Considerations for multi fuel stoves in small rooms

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Multi-fuel stoves are a popular option for all manner of properties, but what are the important considerations for multi-fuel stoves in small rooms? And why is it important to make the right choice for your space?

So, what are the important considerations for multi fuel stoves in small rooms?

When choosing a multi-fuel stove for a small room, there are several important considerations to bear in mind to ensure safety, efficiency, and suitability for the space. These considerations include:

  1. Size and heat output: One of the most important factors to consider is the size of the stove and the heat output. It’s important to choose a multi-fuel stove that is appropriately sized for the room. Not only will a smaller stove heat the space more efficiently, this will also prevent overheating and ventilation issues in a confined area or smaller room. As such, you will need to consider the heat output, measured in kilowatts (kW), and choose a stove with a suitable rating for the size of the room.
  2. Efficiency and emissions: Another important factor to consider is the efficiency and emissions of the multi-fuel stove. For any room, it’s important to choose a multi-fuel stove that is highly efficient and has low emissions, but this is even more important for smaller rooms. High-efficiency stoves will produce more heat while burning less fuel, helping to maximise warmth in a small room and reduce heating costs. Additionally, low-emission stoves are better for the environment and contribute to better air quality indoors, an essential consideration for small rooms.
  3. Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is essential when installing a multi-fuel stove, especially in a small room where airflow may be restricted. As a result, you should ensure that the room has sufficient ventilation to supply fresh air for combustion and prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide and other harmful gases.
  4. Fuel compatibility: Multi-fuel stoves can burn a number of different fuels. Choosing a clean, low emissivity fuel source, or a smokeless fuel source, can be very important in small spaces.
  5. Aesthetics and design: Finally, you will need to consider the aesthetic appeal and design features of the multi-fuel stove, as it will serve as a focal point in the room. Choose a style and finish that complement the decor and layout of the space, whether you prefer traditional or contemporary designs.

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

Spring chimney sweeping for wood burning stoves

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When it comes to maintenance for your wood burning stove, cleaning the chimney is one of the most important tasks. This can help ensure your safety while using the stove, while also preventing a chimney fire. Spring is one of the best times of year for your chimney to be swept, but what do you need to know about spring chimney sweeping for wood burning stoves? And how can you tell if your chimney needs sweeping?

So, does my wood burning stove require chimney sweeping?

The short answer to this is yes! When burning wood in a stove, its important to have your chimney swept a couple of times a year. This can prevent serious chimney fires from starting, and spreading, and can help to protect your property and family. Anything from a birds nest to a creosote buildup on the inside of the chimney can be enough to ignite a dangerous fire.

Spring chimney sweeping for wood burning stoves

So, how frequently should your chimney be thoroughly swept? Well, in general twice a year is enough. You should opt for early autumn, before you begin using the wood burner more frequently, and sometime in early spring. However, if your chimney shows any signs that it does need to be swept during this time, please do so as soon as possible.

What are the signs my chimney needs sweeping?

We firmly believe that your chimney should be swept regularly, before it shows any signs or symptoms of needing to be swept. But these are the signs you will be looking for:

  • Poor burning performance- if your wood burning stove is no longer burning logs as it used to, and this is not due to poor quality or wet wood, or changes in external temperature and pressure, then sweeping your chimney is a good idea.
  • Falling soot- another indication that your chimney is in need of cleaning, is when soot falls back down into the wood burner or on the register plate.

For more information or advice, get in touch with the team today, here at JMS Wood Burning and Multi-Fuel Stoves.

Getting the most out of your wood burning stove

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If you’re thinking of purchasing a wood burning stove, or you’re a new stove owner, we have a few tips to help you get the most out of your wood burning stove, here at JMS Wood Burning and Mutli Fuel Stoves. We are Birmingham’s leading stove specialists and we install all kinds of stove. So what are the considerations for getting the most out of your wood burning stove? And how can you make the most of your new investment?

What are the considerations for getting the most out of your wood burning stove?

So how can you get the most out of your wood burning stove? Well, there are several things to consider, including:

  1. Regular maintenance
  2. The right type of wood
  3. Clean glass

Maintenance for wood burning stoves

To keep your wood burning stove working efficiently, and looking its best, you will need to keep up with a regular maintenance schedule. This should involve:

  • Monitoring seals and gaskets for any signs of wear and tear. If these do show signs of wear, you will need to replace these, as otherwise your stove will not be airtight, and your stove can overfire.
  • Cleaning the chimney regularly to make sure there are no buildups and clear airways.

The right type of wood

Wood needs to be thoroughly dry before you use it in a wood burner as this will help produce the most amount of heat, with a lot less smoke. As a result, you should only buy seasoned wood, and maybe consider buying next years wood, this year, and giving it time to dry out further. For a full list of woods you should avoid burning, check out our guide.

Clean the glass

Cleaning the glass on your wood burning stove can help keep it looking its best, and can help prevent ash and debris from building up on the surface, and becoming difficult to remove. Make sure the stove is cold before cleaning, and always rinse with clean water after using any cleaning product.

For more information or advice, or for your new wood burning stove, get in touch today with the experts here at JMS Stoves.

Benefits of a cast iron stove this New Year

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Put aside your list of New Year resolutions and instead think about choosing a cast iron stove to transform your 2024. Cast iron stoves can be an incredible feature, as well as a practical addition to any home. And we are sure it will make you happier than that gym membership! But what are the benefits of a cast iron stove this New Year? And should you choose a multi-fuel stove or a wood burning stove?

What are the benefits of a cast iron stove this New Year?

Cast irons stoves are the perfect way to get that cosy feeling this winter. And with temperatures set to plummet through January and February, its a great time to think about installing one in your home. But what kind of benefits can you expect? Well, cast iron stoves are:

  • strong, reliable, resilient and durable- a cast iron stove from a reputable supplier is built to last. This means that it wont warp or bend with the heat of the fire, and you wont have to worry about repairs or replacements.
  • stunning design- cast iron stoves can be created to be traditional and welcoming, or contemporary and stunning so, you can choose whatever style will fit your home.

Should you choose a multi-fuel or wood burning stove?

So when it comes to cast iron stoves, should you choose a multi-fuel, or a wood burner? Well, there are advantages and disadvantages to each, but the main difference is that a wood burner is designed specifically to burn wood, so other fuel forms would not be an option to heat your home. On the other hand, the multi-fuel stove is built to burn a range of materials so you will have the full range of fuel options.

For more information, or for your multi-fuel stove installation, get in touch today, here at JMS Wood Burning and Multi Fuel Stoves. We are leading stove experts.

Using a stove for winter heating

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With big increases expected for the cost of energy across the UK in the next few months, just as the temperature plummets, there has never been a better time to install a multi-fuel or wood burning stove. But how can these be used to heat your home in winter? And what are the effective options for using a stove for winter heating?

What are the options when using a stove for winter heating?

Wood burning and multi-fuel stoves are available in both cast iron, and steel varieties. These are designed in a range of styles, from traditional to ultra-contemporary so there is something to suit any home. While cast iron stoves take a little longer to heat up, they do retain heat for longer. So if you want instant warmth when you walk in from the snow, a steel stove could be a good option. But if you want to warm your home through for the evening, without using as much wood or fuel, an iron stove could be a good choice.

Either stove you choose, you could see a big heat output, as long as you choose the right size stove for your room or home. Here at JMS Stoves, we can help you with that.

Wood burning stoves for winter heating

Wood burning stoves are designed only to burn wood, and are created with efficiency in mind so that you will get the most heat from as little wood as possible.

Multi-fuel stoves for winter heating

Multi-fuel stoves are designed to burn wood, coal and other fuel sources. This means you can choose a range of alternatives, and you wont have to rely on wood.

Coming home to a stove is a great way to relax and unwind as you thaw out. For more information or advice, get in touch with the team today, here at JMS Wood Burning and Multi-Fuel Stoves. We offer a range of stoves that could be perfect for any home.

Unwind and relax with a wood burning stove

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Here at 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. But did you know, wood burning stoves can help you de-stress? But why are wood burning stoves so comforting and soothing? And how can you unwind and relax with a wood burning stove?

Unwind and relax with a wood burning stove

With so many log fireplace relaxation videos to choose from on YouTube, it’s clear that a lot of people share the view that nothing is more relaxing than a real fire. And it’s true. Not only is watching a fire calming, but building and stoking your small stove can help you unwind too. But how? Well, research has suggested that this is related to blood pressure.

How can wood burning stoves help you unwind and relax?

Scientists have proved that the longer people sit in front of a roaring fire, the greater the relaxing effect it has on them. This is because watching the fire actually reduces blood pressure. In fact, brain scans showed that even when the flames and noise of a small stove or fireplace are simulated in a laboratory they reduce blood pressure.

The evolution of a species

As a species, fire is something that would have been crucial to the first humans. And this prehistoric connection to fire, and all it symbolizes (light, heat, food and shelter) still has a calming effect on the humans of today, thanks to evolution.

For a stylish, efficient stove for your home this winter, why not get in touch with the team here at JMS Wood Burning and Multi-Fuel Stoves today?

Tips for cleaning your wood burning stove

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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?

Why do some stoves have a catalyser?

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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?

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.

Advantages of EcoDesign wood burning stoves

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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.

Spring chimney syndrome and multi fuel stoves

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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.

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.

Guidance for Spring chimney syndrome and 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!