Solid Fuel Stoves As An Alternative Heat Source

There was a time not that many years ago (to those of us of a certain age anyway) when a solid fuel stove and fire were an essential feature of many homes and buildings.  Similarly with wood burning stoves.  Well, these are now making a comeback in a big way.  Designers are including them in modern retro-style houses also any renovated period houses. 

Wood burning stoves are extremely efficient space savers and their popularity has been paramount in the country areas of Europe and the USA.  In some parts this is the only type of heating means available.   

The stoves are made of cast iron or steel plate.  In some instances they incorporate heat retentive soapstone and are manufactured in a number of sizes and styles to suit most devotees.  The stoves are usually designed as freestanding which allows a degree of flexibility where they can stand.  Mostly of course they can be fitted into the fireplace opening.   The stove itself is an enclosed chamber that has a form of regulator which enables control of the air flow.   The solid fuel will burn slowly and the heat that it emits will be absorbed into the casing and then radiated out into the room.  The smoke that is given out from the fuel is carried through a stovepipe that is fitted into the top or rear or the top of the stove.  Loading the stove with the solid fuel takes place either through a door at the front or a removable plate at the top.    

The enthusiasm now taking place for the return of these olden style and traditional heating methods is prompted partly by our current day’s high increases in fuel prices.  Gas and electric are also of course cleaner to use but many disused fireplaces are now being re-opened or re-fitted with wood or solid fuel burning stoves as interest gathers for their ‘new’ beginning. 

If you are purchasing from afresh and investing in something like an antique stove bear in mind you must ensure it has been properly restored and will do the heating job you require it to do.  You could put a stove in any room of the house as long as fire precautions are taken into effect apart from the conservatory due to the amount of glass in the construction. Find a reputable dealer to guide you.  If you are intending to use the stove as your main source of heating then it may be a better idea to purchase a modern reproductive stove which can burn a variety of fuels rather than have an older one that may, just may, not be 100% airtight..    

Fitting a free standing stove should prove fairly easy if you are DIY orientated but if you have any doubt then call in a professional contractor to do the job for you. A reputable supplier will be only too willing to help you find a contractor if they are not able to provide an installation service themselves.