cast iron or steel, which retains heat long after the fire has gone out, helping to keep the room warm.

Cozy Atmosphere– A multi-fuel stove can add a traditional charm and a comforting ambiance to your home, making it feel more inviting during cold, dark evenings.

Things to Consider

When choosing a multi-fuel stove, there are a number of factors you should consider to ensure that your stove is DEFRA-approved for use in smoke-controlled areas. You should also be sure to carry out regular maintenance, which is essential for safety and efficiency, especially in winter.

For more information, or for your multi-fuel stove installation, get in touch today, here at JMS Stoves.