Replacing gas central heating with a log burner

kh2008dd

We are considering replacing our gas system with a log burner which heats our water too. We live in an old property with a big chimney etc. and the council have confirmed that we would not require planning permission to do so. I need information on types of burners and how they work, but there isn't a lot of info available online. I wondered if anyone can suggest somewhere to obtain information, or maybe can offer some advice themselves please?

Oblivion

kh2008dd wrote: »

We are considering replacing our gas system with a log burner which heats our water too. We live in an old property with a big chimney etc. and the council have confirmed that we would not require planning permission to do so. I need information on types of burners and how they work, but there isn't a lot of info available online. I wondered if anyone can suggest somewhere to obtain information, or maybe can offer some advice themselves please?

I can't help you with a log burner as I have no experience of using logs as a fuel, but I do have 34 years experience of using a smokeless coal-burning unit.

Our's is a Parkray enclosed glass-fronted burner installed in the fireplace in the lounge, so we get the comfort of a real fire to sit in front of ... amazing how much nicer a real fire is compared to 'clinical' central heating.
Our unit has a saddle tank built into the back of it which provides heat to a circuit of 4 radiators in other rooms (you can get larger units that will heat more radiators) using an electric circulation pump, plus it also delivers heat to an internal water coil in our immersion tank so we get more hot water and reduced electricity consumption.

The downsides are having to bring in buckets of coal from the bunker outside, and having to carry out the ash can and empty it every morning, but it just becomes part of the everyday winter ritual. I actually love the work involved, and the pleasure I get from keeping a good fire in ... I'm just a frustrated steam train driver at heart .

Even though the cost of coal has risen significantly in the past few years, this unit is as cheap as chips to run, given the amount of heat it supplies to the property.

You might like to check out the Parkray website for some ideas ...

http://www.parkray.co.uk/

Dave.

mr_magoo_5

You do need building regs, whoever installs your burner will cover that for you, but he MUST be HETAS accredited. as without it your house insurance would not pay out if you caught fire!
I must admit it is difficult to find info on the net but I went to a local showroom for some info.
[FONT=&quot]I have just installed a wood burner to complement my gas heating, as I have a large house it was the best solution. You need to know what you want from your burner and is it capable of fulfilling that requirement. We changed our mind several times from our first idea, so take your time to get what info you can[/FONT]