Fires | Fireplaces | Stoves

How LPG central heating works

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Sun, 20 May 2012 11:49:00 +0000

Although most households in the UK have mains gas central heating, around 3.6m households are not connected to the mains gas network.
In parts of the UK with no mains gas, some homes use liquid petroleum gas (LPG) instead. This is normally used in a ‘wet’ heating system where an LPG-fired boiler heats water, which provides central heating through radiators and hot water through the taps in your home.
The main difference between mains gas and LPG is that the latter is delivered by road and stored in a tank, which you may have to buy or rent from your supplier. Some boilers designed for mains gas can be converted to use LPG.
Annual fuel cost for heating and hot water (not including installation costs)

Fuel cost for heating and hot water: more than £1,300

Carbon emissions per year

Carbon emissions: 3.6 tonnes

These annual costs are estimated costs based on heating and hot water demands of a three-bedroomed, semi-detached, well-insulated house (insulated cavity walls, 270mm loft insulation, thermostatic radiator valves and insulated primary pipe work), the efficiencies of typical heating systems and the current average price of LPG per litre (as at Feb 2012). They are not derived from actual fuel bills.

Pros of LPG central heating

LPG is a highly-efficient fuel, so you get a good return on every unit of energy. Modern condensing boilers, which use hot flue gases that are wasted in a standard boiler, now achieve efficiencies of 90% and more.
Replacing a standard LPG boiler with a highly-efficient modern condensing boiler is a relatively straightforward job. See boiler reviews area for models from Which? Best Buy brands.

As gas is the most widely used heating fuel in the UK, finding a plumber should be fairly easy if your boiler breaks down or needs servicing. Plumbers and repairers who carry out work on boilers are required by law to be on the Gas Safe Register. You can check an engineer or firm's registration on the Gas Safe Register website or by calling directly on 0800 408 5500.

Which? members can find details of plumbers in their local area that have been recommended by other Which? members at Which Local.

Cons of LPG central heating

Like mains gas and oil, LPG prices are on the rise and are likely to remain high as the UK competes with growing demand from other countries. The Office of Fair Trading investigated the off-grid energy market following sharp price rises in winter 2010 but concluded that the market did not need price regulation. You can read more about the market probe in our story: Heating oil homes to face another hard winter?
As LPG is delivered by road there is a possibility that you could run out of gas while you wait for your next delivery. However, systems that monitor the amount of gas in your tank and automatically notify your supplier when it needs topping up are available.
Installing an LPG central heating system from scratch can be expensive and disruptive. The storage tank can also be unsightly (although this can be resolved by choosing an underground tank).
LPG boilers need servicing annually to ensure they run efficiently and last as long as they should do.
As a fossil fuel, LPG produces carbon dioxide when it’s burnt and so isn't considered a clean source of energy

Chimney fires cost Gloucestershire £35,000 a year

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Fri, 18 May 2012 09:30:00 +0000

CHIMNEY fires have cost Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue service £35,000.
Firefighters from across the county have been called out to chimney fires 162 times this year.
And with the average cost of a call out around £210, the fire service is now calling for all those with chimneys to make sure they are swept regularly.
Chief Fire Officer Jon Hall said: "Our firefighters do an excellent job all year round but too often they have to deal with chimney fires that could have been avoided through proper maintenance.
"The cost may not seem that much, but when you think about the number of chimney fires our crews have been called out to recently, it all adds up.
"If you do have an open fire in your house, please make sure that your chimneys are swept by a competent chimney sweep.
"This will ensure that the flue is not blocked and that smoke and gases can escape safely.
"It doesn't cost much to get your chimney or flue serviced – between £40 and £60 depending on your type of fire, but it can cost a lot more if you choose to ignore it."
Steve Banwell, 54, has run Traditional Chimney Sweep based in Charlton Kings for 31 years. His sons Mark, 27, and Gary, 25, run the family business with him.
Negligence
He said: "Most chimney fires are through negligence and a lot are through ignorance. People do not realise that it is like cars – if you do not maintain them then you will have problems.
"The amount of times you should sweep your chimney depends on how often you use, but I would recommend once a year as a minimum.
"Most of the calamities that are caused are because people move into new homes and presume they have been swept."
Chimney sweep Tim Moore, from Charlton Kings, runs T.D. Moore Chimney Sweep and has been cleaning flues across Cheltenham for 25 years.
The 50-year-old said: "If you are burning wood then personally I would recommend that your chimney is swept twice a year.
"Most people only get it done once a year, but I think more often than that is sensible.
"Occasionally you do go out and you see chimneys that have been left and left. I have seen fires which have completely ripped the roof off homes and their neighbours.
"It is common sense, when it only cost around £50, to just get it done.
"There is a very big resurgence in solid fuel burning because of fuel prices and sales of wood burners are up, so it is more important than ever for people to know their responsibilities."

Even Your Stove Deserves A Spring Clean

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:56:00 +0000

Spring has finally sprung so make the most of the warmer weather to give your woodburning stove a well-earned break for a few months! Before you do so, though, give your stove a spring clean to ensure when you return to it in the autumn, everything is of the highest quality and the wood burner is operating beautifully.
Getting your stove in order now certainly makes sense, especially as hopefully you won’t need to fire up any more logs in the stove until September/October time. And even if we do have the odd cold snap, an annual thorough clean of your stove helps to maintain its efficiency as well as prevent bigger problems from arising.
You should have your chimney swept and check the inside/outside of your stove too.

HETAS-registered engineers will be able to carry out a service on your woodburning stove, but it is possibly to spring clean your own stove should you choose to do so. Always read your user’s manual before beginning any maintenance work on your stove and make sure you feel confident to do the task yourself – if you’re in any doubt or think you need assistance, call for a professional stove engineer.
Interior
In order to properly clean the inside of your wood burner, you need to empty it first. This means removing all the internal parts, including the firebricks, grate, ash pan and baffle. Take special care with the firebricks as regular use means these are susceptible to cracks and chips when handled.
Once emptied of the parts, you can give the inside of your stove a quick hoover. This removes any surplus ash and debris, and lets you see the real state of the stove’s interior. You may need to use a wire brush and scraper to give the inside an overhaul, before hoovering up any waste.
The individual parts should be cleaned separately. For example, the grate can be cleaned using a wire brush to remove debris. Look for any damage and if you find some, you may need to replace the grate. Similarly, check over the firebricks to ensure there are no broken ones – if there are, replace these bricks. Because of the fragile nature of these bricks, use a soft brush to clean them.
Before replacing the parts back into the stove, the door will need attention.
Stove door
Remove the glass from the door so you can clean it and inspect it for any damage. Also check the rope seal and throw this away if it looks worn. To replace the rope seal with a new piece, first remove the leftover glue from the door frame, and then glue the new seal rope into place before refitting the door.
Exterior
As your woodburning stove is such a focal point in your home, you’ll doubtless want to keep it looking great on the outside too. Check for rust – we have tips for you if you need to remove rust from your stove – and you may want to repaint the outside of the device. This is easy to do and breathes new life into the device, with the option to use spray or tin stove paint.

Children and chimneys

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Mon, 14 May 2012 08:32:00 +0000

From the late 18th century children formed a rising proportion of the population almost two out of five people by the mid-1820s. It was common for them to work to supplement family incomes. Orphans and abandoned children came under the care of the Poor Law, but were usually put into the care of employers who provided for them in return for their work.

Child labour

Parliamentary concern over the exploitation of child labour in the 19th century is usually associated with factories. In fact the beginnings of such concern was focused on the 'climbing boys' recruited by chimney sweeps or apprenticed by parish authorities to climb into and clean chimneys.
In the 1760s, Jonas Hanway, a wealthy London merchant and philanthropist, campaigned extensively to improve working conditions for sweeps' apprentices. Eventually, an Act of 1788 specified a minimum age of eight years old for apprentices, but this and other regulations were never enforced.

Finding a solution

In the early 1830s, as Parliament became more preoccupied generally with the exploitation of child labour, the Chimney Sweeps Act was passed in 1834 outlawing the apprenticing of any child below the age of ten. Furthermore, no child was to be actually engaged in cleaning chimneys under the age of 14.

Chimney Sweeps Act

In 1840, a revised Chimney Sweeps Act raised the minimum age of apprenticeship to 16. As with earlier legislation, this was largely ignored due to the absence of any means of enforcement. Children younger than ten were still being made to climb chimneys.
In 1863 the publication of 'The Water-Babies', a novel by Charles Kingsley, did much to raise public awareness about the gross mistreatment of children in this kind of employment through its central character, Tom, a child chimney sweep. Parliament responded the following year with a new Chimney Sweepers Regulation Act. This was ineffective despite its humane purpose.
In 1875, a successful solution was implemented by the Chimney Sweepers' Act which required sweeps to be licensed and made it the duty of the police to enforce all previous legislation.

Burley Hollywell

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Sat, 12 May 2012 08:22:00 +0000

A happy customer has had a Burley Holywell installed in the living room of their 3 bedroom 1960's chalet-style house last September, along with a flue liner. It replaced an old open fireplace. The below report gives nothing but praise for the highly efficient stove from Burley.

We chose the Holywell because it was engineered specifically for burning wood and we live in the middle of an estate forest so that is all we would be burning. We were also attracted to the simple lines of the thing which are very stylish, the very large viewing window, and the published efficiency ratings. The fact that it is designed and manufactured in the UK was also a plus point - I called Burley with come questions when we were having the stove installed, spoke to a very helpful lady who was able to answer some of our questions and ended up speaking to the chap who designed it who was incredibly helpful - excellent service.

Now that we have gone through one winter using it almost every day, we couldn't be happier with our choice. The stove is very easy to light and gets up to running temperature quickly. The single air control is very responsive and it is simple to adjust the heat output / burn rate as desired. The airwash works very well and after a whole day and evening of burning the glass only has a thin layer of white ash on it, which is easily removed with some damp kitchen roll.

The heat output has exceeded our expectations - it heats our 6.5m x 4.3m living room easily and we found that we were leaving the downstairs doors open to allow the heat to drift around the rest of the house - it has certainly cut our oil consumption dramatically. Compared to our old open fire, we found that we were using much less wood to produce much more heat - a 1kg log lasts about 45 mins on our preferred setting, and once the stove was up and running we did not need the central heating on at all.

We love looking at the amazing flame patterns created by the air-introduction system. Rather than having vents directly open to the air, the controller regulates an opening at the back of the stove through which the air is drawn before being injected into the firebox through a series of small holes all around the interior of the stove. These holes are positioned in such a way as to create a vortex which, when there is sufficient fuel in the box, creates what I can only describe as a "flame whirlwind" when the controller is fully open. It's certainly a talking point whenever visitors come around.

Finally, the wooden handles are an excellent idea as they remain cool to the touch no matter how long the fire has been burning. The door handle does become loose after a while but this is easily tightened up with an allen key. We've never tried to keep the stove in overnight, so I have rated this as 3.

We did a lot of research before choosing a stove and found the reviews on this website very helpful, so hopefully this review will help others with their decisions. We would happily recommend this stove to anyone.

Why Does My Gas Fire Need Servicing?

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Thu, 10 May 2012 09:17:00 +0000

What is a service?

Whilst a gas safety check assesses the basic safety of a gas appliance a service will consist of a full check of a gas appliance and the engineer is likely to take the appliance apart to inspect it. The engineer will assess the physical condition of the appliance, installation pipework, air vents and any flues for deterioration. They will carry out performance tests and take any necessary remedial action.

Appliances should be serviced regularly in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Some manufactuers that offer extended warranties, such as Crystal Fires (5 Years) Verine (7 Years) Kinder (7 Years) require an annual service to maintain the extended warranty. Servicing your gas appliances regularly will make sure they are safe to use. It will also maintain your appliances efficiency and performance.

Signs that your appliances need servicing?

Gas appliances should be serviced regularly but if you notice any of the warning signs below you should arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to service your appliance as soon as possible:

Your gas appliance is not working properly
Your appliance is burning with a lazy yellow flame instead of a crisp blue flame
You can see black marks or stains on or around your gas appliances
The pilot light keeps going out
There is increased condensation in the room

What if my engineer identifies a problem with my gas appliance?

All Gas Safe registered engineers must follow the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure (GIUSP) when assessing the risks of an unsafe gas appliance. The guidance provides 'best practice' advice to Gas Safe registered engineers on how they should deal with various gas safety concerns which may affect your safety.

It is very important that you get your gas fire service annually not only because it prolongs the life of your appliance but also it reduces the chances of your appliance malfunctioning and potentially cause lethal carbon monoxide poisoning. Also if you are a landlord with a tenanted home featuring a gas fire you must make sure that you always maintain and service you appliance and also hold a valid Landlord's Certificate.

If you do not know or simply can not remember when your gas fire last had its service, then please contact a GasSafe installer to arrange a much needed service - save your money and possibly your life.

What a typical service can include:

Remove glass front or door assembly
Clean out assembly
Inspect burner and catalysts and clean if necessary (where applicable)
Turn off gas supply
Remove burner unit and burner pipes and clean
Clean in-line restrictor, pilot assembly and burner pipes
Re-assemble components
Turn gas supply back on and test for leaks
Refit assembly and/or casing
Check ventilation
Re-light fire and test setting pressure
Check safe operation of the appliance

X-FIRES™ Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Tue, 08 May 2012 10:38:00 +0000

High style, A new generation of wall fires incorporates sleek contemporary design and some of the greenest technology on the planet. From flueless to frameless, electric to gas, this exclusive and easy-to-install Acquisitions collection has the ideal solution for every home.
If you’re looking for something extra, you’re looking for an X-FIRE. Available as Electric, Balanced Flue and a Flueless gas fire range.

You won't find a more efficient gas fire than flueless. Acquisitions leads the field in eco-friendly fireplace technology and these unique flueless designs – perfect for rooms with no chimney – are 100% efficient. For every kilowatt of gas you put in, you get a kilowatt of heat back, so running costs are less than half those of a normal 7kW gas fire. What’s more, they’re odour-free and low on CO2 emissions. There couldn’t be a more beautiful way to reduce your fuel bills and carbon footprint.

A key feature of the Flueless range is our unique RX3 RefleXion technology, which produces a beautiful flame-into-infinity effect from a single ribbon burner.

If you want efficiency but think the flueless range is not for you, try the Acquisitions X-FIRE 1200 Balanced Flue: the same lightweight, modern stone frames, similar flexibility of installation and low CO2 emissions – plus an attractive driftwood fuel bed, more generous flames and remote control. When you go out you can set the timer to warm the place up for your return.

This model can be fully inset into any existing chimney breast; if your home has no chimney, all that’s required is an outside wall or roof within 10m of the fireplace and a natural or LPG gas supply.

Relax in the company of unparalleled modern chic with an Acquisitions electric fire. Because no chimney or flue is required, these stylish electric X-FIRES with our patented lightweight frames can either be wall-hung or inset into a suitable wall. Available in four distinctive finishes including mirror and granite, with a choice of natural fuel beds, these streamlined, no-fuss models are operated by remote control. Simply plug in, sit back and enjoy the view.

Cast Iron or Steel Woodburning Stoves – Which is Best?

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Sun, 06 May 2012 09:18:00 +0000

The DRU64MF Multifuel Cast Iron Stove

There’s a lot to consider when choosing a multi fuel or woodburning stove, and people often ask whether they should be buying a woodburner with a cast iron or steel body. Both materials have their advantages and both have their fans. People asking this question have usually been given either glowing recommendations or dire warnings about one material or the other by well-meaning friends. It’s important to remember that people who are happy with their stove tend to recommend the one they have, and that tales of problems are often exaggerated. Hopefully the below details should be able to put the advantages and disadvantages of each material into perspective and allow an informed decision, or even whether it matters to you at all.

Cast Iron Woodburning Stoves

Cast iron is the traditional material used for multi fuel and woodburning stoves. Because cast iron stoves are made by pouring molten metal into moulds, decorative details such as motifs or patterns can be incorporated into the body of the stove to enhance its appearance, this is well demonstrated on the Broseley Serrano 5 which has the Broseley Logo cast into the side of the stove. Once hot, cast iron holds heat well and steadily radiates warmth into a room even after the fire in the stove has died down. While cast iron holds heat well, it takes a long time to get up to temperature. If you come home to a cold house and want instant heat, waiting for a cast iron multi fuel stove to warm up may be frustrating. Small variations in the surface of a cast iron woodburning stove are normal, just as it is normal to see grain patterns in a piece of wood, and are not considered to be faults.

The Firebelly FB3 Double-Sided Steel Stove

Steel Woodburning Stoves

Steel stove bodies are cut from sheets of pressed steel and welded together, giving them much cleaner lines e.g the Firebelly FB2, than cast iron stoves. This makes steel ideal for manufacturing modern designer stoves to suit contemporary interiors. The surface of steel multi fuel stoves is very smooth and consistent, which appeals to the modern appetite for flawless finishes. Steel woodburning stoves can be fired up more quickly than cast iron stoves, and begin to give out heat into the room sooner as well. Historically steel woodburners have been associated with vulnerability to hotspots and warping, however these days the quality of steel used has improved so this is rarely a problem.

Cast Iron or Steel?

We have tried to show the main differences between cast iron and steel stoves without getting too technical, and also to show that it isn’t necessarily a big issue when making your choice. Which wood burning stove is best depends on many factors including the size of the room, the size of the fireplace where the stove will be installed, how often you would use the stove, how much you rely on it as a heat source and how quickly you need it to give out heat into the room. It is also important to consider the aesthetic qualities of each material – for most people the stove is a focal point in their living room, so you want it to be something you are happy to look at every day!

Drugasar Metro 80XT

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:09:00 +0000

With Drugasar fires becoming ever more popular DRU have unveiled a new addition to the top-of-the line Metro range. The Metro 80XT is the smallest model in the popular Metro range and brings the same top of the range features of the Metro 100XT and Metro 130 into a smaller package, allowing it to be installed in properties or locations that perhaps would not be suited to a larger Metro Fire.
The unique burner spreads the fire across the entire width and depth. The raised pane provides an even lovelier, bigger flame picture, further adding to the claim that Drugasar Gas fires are among the most realistic on the market. The fire can either have a log set or white Carrara pebbles, allowing you the choice of a ultra contemporary hole in the wall style fireplace with white pebbles and Ceraglass reflective interior, or perhaps a more traditional finish with a log fuel effect.
While certainly looking the part, its lower heat output of 5.1kW makes this fire ideal for smaller living spaces, or as additional heating in the well-insulated modern home.

The Metro 80XT also benefits from the luxury of the Drugasar Balanced Flue System, meaning you do not need to have a chimney to enjoy the flickering gas flames practically anywhere in the house, regardless of whether you have a chimney.

As you can see in the video, left, the real gas flames are high a bright, really giving the impression of a real wood fire, this combined with the new glow material means that you get an even more realistic flame effect and glow effect along the base of the flames.

Safety First

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Wed, 02 May 2012 07:30:00 +0000

The enduring appeal of gas fires and the ever-growing popularity of wood-burning stoves means that more homeowners than ever need to be fully aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Approximately 4,000 people are diagnosed with CO poisoning in England and Wales each year, while 50 people each year from accidental exposure to the gas.
Traditionally the dangers of CO are associated with gas boilers and cookers. But in reality most, if not all gas, oil or solid-fuelled appliances could propose a Carbon Monoxide risk.
Customers are becoming more aware of the risks of Carbon Monoxide, as each case in the news brings the risk back into the public eye and under the scrutiny of the public. Because of this, retailers are reporting an increased number of customer's interested in learning how to protect themselves from the dangers of the gas.
Despite this, UK distributor of heating products BCG has seen an unprecedented spike in demand for woodburning stoves and gas fires. "The popularity of wood burning stoves and gas fires is soaring. Increasingly these heating methods are seen as a more cost efficient and effective way to heat the home. However, customers are aware that with this growing trend comes the increased risk of Carbon Monoxide."
Know The Facts

Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels including gas, oil, wood and coal.
CO is odourless, colourless and tasteless.
Carbon-based fuels are safe to use, it is only when the fuel does not burn properly that excess CO is produced.
There are a number of causes of incomplete combustion including blocked chimney's, incorrect fitting of an appliance or poor appliance maintainence.

When Carbon Monoxide enters the body, it prevents the blood from bringing oxygen to cells, tissues and organs. This has the potential to build up in the body and cause neurological damage or death in the worst cases.

Although the risks are real, guarding against them is simple and there are three steps to protect yourself against Carbon Monoxide poisoning:

Checks: Risks are significantly reduced if all gas appliances, including boilers, fires and cookers undergo annual safety checks by a registered installer.
Detectors:Carbon Monoxide detectors should be used whenever a Carbon-based fuel appliance is installed. This includes gas, solid fuel, or oil heaters, fires and stoves.
Registered Installer: Ensuring that any gas fuelled appliance is installed by a Gas Safe registered installer and any solid fuel appliance installed by a HETAS engineer gives you peace of mind that your appliance has been correctly installed. Bear in mind that not only is it unwise to employ an un-registered fitter, but it is also illegal!

What To Look For
There are signs that you can look out for which indicate incomplete combustion is occuring:

Yellow or orange rather than blue flames (with the exception of fuel effect fires or flueless appliances which display this colour flame)
Soot or Yellow/Brown staining around or on appliances.
Pilot lights that frequently blow out

Following the above guidelines and procedures will protect you from the dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Rugby Captains Calls On Wales To Switch To Wood Fuel

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:30:00 +0000

Welsh rugby legend JPR Williams is calliing on householders to help Wales become a low carbon nation by switching to more carbon neutral wood fuel.

JPR Williams In Action

The former Welsh and British Lions fullback has been using a wood-burning stove to heat his home in the Vale of Glamorgan forthe best part of a decade and is backing a new campaign by Woodfuel Wales, the Welsh Government funded body wich represents all sectors of the Welsh wood industry.
The campaign is encouraging people to use wood as a more carbon-friendly way of fuelling the home and follows reports that Wales was almost half way towards meeting the 2015 target to reduce Carbon Emissions by 40%.
The call by JPR Williams comes as the Wales rugby team is coming off a Grand Slam performance in the Six Nations Tournament and is appealing for people to focus on supporting the nation's future as well as their rugby team. "Wales is a passionate nation and when we get behind something we have the power to make great things happen. If the Welsh nation could use even a quarter of the support it gives out Rugby team and put it towards protecting its environmental future then we would be well on our way to preversing our beautiful country for generations to come. I have used wood fuel to heat my entire home for many years now and I know that our heat supply comes from a reliable source.We buy our logs from a company based just six miles away helping reduce our carbon footprint even more, whilst also supporting a local industry and jobs."

According to Woodfuel Wales, using wood as a form of fuel is one of the best ways people can reduce thier carbon footprint and help slow down the effect of climate change, as Nic Snell, Managed Director Of Certainly Wood and Chair of Woodfuel Wales, explains: "The greenhouse gases we all produce through our day-to-day activities, including the wya we heat our homes are all factors contributing to climate change. Wood is a carbon neutral fuel that is greener and more sustainable than any other form of non-renewable fuel. It can offer savings in terms of energy efficiency and we have a plentiful, sustainable resource here in Wales."

Woodfueld Wales also claims more people are realising the benefits of switching to wood, as official member statistics released by the Stove Industry Alliance in Autumn 2011 showed a 32% growth (year on year) in the sales of wood burning stoves.
Nic Snell continued: "As the prices for oil and gas have risen in the past year, we and our members are seeing that wood fuel is being viewed as a more viable option than ever. Over the next decade, we can grow as fossil fuels deplete, making people realise that Welsh Forestry provides one of the best renewable energy resources in Wales."

Energy firms to 'guarantee best deal' on tariffs

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 10:22:00 +0000

Energy companies will be required to let customers know what their best deal is, in a move which ministers say could save households up to £100 a year.

Firms will be obliged to tell people about the most suitable tariff for them and to offer it if they request it.
Announcing the move, Deputy PM Nick Clegg said seven out of 10 people have the wrong deal and pay too much.
Labour have accused energy firms of "ripping off" people and said there must be more competition in the market.
Under the deal, British Gas, E.On, NPower, Scottish and Southern Energy, EDF and Scottish Power will contact their customers once a year to tell them what the best tariff is for them, and how to get it.
They will also contact customers coming to the end of a fixed-term contract with the same advice.

They will not be obliged to let people know about cheaper deals with rival companies.

But the government says it is looking at the possibility of putting "quick read" codes (like barcodes) on energy bills by spring 2013, containing information about someone's energy consumption, which they could then share with other energy firms to see if they could offer a cheaper deal.
Most customers saw increases of between 15% and 18% in their gas bills in the autumn, while electricity bills also rose sharply, a move energy firms blamed on rising wholesale energy costs.
Leading firms cut their prices earlier this year - reflecting what they said was a dip in commodity prices and the mild winter - but not by enough to compensate for the earlier rise.
Environmental campaigners say the deal announced on Wednesday was just "tinkering around the fringes".
'A bit confusing' But Mr Clegg told the BBC it was "an important step" as companies were currently under no obligation to tell customers whether they were on the wrong tariff and few people would "turn their noses up" at a £100 saving a year.
He said it was part of a series of measures the government was looking at, aimed at driving bills down, but admitted he had not personally switched energy providers for some time.

This is probably only going to work if this is part of a much wider strategy to really help people engage more effectively with their energy bills”
Audrey Gallacher Consumer Focus

He told BBC Radio 5live: "We haven't switched actually over the last year or two and I kind of think we're probably very typical. You stick to a tariff, you think it's all a bit complex, you get lots of stuff through the letterbox... all a bit confusing. You don't really then make the effort or take the time to look at how you're using your energy and what tariff would be best for you."

He said he hoped that from this autumn all the information would be much simpler and it would be much easier for people to work out the best tariff for them.
Consumer Focus said the move was a "welcome first step", as customers coming to the end of a fixed-term contract would be able to move on to the cheapest deal rather than the more expensive standard rate.
But the organisation's director of energy Audrey Gallacher added: "This is probably only going to work if this is part of a much wider strategy to really help people engage more effectively with their energy bills, really cut their costs and get the best out of the energy market."
'Fiddling at the margins' Labour have called for the cheapest tariffs to be guaranteed for the over-75s and said firms should be forced to sell energy to new providers, such as retailers, to open up the market.
"Six months ago, at the energy summit, Labour called on the government to get tough with the energy giants - but all ministers could do was get the energy companies to write to their customers telling them to shop around," said shadow energy secretary Caroline Flint.
"Our energy market needs a complete overhaul, but this government is only fiddling at the margins."
Greenpeace said any move to bring down bills was "good news" for thousands of households but the government needed to do more to reform the industry, making Britain less dependent on expensive imported gas and backing "home-grown renewable energy".
"It is good to see Nick Clegg taking an interest in the plight of people who are feeling the pinch," said the pressure group's head of energy, Jim Footner.
"But tinkering around the fringes of the overly gas-dependent energy sector simply won't be enough."
Christine McGourty from Energy UK, which represents energy companies, said consumers needed to shop around to get the best deal.
She added: "There are many different ways people can manage their energy bills, whether by changing tariff, method of payment or installing energy saving measures such as insulation."
Energy regulator Ofgem has accused the largest six firms of having a "stranglehold" on the market but they say competition is the strongest in Europe.

Broseley Fires leading edge eVolution 26 boiler stove gains MCS approval

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:37:00 +0000

Broseley Fires Limited is pleased to announce their first MCS approved product in its range. The eVolution 26 woodburning boiler stove is the flagship model in the new eVolution range and as well as now being MCS approved the eVolution boiler offers a range of innovative features designed to maximise the potential of one of the most environmentally-friendly fuel sources.

John Reeves, Managing Director at Broseley, explained:

“The eVolution 26 boiler is at the leading edge of wood burning technology, incorporating our unique Safety Cold Water System (SCWS) enabling it to be connected directly to a sealed heating system without the need for extra feed and expansion tanks. Now that we have achieved MCS approval and a grant of up to £950 will be available for customers to install this product we hope the stove will continue to be a growing success”

Tested to the very latest UK and European standards, the flagship stove in the eVolution range is 78 per cent efficient and has an output of 26kW, delivering 10kW of heat to the room and 16kW to provide hot water.

The evolution 26 is not only a viable alternative to increasingly expensive oil or gas fired systems, it is also a real living flame attribute for your living room and a primary source for providing heat and hot water in a wide variety of homes.

“When combined with other energy-saving products such as solar panels and/or a thermal heat store, the boiler has the potential to help householders significantly reduce their heating bills whilst relying on sustainable fuel sources,” John continued.

The Grant Schemes

Currently the grants available to non commercial installations of the eVolution 26 boiler stove are in phase 2 of the Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) which comes into effect from the 2nd April 2012 this grant scheme entitles users without a mains gas supply to a £950 grant for their installation.

Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said:
“The new Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme will be bigger and better than the original.
“We’re increasing the budget from £15m to £25m, for the first time we’re including community schemes and there’ll be more social housing schemes that can benefit. Those people who are reliant on expensive oil or electric heating should consider applying to the Premium Payment scheme to cut their fuel bills in the long term.

“Generating heat from renewables will not just cut carbon emissions; it will also help create a market in developing, selling and installing kit like solar thermal panels or heat pumps.”
The scheme will continue to be administered by the Energy Saving Trust.

Karen Lawrence, Energy Saving Trust Director of Delivery, said:

"Our aim is to empower householders by giving them the right tools and advice to help them reduce both their energy usage and bills. Without a doubt, one of the main barriers that prevents people from taking the plunge is the up-front capital cost. The announcement of the second phase of the government's Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) scheme not only offers homeowners help with the initial costs, but it also provides them with access to heat technologies that can help them to reduce their energy bills, year on year

Industry Council Recommends Carbon Monoxide Alarms

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:45:00 +0000

The Heating & Hot Water Industry Council has recommended to government that Building Regulations be changed to require a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm be fitted with every heating appliance installation.
Partly following these recommendations, the Communities & Local Government (CLG) Committee is recommending that an audible, wired-up ‘EN 50291 compliant’ carbon monoxide alarm should be fitted wherever a heating appliance is installed in new or existing homes.

Public awareness of installing a CO alarm is much less than that of understanding the importance of having a smoke alarm. In addition, public knowledge about the risk of the odourless, invisible and potentially lethal carbon monoxide fumes must be raised to increase safety in the home, the Committee has warned.
HHIC has championed the importance of making sure consumers pick an installer who is Gas Safe Registered and also advises they use the HHIC benchmark scheme. The Benchmark member scheme is a nationally-recognised scheme that places the responsibilities on both manufacturers and installers to ensure best practice in installation, commissioning and servicing of domestic heating and hot water products in line with Building Regulations in England and Wales.
When it comes to gas and electrical safety, the Committee concludes that far too many homeowners do not appreciate either the dangers of using sub-standard engineers or their own liability when it comes to faulty gas and electrical work.

Chris Yates, HHIC deputy director, told the Select Committee hearing: “I fully agree with the necessity of carbon monoxide alarms but it must not be a replacement for annual servicing and it is very important that they are linked together.”
The CLG Committee has also recommended that electrical equipment sold in DIY stores, such as sockets, must be labelled to warn that it is illegal for an unregistered person to carry out most electrical works in the home.
Launching its report of the inquiry into gas and electrical safety in the home, Clive Betts, chair of the Committee, said: “The government must co-ordinate a concerted effort by key industry organisations to raise public awareness levels on these crucial issues. Likewise, more must be done to alert households to the dangers of using sub-standard electricians and of the need to complete regular maintenance checks on electrical circuits in the home.”
On carbon monoxide alarms, Clive Betts said: “The government should oversee a co-ordinated public awareness campaign by the various industry organisations to raise public awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning and ensure homeowners appreciate that they themselves are liable for faulty gas or electrical installations and repairs."
In its current consultation exercise into Building Regulations, the government has examined further deregulation of Part P, which focuses on electrical installation and repair.
"The Committee highlights how evidence gathered since the introduction of these rules demonstrated that deaths and injuries due to electrical faults have decreased. We could only support de-regulation if there was clear evidence that safety standards would not suffer, but such evidence has not been provided by the government,“ said Betts.

Woodburning Stoves Installed As Part Of Hardwick Hall Renovation

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire has just been refurbished and recently reopened to the public boasting green credentials that include two new woodburning stoves.
As part of the renovation project on the Elizabethan house, once home to Bess of Hardwick and now run by the National Trust, woodburning stoves have been installed in the book room of the shop and visitors centre located in the Stableyard.
The National Trust said the aim of the revamp was to incorporate green technologies into the Stableyard “to either generate energy or recycle materials and resources”. Visitors to Hardwick Hall will now “be able to see how much energy is generated and water recycled on a display in the lobby of the facilities”.
There is a wood burner in the new shop which was installed in order to “supplement the heating for this building and create a cosy atmosphere for you to browse through the books on sale”. Woodburning stoves are a fantastic way to enhance a building’s eco-friendliness as well as means of heating the property and providing a wonderful focal point.
The second woodburning stove has been installed within the brand new visitors centre and provides a “truly warm welcome”.
The Duke of Devonshire, who opened the renovated Hardwick Hall, said: “I have personally followed this project with great interest, from the point of view of the restoration of heritage buildings using traditional skills and craftsmanship, and the fact that these buildings were built by my family,” BBC News reports.
“I think she (Bess of Hardwick) would have been thrilled because she loved value for money – so to see these buildings, which were falling into dereliction until the National Trust realised that they had ideas… which would help the visitors make a more enjoyable day out here, she would have been thrilled with that.”
Other green initiatives for the newly-renovated Hardwick Hall include a biomass boiler to deliver heating and hot water to the Stableyard that burns locally sourced wood pellets, and recycling rain water.
Wood is a renewable resource and virtually carbon neutral, making it the ideal choice for environmentally-friendly projects like the recent renovation work at Hardwick Hall. A tree absorbs CO2 throughout its lifetime and only when it is burned does it release carbon, and only at the same level that it took away from the atmosphere – hence its virtual carbon neutrality. Plus, combine this with a woodburning stove and wood as a fuel is even better because it burns more slowly in a stove.
Stoves themselves are highly efficient nowadays and most modern models feature an energy efficiency rating in excess of 70%. In contrast to an open fire, an average stove is around three-times as efficient – open fireplaces have a maximum efficiency of 25%.
And of course all the benefits of an open fireplace can still be enjoyed with a woodburning stove. You have a clear view of the flames dancing within and it becomes a natural focal point similar to how an open fire does in any room.

Woodburner Safety Advice from Fire Service

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 08:02:00 +0000

Dumfries and Galloway Fire and Rescue Service recently issued some safety guidance in the wake of a number of house fires linked to wood burning stoves. Substantial energy price rises in recent years, coupled with the struggle to cope with recession, have made woodburners a popular way to save money on home heating bills. The trouble is that the pressing need to save money can tempt people to cut corners when installing their wood burning stove, increasing the risk of a house fire.
According to community fire safety officer Michael Aldersey of Dumfries and Galloway Fire and Rescue Service “When they are used correctly, wood-burning stoves are a safe and effective way to heat the home, but users should be aware of some basic safety considerations”. His comment appeared last week in The Galloway News, along with the following recommendations for safely enjoying your woodburner.

The main concern is to make sure wood burning stoves are fitted professionally, including having the chimney checked before installation.
People often leave firewood close to the stove to dry out before it is used, but the wood can get sufficiently warm and dry to catch fire even if it isn’t in direct contact with the woodburner. You should keep any flammable materials well away from your stove.
The surface of a wood burning stove will become very hot during use. If you have young children in the house you should put a fireguard around your woodburner to prevent them getting close enough to burn their little hands.

These are all excellent points, but I would add that anyone who uses their woodburner with the door open should use a spark guard, and that it is vital to dispose of ash safely as embers can reignite hours or even days after the fire has gone out.
If you are thinking of getting a wood burning stove we recommend a professional solid fuel installation survey before going ahead to confirm it is a suitable heating option for your home, to get a clear idea of the installation costs and to ensure you have expert help in choosing the best stove for your home.

One in five illegal gas jobs are immediately dangerous

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 07:36:00 +0000

One in five of the illegal gas jobs Gas Safe Register investigate are deemed immediately dangerous.

Figures from Gas Safe Register's national investigation figures for 2011 show an alarming number of homes are at risk if gas equipment is not installed and maintained properly and safely.

To combat the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, often caused by poorly-installed gas work, Gas Safe Charity and The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents are launching a new initiative ‘Be Gas Safe’.

Rolling out across England this year, the programme aims to supply 10,000 families at higher risk with CO alarms and will provide many more with advice, information and education about gas safety and the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Promoting the Be Gas Safe campaign are the Heating Helpline, the home heating advice service operated by B&ES, the Building & Engineering Services Association (formerly the Heating & Ventilating Contractors' Association).

The Heating Helpline said cases of poor gas heating installations are now all too common.

“Poorly-installed gas work can cause explosions or carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal and can also cause serious long-term health problems,” said Bob Towse, technical consultant to the Heating Helpline.

Anyone who carries out gas work must be Gas Safe Registered.

The Heating Helpline’s team of experts can provide information on where homeowners can find local Gas Safe Registered installers, answer questions and give advice.

For more information call the Heating helpline free on 0800 840 4069 or visit www.carbonmonoxidesafety.org.uk

Buyers Guide, Barbecues

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:46:00 +0000

With the summer sun on it's way out (hopefully) and most of us taking some time off work to enjoy the weather and erhaps some outdoor cooking on the barbecue. We take you through a handy buyers guide between a gas or charcoal barbecue.

Gas barbecue

For speed and convenience, gas barbecues have the advantage that they can be lit almost instantaneously and heat up fast, so you can get cooking quickly. Gas barbecues offer a controllable and consistent heat supply at the touch of a button, and some gas barbecues feature a temperature gauge so you can check the heat. The grill is easily started by turning on the gas at the cylinder, opening the valve and clicking the starter ignition.

The vast majority of gas barbecues feature side shelves to provide additional cooking space. Larger gas barbecues often have side burners with the advantage of keeping food warm after it has been cooked. Alternatively, side burners are also suitable for frying pans and saucepans so you can cook and fry food and sauces outside, rather than going in and out of the kitchen.

TIP

When looking at the size of a gas barbecue consider the cooking area and number of gas burners it has. Smaller barbecues such as the Napoleon Ultra Chef 375 have 2 gas burners, whereas the largest barbecues can have up to 6. Look out for barbecues with a large cooking area and 5-6 burners if you are entertaining a large party of people. Barbecues such as the Napoleon LE485 features a rotisserie burner, infrared Sizzle Zone and easily controllable burners for that precision

Charcoal barbecue

If you are looking for that traditional barbecue experience, charcoal is the answer. Charcoal barbecues are usually cheaper than their gas counterparts, so they suit any budget. If you are attentive with flavours, charcoal barbecues also give you that authentic char-grilled taste and flame-grilled appearance. To ensure a high cooking temperature, light the charcoal up to 45 minutes before cooking. However, some instant-light charcoal is ready for cooking in 15-20 minutes.

Folding or portable charcoal barbecues are great for easy storage and perfect if you want to pack up your barbecue and take it on your travels, such as camping or the beach. In addition, some charcoal barbecues feature folding side tables with tool hooks providing instant additional space when you need it.

TIP

Kettle charcoal barbecues feature a lid, funnel and cooking grid – all parts are porcelain enamelled making this type of barbecue incredibly easy to clean. With the lid on, hot air is circulated and can be regulated like a convention oven. This makes it perfect for cooking large pieces of meat. The funnel channels the warm air circulation in the kettle and prevents food from being burnt. In addition, most of the drippings vaporize and give the food the typical barbecue flavour.

Getting started

A gas grill is easily started by turning on the gas at the cylinder, opening the valve and clicking the starter ignition. Charcoal takes a little longer to get going and to ensure a high cooking temperature, it is recommended that the charcoal is lit up to 45 minutes before cooking. However, there are now many quick-lighting varieties of charcoal that are ready for cooking in 15-20 minutes.

TIP

Stacking charcoal in pyramids will speed the lighting time as the air will circulate, encouraging the flames. Placing firelighters at the base of the charcoal pyramids will help ignite fuel (always let these go out completely before you start cooking). To judge the temperature of a charcoal barbecue, check the colour of the coals; they will begin to turn ash-grey when hot enough for you to start cooking.

The DRU app, as easy as 1, 2, 3(D)!

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 08:46:00 +0000

The new DRU app makes use of ‘augmented reality’ technology. This means you can project your favourite fire or gas fire in 3D into any required virtual environment, including your own living room!
The DRU app is very simple to use. Stick the ‘marker’ in the place you wish to install your fire, select one of the six DRU fires from the app menu, aim the camera of your smartphone or tablet at the marker and hey presto … the fire of your choice will appear, in 3D!
Follow the steps described and pictured, and within just a few minutes you have a clear idea of what your favourite fire will look like in your own home.

What do you need?

An iPhone, iPad or Android smartphone with camera
The DRU 3D VISUALISER
An A3 printout of the marker

Download and print out the marker
The DRU app gives the best graphic reproduction with an A3 marker. If you do not have an A3 printer, follow the instructions below:

Download and print out the pdf A4 marker
Cut or clip off the white edge on both pages
Stick the 2 A4 sheets together, to create a single large image
Your marker is ready for use

Share it with your friends!
You can now share the fire of your choice with your family and friends: simply take a photograph of the end result, and post it on Facebook!

Electric Heating... An Insight

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 09:28:00 +0000

Heaters are still very much in demand to supplement or boost central heating systems. They can take the edge off a very harsh winter; or eliminate the need for full central heating in spring and autumn. Follow our advice on heaters, and you’ll soon be feeling toasty!

Types of heater

Before you rush out to buy a heater – as they’re often emergency purchases - it’s worth taking time to work out where it will go and what it’s needed for.

Fan heaters

Fan heaters are popular because they are relatively inexpensive and very portable. Cool air from the room is blown over a heated element by a fan, with the heated air then blown back into the room. This makes them good for spot heating, where heat is needed in a specific place, like being blown in your direction as you sit and watch TV.
Check out the Burley Chilton 128 Electric Stove which combines a realistic flame effect and 2kW fan heater to help create the warm ambience as well as heating the air in the room. For small-to-medium rooms, choose the Broseley York Grande Electric Stove, this offers 800watts more power than any other fan heater on the market, combined with the authentic cast iron body and one of the best flame effects on the market mean you will not feel cold with this stove in your front room..

Convector heaters

Convector heaters are used for constant background heating rather then instant results, because they need time to warm up. They’re usually suitable for all room sizes.
Convectors work by heating the air inside the appliance; this then rises out of the top of the heater and into the room. Cooler air is drawn through the bottom as a result of the hot air rising up through the appliance and the process continues.
The Esse Solo Victorian Electric Stove is a luxury model that silently heats the room using a powerful 2kW convection heater, using the cast iron panels to bring more heat into the room. These models differ from fan heaters and don't require the fan on in order to operate – useful if you want silent operation.

Heated towel rails

A useful alternative to bathroom radiators, towel rails are permanently liquid filled for maintenance-free operation. They can be mounted for left- or right-hand cable entry and are hardwired into a power spur in your bathroom. Some towel rails such as the Stelrad Arc Radiator can be plumbed into your central heating system. Creating a stunning, contemporary finish to any new bathroom. The Stelrad range do not just work well as towel radiators in bathrooms, they would work brillaintly in a kitchen, shown left, or other similar space to create a functional heating appliance that takes up less space than a traditional radiator.

Manufacturer Focus: Meg Stoves

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:04:00 +0000

The beauty of Meg multi-fuel stoves is all in the engineering and design. Stylish and understated the designs include large viewing windows to make the most of the flames. The attention to detail along with precision engineering make Meg stoves amongst the most efficient and well finished in their class.

Why is efficiency so important?

Wood has the potential to be a carbon neutral energy source, as long as it is burned efficiently. In the past, stoves contributed to air pollution, but now by burning wood in one of our highly efficient stoves we can all make a contribution towards cleaner air and energy conservation.
All Meg stoves burn with an efficiency of at least 80%, and this means that all of our stoves have been approved by Defra (The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) for burning both kiln dried wood and anthracite in smoke controlled areas, a dual fuel that most cleanburn products cannot offer.
A Meg stove will not only produce many times more heat than an open fire, but draughts and smoking will no longer be a problem. And, of course, the more efficient the stove, the less fuel you need to use.
Along with the contemporary styling and sleek design features the steel construction allows for durability and excellent heat retention. All their grates are made of stainless steel and are incredibly durable and our generous ash bins mean you will only need to empty them infrequently. Meg stoves are easy to light and the large glass picture window along with the airwash system allows for hours of clear fire viewing.

As you would expect, these quality stoves are precision engineered which means everything fits perfectly, feels solid and works as it should.
"At Meg we don’t believe you should be limited to one single option when it comes to the colour of your stove. Although Charcoal is standard and the most popular Meg multi-fuel stoves also come in a range of colours and whichever you choose, be assured that the finish will be smooth and blemish free ready to look stunning in your home."
Meg stoves are entirely British made from start to finish and at their factory in Cheshire they and build the stoves from the finest quality steels. This gives Meg absolute control over the production process and means quality assurance is of the highest standard. Meg are so confident in the quality of our products that we offer amongst the most extensive guarantees of any stove manufacture.
Meg Stoves are not available online, focusing on sales through only the most qualified showroom retailers. With two stoves now on display in Fireplace Megastore
"We have used our design expertise and engineering knowledge to develop a range of high quality, highly efficient precision engineered multi-fuel stoves. Our aim has always been to exceed our customers’ expectations and we are convinced that our range of Meg stoves does just that."

Building a Surround for your Woodburner

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:04:00 +0000

A surround for your wood burning stove has a functional purpose as it protects non‐combustible surfaces from the heat of the fire. However, it also serves a decorative purpose, with a range of ready‐to‐fit surrounds available in a variety of styles.
A fireplace is generally comprised of the hearth, the surround and the mantel piece although some wood burning stoves are fitted straight into the chimney recess, with no need for a surround. In this instance the stove itself provides a decorative feature to the room, but a hearth is still necessary for fire safety reasons. With fire recesses, there are also Building Regulations relating to the surrounding walls.
Building Regulations
In accordance with building regulations a hearth must be fitted to protect non‐combustible materials from the heat of the stove and from any accidental spillages of ash. The hearth itself must be made from a non‐combustible material, such as concrete or masonry.
There are set guidelines as to the size of hearths both for wood burning stoves fitted into a recess and for freestanding stoves. With recesses the hearth should reach at least 150mm past the sides of the stove and 300mm in front, and with freestanding stoves the hearth should be at least 840mm x 840mm in size. The hearth should also be at least 125mm thick with a space of 50mm between the hearth and any combustible material, or otherwise 250mm thick.
Surrounds should also be made from non‐combustible materials, and if the stove is fitted into a chimney recess there are set requirements regarding the thickness of the walls and the materials that they are constructed from. For example, the walls of masonry chimneys should be at least 100mm thick, but if the walls separate the room from another compartment or dwelling, then they should be a minimum of 200mm away from the inner surface of the flue liner or have a gap of 40mm from the outer surface of the chimney.
The fireside recess and the chimney should also be made from non‐combustible material, and the internal walls should be a minimum of 200mm in thickness. Flue sizes must also comply with Building Regulations for safety reasons.
Any work undertaken should be notified to your local planning department so that they can make sure that all the requirements are being met. Alternatively, you should employ a qualified installer who will be familiar with Building Regulations.
If you buy ready‐made hearths and surrounds from a specialist stove supplier, they will usually ensure that these parts meet with Building Regulations. It is best to check with the supplier to make sure though.

Preparation
To fit a fire surround you need to start by marking the walls according to the measurements of the surround so that you can make sure it fits. Masking tape is useful for this task. Next, you need to mark where the studs are in the wall as the spacers will be fixed to these. The studs are the upright posts that form part of the framework of the wall. You will also need some non‐combustible spacers, and screws to fix the spacers to the wall studs.
Materials
Suitable materials for woodburner stove surrounds are cement board, slate, or granite tiles. For reasons of safety, wooden surrounds are not suitable. However, providing all Building Regulations have been complied with in terms of thickness and materials relating to the chimney walls, then it is possible to have a wooden mantel shelf. Many suppliers sell mantel shelves complete with fittings in a range of woods and finishes. Again, the mantel shelf should be a suitable distance from the stove and flue.
With some fire surrounds the mantle place forms part of the surround as it juts out from the wall. Therefore, you will not need to buy a separate mantel shelf for these types of fire surrounds.
Fitting the Surround
Start by fixing the spacers into the studs using screws. The purpose of the spacers is so that there will be an insulating gap between the wall and the face of the surround. You can then fix the fireplace surround, which should be made from a non‐combustible material. You do this by using screws that are long enough to fit through the spacers and then into the wall studs. There should be a gap at the top and bottom so that air can heat up and flow through the gap.
Once you have fitted the surround, if it is not supplied with a decorative finish, you can decorate it using a fire proof material such as stucco, tiles or heat‐resistant paint. Remember to cover any surrounding areas to protect them from spillages.
Fire surrounds come in a wide range of styles to complement any room in a variety of materials. You can choose from contemporary or traditional. Whatever style of surround you select, it is sure to enhance the appearance of your wood burning stove making it a great focal point for any surroundings.

Manufacturer Focus: Bemodern

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Founded in 1964 Be Modern is a group of companies dedicated to the manufacture of high quality fire surrounds, fires and heating equipment to a wide and diverse range of industries across the public and private sector.
Excellence in innovation, service and product quality has been constantly recognised by theirr customers and are tried, tested and trusted by major organisations.
With over 500,000 square foot of manufacturing and warehousing space, Bemodern employ the same meticulous eye for detail and the highest standards of manufacture throughout.

In December 2008 Be Modern was awarded with ‘Eco Product of the Year’ for its flueless gas range of fires – further demonstrating its commitment to the environment.

Continually building on 40 years of experience, Be Modern Group is one of the leading manufacturers of fires and fireplaces and Bathroom furniture in the UK. Our market share, product range and quality of service set the standards that others follow.
1963 – Business started as Modern Trends manufacturing Fire Surrounds in Hendon, Sunderland from a 5000sq.ft factory.
1964 – Business incorporated as Be Modern Limited and moves to larger premises in Nile Street, South Shields.
1970 – Continued expansion leads to purpose built premises in Western Approach, South Shields (the current Group Office).
1974 - Be Modern starts to manufacture kitchen furniture from additional premises in Jarrow (later extended to include bathroom vanity and fitted bedroom furniture).
1982 – Be Modern moves into retail sector with acquisition of Academy Crafts selling Kitchen furniture
1996 – Be Modern acquires Period Surrounds in Glasgow manufacturing Marble & Stone fireplaces.
2000 – Assembly of electric and gas fires commences to compliment its Surrounds business as manufacture of kitchen furniture ceases
2001 – Company acquires current Shaftsbury Avenue Site and commences manufacture of Marble Surrounds (later extended in 2004)

2006 – Design and product rights of Elgin & Hall acquired by Be Modern – manufacturing hand painted, individually crafted Fire Surrounds.

With over 500,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehousing space, Be Modern continues to deliver high quality product to meet the needs of an extremely diverse range of customers. Offering incredibly popular fires such as the Bemodern Orlando in Flat or Curved.

Gas Vs Multifuel

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:30:00 +0000

If you are thinking about installing a stove or fire as a secondary source of heat, but don't know whether to opt for a woodburning/multifuel appliance or a gas appliance, read our article for information and advice.

First of all, you need to check whether your property will restrict you in terms of the fuel you can use.

Existing Chimney or Flue
If you have a conventional brick chimney, you can choose between a woodburning or gas stove to sit in your fireplace opening - the difference in the installation will be the type of flue liner and terminating cowl.
A pre-fabricated flue, which is an interlocking metal flue system, is identifiable by a metal flue and metal terminal on the roof and a metal flue box behind the fire. This type of flue is only suitable for gas appliances. The property will tend to have a flat wall rather than a fireplace opening, and therefore will be suitable for a shallow, inset type gas appliance.
New houses with no chimney may have been built with a pre-cast flue, usually identifiable by a ridge vent on the roof. This type of flue is built from concrete or clay blocks, inside a cavity wall. This type of flue is only suitable for gas appliances. Again the property will tend to have a flat wall rather than a fireplace opening, and therefore will be suitable for a shallow, inset type gas appliance.
No Chimney or Flue
It is possible to have a wood or gas appliance where no chimney or flue exists.
Woodburning appliance - can be installed with a twin wall flue system, which can run through the inside of the property to exit at the roof or can exit the stove through the wall and run up the exterior of the property.
Gas appliance - can be installed with a balanced flue (supplied with the chosen fire), which is a horizontal pipe that vents directly outside, therefore the appliance has to be installed on an outside wall. Not all gas appliances are suitable for balanced flue installations.
Gas Supply
If you do not have an existing natural gas supply, you can fit a number of gas appliances using LPG (liquid propane gas). Again the appliance must be installed on an outside wall, as you will require gas bottles to be fitted on the outside of the property.

If you want to fit a woodburning appliance instead, an existing gas supply can be safely capped off by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

If you are lucky enough to have the option of choosing between wood and gas as a fuel, here are some points to consider, which may help you in your decision.

Other Points to Consider
Gas appliances are more restrictive in terms of heat output, so if you have a particularly large, open plan space to heat or want to rely on it as your main source of heat, gas may not be for you.
Gas appliances require less attention as you do not have to keep re-fuelling the fire every few hours as with a wood stove. Many gas appliances are also available with a remote control for ease of use.
Although the flame effects on gas appliances are generally very realistic, for some there is nothing like the look and feel of a real log fire.
A woodburning appliance is more environmentally friendly than gas.
Both types of appliance will require ongoing maintenance in terms of replacement parts and annual servicing.
The cost of using gas versus purchasing logs.

Add A Touch Of Spring To Your Fireplace

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:51:00 +0000

Daffodils in crystal or glass vases on each end of your mantel bespeak the coming of Spring. Tie a wired chiffon ribbon in a soft spring hue in a bow around each vase for a nice touch.
March a line of fluffy chicks across your mantel. Five or more chicks, whether stuffed toys, porcelain hens, or craft store chickens, make a cute display.
And speaking of stuffed toys, now is a great time to find those old stuffed bunnies and ducks and turn them into mantel ornaments. Add Easter grass, and scatter decorated eggs along the mantel to keep them company.

Tie wired gingham-checked ribbons into bows, and attach them to the edge of your mantel. Let the ends of each bow hang down various lengths from one to three feet. At the end of each ribbon, open a plastic egg, tape the ribbon’s end inside
Bring out your glass, crystal, white, and pastel candle holders of different heights for your mantel. Select a trio of springtime colors such as lavender, pink and eggshell or aqua, pale green, and soft yellow. Use pastel candles in some of the candle holders. In others, perch decorated Easter eggs (real, plastic, wooden, or glass).

The ideas above are great for your fireplace’s mantel, but what’s a terrific way to decorate your fireplace itself? Fireplace candelabra are the perfect accessories. And using candles in the shape of decorated Easter eggs in your fireplace candelabra is a super-simple, but visually dramatic way to decorate for the season. (Just don’t be too surprised if the Easter Bunny replaces one of the candles for a chocolate one!)