September 22, 2011 - Shredded tyres, soiled nappies, old wellies and even dead lambs are amongst some of the more unusual things that some owners of wood burning stoves have tried to use as fuel.
A new survey by one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of wood burners, Broseley Fires, reveals that many people risk damaging their stove and reducing its efficiency by thinking anything that burns will make good fuel.
More alarmingly, some could be putting their lives at risk by not following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Tristan Johnston, Product Development Engineer at the Shrewsbury-based company, explained: “Our survey revealed that some people use petrol or diesel to light their stove which creates an obvious risk of explosion.
“Furthermore, burning plastics, household rubbish, wet logs or other unsuitable wood products can cause chimney fires which can easily spread to the rest of the property.”
The survey of around 1,000 distributors and installers of wood burning stoves and boilers found that nearly half (46.1%) of end users were either unsure or completely unaware of the correct wood to use as fuel.
In answer to a further question, respondents said that more than a quarter (27.6 per cent) believe that all wood is the same. This is despite nearly nine out of ten (88.2%) businesses surveyed saying they spend time talking to their customers about the best wood to use.
“We also asked our distributors and installers to tell us what their customers were burning in their stoves and the answers, quite frankly, shocked us,” continued Tristan.
“Dirty nappies, plastic bottles, old wood pallets, broken furniture and unwanted shoes and clothes were amongst some of the most common things reported but there were some real surprises too.
“One dealer reported a that he knew of someone who uses dead lambs as fuel whilst another said one of his customers has a poultry farm and burns chicken carcasses.”
Other items reported as being used as fuel include railway sleepers, telegraph poles, garden fencing, whiskey barrels and paper briquettes made out of old copies of the Daily Telegraph!
The survey was carried out by Broseley following a dramatic increase in demand for its wood burner products as energy suppliers announce yet another round of price increases.
The study also found that 96.1% of buyers decided to install a wood burner to save on fuel bills.
“When used as part of an integrated heated system, a wood burning stove or boiler can be a great way to save in the long-term, whilst reducing carbon emissions. But it needs to be installed and operated correctly,” said Tristan.
“It is essential that owners use the right type of wood, which has a water content of less than 20%. If they don’t, they risk damaging the stove which will not operate efficiently and could even cause a fire.
“It is equally important to source your wood burner from a reputable dealer and ensure it is installed by a HETAS registered engineer. Both the dealer and installer should be able to offer advice on the correct fuel to use,” he added.
A full copy of the survey results and accompanying report are available to download at: http://media.changeworkscom.co.uk/clients/broseley/1611/docs/what%20is%20keeping%20the%20home%20fires%20burning%20rev2.pdf
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Broseley Fires Limited, part of the Be Modern Group, has over thirty years experience in designing, developing and manufacturing high quality home heating appliances. Products range from cast iron stoves, range cookers, boiler stoves and cookers, contemporary designer stoves as well as pellet and biomass appliances. Broseley Fires partners modern technological advancements with the traditional skills required in manufacturing stoves and fires.
Media contact:
Sue Tupling
Changeworks Communications
T. + 44 (0) 1785 247588 / + 44 (0) 7703 023026
E.
Tags: Broseley Fires, Wood burning stoves, fuel for wood burners, ,
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