Open fire or wood burner

Cardew

I think the debate has moved on from efficiency, even us open-fire fans would not argue on those grounds.


Certainly heat does get lost up the flue, and sitting by unlit fire with CH on you can really feel the cold air coming down the chimney. You can get a chimney balloon to solve that problem; albeit they can get a bit messy. I have a piece of kingspan cut to the size of the opening backed with an attractive piece of wood used as a blocker.


I can see the possibility of open fires in some locations being banned for new dwellings by using Building Regulations. However it would be virtually impossible to enforce a ban on existing open fires.

A._Badger

Cardew wrote: »

I can see the possibility of open fires in some locations being banned for new dwellings by using Building Regulations. However it would be virtually impossible to enforce a ban on existing open fires.

I wish I believed that. The eco-crazies are getting on with it quite nicely, having banned wood fires in some parts of the USA.

Smiley_Dan

Frankly arguing on the basis of energy efficiency for either side, at least whole house efficiency, is a bit moot if you're going to stick an enormous thermal bridge and wind tunnel through the side/centre of your house.

But agree they look nice.

Cardew

A._Badger wrote: »

I wish I believed that. The eco-crazies are getting on with it quite nicely, having banned wood fires in some parts of the USA.

I did say 'enforce the regulation'! Court orders to inspect houses etc.


Neighbour of mine has a newly fitted wood burning stove and with the wind blowing in the right direct there is usually smoke blowing across to my patch; presumably some problem with the wood or installation.


My point is that any regulation restricting use of wood burning, would need to have empower inspectors to check all wood burning stoves etc.


There are still plenty of properties where open fires are the only means of heating.

Sheldor

I'm about to have a wood burner fitted and told the fitter I'd get it myself but so many of the sellers have a "call for best price" system on their website and I can't be bothered ringing around dozens of companies. I just want to see their best price written on their sites.
So can any of you help me cut out this middle step and tell me if you found a great company with lowest prices and a decent (preferably free) delivery service.
I'm after a Morso 04.
Thank you!

alleycat`

Sheldor wrote: »

I'm about to have a wood burner fitted and told the fitter I'd get it myself but so many of the sellers have a "call for best price" system on their website and I can't be bothered ringing around dozens of companies. I just want to see their best price written on their sites.
So can any of you help me cut out this middle step and tell me if you found a great company with lowest prices and a decent (preferably free) delivery service.
I'm after a Morso 04.
Thank you!

I got mine via these people.

http://www.firesonline.co.uk/acatalog/index.html

This was a few years ago mind you.

The reason they don't put the price online is that often the manufacturer will refuse to sell to them if they do.

The stove in question was about 22% less than the local store were prepared to do it at.

They sent me a catalogue of all their prices once i'd called them (via e-mail).

I was tempted to use:-

http://www.stovesonline.co.uk/

The woman who i spoke to was excellent / very knowledgeable but they didn't carry what i wanted.

Sheldor

Thanks alleycat. I just called them - sadly the first one didn't stock it and the second one sold it for £50 more than I've seen it elsewhere. Only problem is that I can't remember where I saw it cheaper.

Update: firesonline have got the loxton 5 for £20 than I've seen it elsewhere so thanks again for sharing.

MGolden

Quick update. We went for a multi fuel burner in th send. We had it installed by a local company. It definitely packs a punch with the heat although not so much to have had an impact on fuel bills. I'm not sure if it will really make a difference on our fuel bills, I'll know at the end of next winter. But it does look lovely and fires are much easier to get started.

MGolden

Chimney Sweep - I just noticed your post when I went on to do an update on our decision! We do have a local sweep who seems great but thanks for th doffed. Presumably our usual sweep will still be able to do the chimney now we have a stove? Cheers.