Wood Burning Stoves vs Multi-Fuel Stoves: Which Is Right for You?

When choosing the correct stove for your home very often it can come down to two types of stoves: wood-burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves. Both of them provide warmth and a charming aesthetic to your home but differ in many different ways from their fuel options to efficiency, environmental impact, maintenance and costs. To help you with these differences and decide which stove would be best for you, here is a run-through of each of the differences and what that would mean for you:

Fuel Options and Flexibility

The main difference between these types of stoves is of course the fuel that they use and their fuel capabilities:

The primary distinction between wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves lies in their fuel capabilities:

• Wood-Burning Stoves
  Simply these stoves are designed to burn wood. They use the wood’s natural qualities as a renewable and carbon-neutral heat source when the wood is sourced sustainably.
• Multi-Fuel Stoves
  As the name suggests these stoves are capable of using a wide range of fuels like wood, coal and even peat. Using a grate and ash pan system to allow combustion of different types of fuel. Making multi-fuel stoves the more flexible option of the two.

Efficiency and Heat Output

Both types of stoves are very efficient compared to open fires. However, their performance does vary depending on the fuel used, here is a quick run-through:

• Wood-Burning Stoves
  Designed with a flat bed of ash to help promote the burning of the wood, wood-burning stoves are optimised specifically for efficiency and making sure that the heat produced is retained within your home. Wood does produce a gentle, long-lasting heat, however, the moisture content of the wood can significantly affect the output if it is not taken into account.
• Multi-Fuel Stoves
  The ability to burn coal or smokeless fuels does give multi-fuel stoves a small edge in terms of heat output, for example, coal burns hotter and for longer than wood. However, with these options, the environmental impact of the other fuel options would have to be considered as well.

Overall, the choice will come down to how much heat you need to produce to help heat your home/room and how your house stores heat.

Environmental Impact

As mentioned before environmental considerations are a major part of many people’s heating choices and the type of fuel you burn is crucial:

• Wood-Burning Stoves
  When sourced sustainably, wood is a very effective carbon-neutral fuel. Even though when the wood is burned it does release back carbon dioxide, the wood-burning stoves produce particulate emissions and if you ensure your stove is DEFRA-approved or meets EcoDesign standards the environmental impact from burning can be minimised greatly.
• Multi-Fuel Stoves
  With multi-fuel stoves due to their nature of being able to burn multiple types of fuels and with most of those fuels being less environmentally friendly than burning wood, make multi-fuel stoves inherently less environmentally friendly.

So, for eco-conscious users, a wood-burning stove may align better with sustainable heating goals, as long as the stove in question is up to modern standards.

Maintenance and Cleaning

As with any stove, one of the most important points is how easy your stove is to clean and maintain:

• Wood-Burning Stoves
  As wood likes to burn on a bed of ash there is no need to clean it out on a daily basis. Allow the ash bed to get to around 15mm to 20mm and then simply take out any excess after that. Clean it right out at the end of each season. Annual chimney sweeping is also necessary to prevent the build-up of soot, so it can work efficiently continuously.
• Multi-Fuel Stoves
  The ability to burn various fuels means more ash and residue can accumulate. Coal, in particular, leaves significantly more residue than wood, requiring more frequent ash removal and cleaning. However, most multi-fuel stoves do include an ash pan which can be pulled out to remove the ash, simplifying the process.

Cost Considerations

• Initial Purchase Costs
  Wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves are comparably priced, but commonly multi-fuel stoves do cost slightly more due to their added versatility.
• Fuel Costs
  Wood is often cheaper than coal and other fuel types, particularly if you have access to a reliable supply of seasoned or kiln-dried logs. However, this can vary depending on where you live and the availability of the fuel type, so always check local vendors for the prices of each fuel type.
• Long-Term Savings
  The efficiency of your stove plays a crucial role in reducing long-term costs. Modern wood-burning stoves are highly efficient, but multi-fuel stoves can also deliver significant savings if you choose the right fuel for your needs. Making both fine options for long-term savings and coming down the fuel costs once again.

Conclusion

Choosing between a wood-burning stove and a multi-fuel stove ultimately depends on your priorities:

• A wood-burning stove gives you simplicity, sustainability, and the rustic charm of wood fires.
• A multi-fuel stove offers flexibility and higher heat output which can be more important for your heating requirements.

To find the perfect stove for your home, explore our range of products or get in contact with our team of experts if you are still unsure which stove is best for you.

Your All-in-One Guide to Multi-Fuel Stoves 

Introduction

With energy efficiency and versatility becoming some of the most important qualities when it comes to home heating, multi-fuel stoves are standing out as one of the best alternatives to traditional single-fuel options like wood-burning stoves, which embody these two qualities. A multi-fuel stove is simply a heating device designed to burn various types of fuel like wood, coal or eco-friendly biomass pellets. The flexibility this provides homeowners allows them to change up their fuel types depending on the current costs of the fuel, the availability of it and the environmental impact. This is just one of the many benefits these provide and this guide will go over more of these benefits as well as a deep dive into how they work and how they might be the correct choice for your home.

How Does a Multi-Fuel Stove Work?

The mechanics behind a multi-fuel stove are simple but incredibly effective. They contain a few essential components that allow these stoves to switch between the different fuel types to maximise their efficiency and heat output.

1. Airflow Control: This is done via air vents which you can adjust to control the amount of oxygen entering the combustion chamber. This allows you similar to a wood burner to control the airflow and decrease or increase the intensity of the burn, allowing you to adjust the temperature and the stove’s fuel efficiency effectively.
2. Combustion Chamber: This is the primary part of the stove, it is designed to withstand high temperatures and burn a variety of fuels specifically. Commonly it is lined with fire-resistant material to ensure consistent heat distribution throughout the chamber.
3. Ashpan: This is one of the most important parts once you have finished using your stove, as this is where the ashes from the burning process are collected. This makes it so you can easily remove the waste created by the stove and keep it clean.

Types of Fuel a Multi-Fuel Stove Can Use

The main selling point of a muti-fuel stove is of course its capability to burn various types of fuel. Each fuel type affects your stove’s heat output in different ways and has different environmental impacts.

• Wood: Considered the most eco-friendly option for fuel when sourced sustainably. Wood is a carbon-neutral solution which offsets any emissions produced when being burnt, which is one of its main benefits. However, wood does require continuous loading into the stove and has an overall lower heat output than other types of fuel, making it more suited for moderate heating needs.
• Coal: When it comes to coal its main benefit is its high heat output alongside its longevity, meaning less coal is used over long periods of heating and it has better overall heat retention than other fuel options. However, the amount of ash that is produced can be difficult to manage and it requires careful airflow adjustment via the airflow control for optimal burning. Also, coal releases more carbon emissions than other fuel options, making it more environmentally concerning.
• Peat and Eco-Friendly Biomass Pellets: Peat is becoming a more common option for those who want a high heat output from their stove while keeping the environmental impact this burning reduces to a minimum. Often made up of compressed wood or other organic materials these pellets over an eco-friendly yet effective option for burning. While also having the additional benefit of being incredibly easy to store and producing less ash than other fuel alternatives making clean-up and storage simple and easy.

Advantages of a Multi-Fuel Stove

The advantages one can get out of a multi-fuel stove are numerous but to sum them all up here are the three biggest ones that these stoves provide users:

1. Versatility: This is the primary benefit, with its earlier mentioned ability to switch between fuels, whenever prices of the various fuels decrease or increase or the availability of a fuel type in your area changes, you can easily switch without having to worry about any adverse effects to your stove.
2. Cost-Effectiveness: As mentioned in the previous point due to the versatility, you can easily be more cost-effective with your fuel purchases than you could be with more traditional options. If a fuel type you are currently has a price increase, you can switch to an alternative fuel type that will be cheaper and just as effective.
3. Environmental Benefits: With two of the source types being wood and eco-friendly pellets, you can easily switch between the two to ensure that your environmental impact is kept to a minimum while still being able to create a warm environment without using any fossil fuels. Even if one of the options is not available near you or its price increases there is always an option to be more environmentally conscious.

Considerations When Choosing a Multi-Fuel Stove

With all of the brilliant reasons mentioned above on why you should get a multi-fuel stove, you might want to rush into purchasing one. However, it is key that you consider some additional aspects before purchasing:

• Installation Requirements: These stoves do need to be installed with proper venting, such as a chimney or a flue to guarantee safe exhaust of the combustion gases. So, do keep in mind your home might need future adjustments to make it safe for your new stove, always contact a professional for installation.
• Upkeep and Cleaning: These stoves like any stove need consistent cleaning, especially when using coal. So be sure to empty the ashpan as often as possible and keep an eye out for soot build-up as this can negatively affect your stove’s airflow and efficiency if left unchecked.
• Fuel Availability: As mentioned before make sure the fuel you are planning to use is available in your location, and compare prices to ensure you get the best deal for your fuel.

Conclusion

With this guide, we hope we have made it clear how multi-fuel stoves offer a unique blend of versatility, efficiency and eco-friendliness that make it one of the best options for anyone looking for a stove.

Ready to look into your next stove? Get in touch with our professional team today to learn more or browse our wonderful range of services to find your perfect stove.

One of the most recent additions to the eco-conscious UK home heating market is the bio ethanol fireplace. Bio ethanol fireplaces use fuel made from sugar beets and other cereal crops to create an effective method of heating that is less environmentally damaging than fossil fuels. In this guide we aim to show you how to use a bio ethanol fireplace in a safe manner from filling up to putting out.

Before Operation

To be completely safe during the operation of your fireplace, let’s look at some important things to remember before ignition:

• Before operating the fireplace, read thoroughly through your manual or instructions.
• Only use bioethanol fuel that has been formulated for use with your fireplace. Avoid other fuels such as car fuels, gel fuels or solids like wood and charcoal.
• Make sure the burner box and bio fire housing are empty and free of any dust or moisture before use. Make sure they are also kept on flat surfaces about 2m away from any flammable or combustible materials such as curtains, furniture, and aerosol sprays.
• Keep your fireplace away from wind sources that could blow flames towards flammable materials. We recommend keeping a 60cm distance between your fire and other items and materials to reduce the risk of fire damage.
• Always keep an ethanol fire extinguisher nearby just in case.
• Never fill your burner box with fuel if it is already lit or still hot as this can cause a fire risk.
• Make sure you only fill your burner box up to the max line. Never overfill your burner box beyond this level.
• Use either an extended taper or refillable safety lighters to light the fire at arm’s length. This will greatly reduce the risk of your clothes or hair catching fire.
• If any fuel is spilled when filling the burner box, make sure to clean it up before lighting the fire.

How to Fill Your Bio Ethanol Fireplace

Unlike wood burning stoves, each bio ethanol fireplace will have a different method when it comes to putting fuel in. There are a range of different ways you can fill your fireplace.

If your fireplace has a manual burner with no power connection, then you will need to fill it by hand. Use a pump or funnel when filling the burner to avoid any spillages. If you do spill any fuel, make sure to wipe it away before lighting the fire. Always extinguish the flame and wait at least 15 minutes before refuelling your fireplace.

Automatic burners will often have an external fuel tank which the built-in fuel tank draws from. Some automatic burners require special tools such as pumps for refuelling. If so, these will often come with the burner itself. Otherwise, use a funnel to apply the fuel safely. These burners will often have automatic features that will prevent you from refuelling when the flame is lit or the box is still hot. This helps to reduce the risk of fire damage.

Fire Safety Pointers

As you are using an appliance that relies on naked flames to achieve the desired heating effects, there are some things to keep in mind when using a bioethanol fireplace to keep you, your loved ones and your property safe:

• Ensure your bioethanol fireplace is regularly serviced and maintained.
• Make sure to never leave your fire unattended. Always put the fire out before you leave the room.
• Make sure the room is well ventilated. The fuel will give off water vapour, steam, and carbon dioxide when lit. While the carbon dioxide is within environmentally friendly levels, you should always ensure it is supplemented with fresh air.
• Make sure there are no air draughts nearby that could cause flare ups. Avoid blowing on the fire for the same reason.
• Keep a 1 metre distance away from the fireplace when lit, and make sure children and pets are always kept at a safe distance.
• Avoid physical contact with the fuel. If fuel does get on your skin, make sure to wash it off thoroughly as soon as possible.
• If you notice any cracks or corrosion on the burner box, replace it as soon as possible to avoid problems.

What To Avoid Using Near a Lit Bioethanol Fireplace

A part of knowing how to use a bio ethanol fireplace is knowing what to use near one. Never use bio ethanol fireplaces in the following circumstances:

• Inside caravans, boats, or vehicles.
• In unventilated rooms.
• For cooking food or boiling water.
• If you are under the effects of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
• When flammable materials such as paper and fabric are nearby.
• If any bottles of bioethanol fuel or lighters are nearby.
• If you have any flammable gas nearby.

How to Put Out Your Bio Ethanol Fireplace

Oftentimes the safest way to put out a bio ethanol fire is to let it burn out naturally. Otherwise, use the closing rod to slide the mechanism over the flame to put it out instead. If the flame remains, slowly pull the mechanism back and repeat the process until done.

Wait a few seconds for the flame to extinguish. Even when the flame is out, avoid touching any part of the fireplace for 30 minutes until it has cooled down. You could risk burning yourself otherwise!

Do not add any additional biofuel until the firebox has completely cooled down.

How to Safely Store Biofuel

Even though bioethanol fuel is a more eco-conscious choice than fossil fuels, they are flammable, and when mishandled they are dangerous. As a result, it is best to handle and store with a safety-first approach:

• Read the storage instructions and keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Keep the fuel tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from any appliances.
• Do not keep any bottles of fuel near the fireplace.
• Keep any clothing or other flammable items away from your biofuel.
• Make sure the biofuel is at room temperature (above 10 degrees Celsius) before use.
• Should you sustain any burns, have difficulty breathing or accidently consume the biofuel during usage, contact your local doctor or hospital immediately.

Here at RFC Services, we have a wide range of environmentally friendly bio ethanol fireplaces on offer. To find out more about our range, or to learn more about how to use a bio ethanol fireplace, please get in touch with our expert team today.

Today’s householders are a demanding group. They all want a home heating solution that heats economically without sacrificing heat output. It has to look great too. Is that really a tall order? It might not be, given the options available nowadays. In fact, many of today’s householders want a modern solution that keeps tradition in view. With this in mind, installing a wood burning stove in an existing fireplace is the perfect solution.

Inserting a stove into an existing fireplace provides a modern solution to warmth in a traditional setting. Given the fact that open fireplaces were so popular in British homes for decades, this is the perfect way to adhere to traditional home design while benefiting from the most innovative stove technology.

A Few Points to Consider Before Installing a Wood Burning Stove

Think carefully before making the decision to install a wood burning stove into an existing fireplace. Suppose you have a beautiful, antique wooden fireplace surround and you wish to retain it? It might not be possible. Of course, you can’t rule it out either- like many things, it depends on what your home currently has, and what you hope to achieve. There are a few points to consider first. Let’s take a look at them.

• Firstly, you must consider the size of the room and the size of a wood burning stove required to heat a room of that size.
• Once you’ve decided on the size of the stove, you must consider if the fireplace is large enough to accommodate that stove.
• You will also need to consider whether the chimney of the fireplace will work well with the stove.
• The fireplace must not only be big enough to accommodate a wood burning stove of the required size. It must also be big enough to allow sufficient space around the stove. Otherwise, the stove will overheat and will heat the walls in the fireplace, rather than the air in the room.

These are the basic requirements for a fireplace into which a wood burning stove can be installed. But there may be other details you need to consider, and these may be best left to a professional.

Talk to an Expert

Installing a wood burning stove in an existing fireplace is not a straightforward task to be taken lightly. After all, we’re talking about fitting an appliance that operates by burning a combustible in your house. If you are considering this home improvement, it is wise to speak with a professional, and have this work done by an experienced tradesperson.

At RFC Services, we have been passionately supplying, installing, and servicing innovative wood burning stoves across Suffolk for over 20 years. Our highly experienced technicians, and Gas Safe and HETAS engineers ensure that your stove is fitted to the highest degree of safety. Make sure to browse our range of fantastic wood-burners online, or, for more information about our services and the options available to you, get in touch with our expert team today.

More Information

For more information on wood burning stoves do read some of our other articles about wood burning stoves: How to Clean Wood Burner Glass: Keep your Stove Glowing and How To Choose The Perfect Wood Burning Stove For Your Home.

A wood burner creates a beautiful atmosphere by providing a sense of warmth and comfort. While it requires very little maintenance, there are some things you should do to keep your wood burner functioning at its best. Cleaning will not only make it work more efficiently, but it will also help make it remain the centrepiece of your room. Before we dive in to learning how to clean wood burner glass, let’s get the fundamentals in place.

What is a Wood Burner?

A wood burner is a heating or cooking appliance that uses the burning of wood as its main fuel source. It is one of the oldest sources of heat and simple in design and its nature. The wood is contained in the body of the burner, which is usually made from cast iron or steel. The front of the burner is typically made of glass, which allows you to enjoy the radiant glow from the fire. The heat will warm your home and create a beautiful ambiance. There is nothing quite like a wood burner. But the one downside is the smoke that a burner produces, so you need to have a chimney to ensure the smoke can escape.

The emission of smoke, and the presence of blackened wood can lead to a build up of soot and residue on the inside of your burner, which will be especially visible across the glass viewing port. A wood burner does require some regular maintenance, so for this reason, they may not be suitable for everyone. However, if you’re willing to put a little effort into maintaining your wood burner, you will be greatly rewarded.

How to Maintain your Wood Burner

A constant airflow is necessary to create the combustion necessary to keep the fire glowing in your burner. Air is drawn through the burner to provide the oxygen that the fire needs. Adjustable air vents help to control the rate at which the smoke is released. This determines how much heat will be retained and allows you to control the temperature of your room. But all this combustion will blacken your burner, which is why you need to intervene in order to keep your burner looking it’s best.

Why Does My Burner Need Cleaning?

The most obvious reason for cleaning glass on your wood burner door is to keep it looking at its best. But there are other benefits too. A clean stove will generate more heat and work more efficiently; the more often you clean your burner, the better it will serve you. Fire produces smoke and soot, this is something we cannot hide from. The other thing to consider is the fuel your burn. Wet wood will produce a lot more smoke than dry fuel, thus blackening your burner glass quicker. While you cannot avoid your glass blackening, there are some wood burner glass cleaning tips that will help you keep your burner looking its best.

How Often Should I Clean My Stove?

This will depend entirely on how often you use your burner and the type of wood you’re looking to burn. Try to clean your burner as often as possible, as the more frequent you clean it, the easier it will be to keep on top of. The most obvious reason for cleaning glass on your wood burner door is to keep it looking at its best. But there are other benefits too. A clean stove will generate more heat and work more efficiently; the more often you clean your burner, the better it will serve you.

Essential Equipment for Cleaning Glass On a Wood Burner Door

A very simple, yet important detail, is to make sure your stove has cooled down before attempting to clean the glass. Many people assume a warm stove would be easier to clean, but this is far from the truth. And when it comes to the necessary equipment, all you need is a cloth, some newspaper, and the ash from your last fire.

How to Properly Clean a Wood Burner

Take your cloth and wipe the inside of your burner, and rinse your cloth and repeat until you get as much of the blacks soot out of your burner as possible. Then, take a sheet of newspaper and scrunch it into a ball, which you can then dip into the ash and scrub the glass with. It is important to make sure there is no grit in your ash first, as this could scratch the glass, and you want to have a fine ash so the glass swill not be damaged. Gently rub the ash on the glass, and this will remove all the soot and debris.

Wood Burner Glass Cleaning Tips

There are many alternative options you can use for cleaning glass on a wood burner door. You can use a standard oven cleaner spray to help break down the soot, or you can also make your own spray by mixing some bicarbonate of soda with water. This will help remove the soot and make your burner look like new. Once it is clean, use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water to shine the glass and add a layer of protection.

Things to Remember When You Are Cleaning Wood Burner Glass

The most important thing to remember is that some actions cannot be reversed. If you scratch your glass, it will not be something you can fix, so make sure the ash you use has no grit or small particles. When you scrub the glass, you do not need to use a lot of force. Just take your time, and you will get a great result without damaging the surface of your burner glass.

At RFC Services we work with homeowners and businesses who realize how beautiful a wood burner can be in a room. If you want a centrepiece to transform your home, a wood burner is something that will make your home unique. It is not only practical, but also an efficient way to heat your home. We are here to help answer any questions you might have about wood burners. Make sure to get in touch with our friendly team and get the best heating solution for your home today.

More Information

For more information on wood burning stoves do read some of our other articles about wood burning stoves: Installing a Wood Burning Stove in An Existing Fireplace and How To Choose The Perfect Wood Burning Stove For Your Home.

If you are looking for a cleaner, safer and more eco-friendly alternative to wood fires, then bioethanol fuel fires are a great option. Ethanol fires achieve the same amount of heat as regular wood fires but without the smoke, soot and ash that wood produces. Also, they do not require a chimney allowing you to use them anywhere in your home. So, what are bio ethanol fires and how do they work? What are the benefits of bioethanol, and is it a better option than gas or wood? Let us look at these questions in more detail below.

What Are Bioethanol Fuel Fires?

Bioethanol fires are notable in that they use ethanol fuel instead of wood for burning. Ethanol is an alcohol-based fuel made from fermenting sugar and starch products like cereal crops. It is a clean, renewable resource that when burned produces no smoke, fumes or toxic chemicals. For this reason bioethanol fires do not need a chimney, flue or vent and you can set them up in any place you need. As such, they are a great low maintenance alternative to traditional wood and gas based fires.

How Do Bioethanol Fuel Fires Work?

Bioethanol fires comprise a few parts: the main body, accessories and decorations, and the burner for holding the fuel. Ethanol fires are easy to use: first, pour the ethanol fuel into the burner. Once added, light the fuel with a long gas lighter or similar tool. Once lit, you can control the size of the flame by opening or closing the burner lid. Some more recent models allow you to automatically control the flame with advanced computer systems. The fire should last 4-5 hours, but you can top it up with fuel to last longer (after 10-15 minutes so the fuel has cooled). To extinguish the fire, just close the lid of the burner.

What Are The Bioethanol Benefits?

• Ethanol fuel is completely eco-safe. It is made entirely from plant products and does not produce any toxic chemicals.
• You need no gas or electricity to run it. The fire is run entirely on bio fuel so you will need no mains energy sources, cutting down on costs.
• Since you do not require any chimneys or flues, it is easy to install bioethanol fires in any location you need them.
• With no limits on placement or design, these fires can come in any modern style you prefer for your room.
• They can heat any size of room efficiently, and you can adjust them to create as much heat as you need.

Are Bioethanol Fuel Fires Better Than Wood or Gas?

Bioethanol fuel fires have several advantages over traditional stoves that use wood and gas. For a start, they are much safer to use, both for yourself and for the environment. The fuel produces no toxic emissions: only water, steam and a small amount of carbon dioxide. A bioethanol fire can be set up in any location, making it much more efficient than wood or gas stoves. Finally, no electricity or gas is needed, making it a much more cost effective way to heat your home.

RFC Services

At RFC Services we provide a wide range of stoves and fireplace accessories for your home. To find out more about our range of bio ethanol fireplace products, contact our friendly team online or via phone today.

There are several benefits to owning real flame gas fires, but will they add more value to your home compared to other stove and fireplace options? How much would you expect to pay and how effective are they at heating your home? Here are some gas fire benefits you should consider.

1. Continuous Heat

Perhaps the biggest of the gas fire benefits is its ability to provide ongoing continuous heat throughout the home. There’s no need to keep tending to it: your gas fire will keep running and will keep your home warm for as long as you need it to.

2. Less Maintenance

Real flame gas fires do not need firewood or other fuel sources to operate: just a steady supply of gas. This means you do not have the mess and hassle involved with feeding the fire and cleaning ash and soot as with traditional stoves.

3. Saves Money

With a gas fire you can easily heat the areas in your home that need warmth the most. This can help save on heating costs in the long term. In addition, gas fires are cheaper to install compared to traditional wood fires.

4. Easy to Use

You can turn on real flame gas fires with a simple button press or switch and instantly receive heat. Many come with remote controls and timers for easier operation. In addition, you can install some gas fires where you do not have a chimney.

5. Stylish

You can find gas fires in a huge variety of styles and designs to fit your home décor. Some models will come with traditional designs to emulate classic wood fires while others are sleeker with more modern styling. Whatever your preferred look there is a model just right for you.

6. Eco Friendly

Real flame gas fires release less fumes into the air compared to wood fireplaces. Therefore, their long term usage is much safer for the environment. This makes them a better choice for those looking to cut emissions.

7. More Warmth

Gas fires are more efficient at heating your home compared to open wood fires. At least 75% of gas energy is given as heat compared to up to 30% for open wood fires.

8. Child and Pet Safe

If you have children or pets then you want to ensure your fire is safe. Gas fires should not produce any toxic fumes or open flames (if glass fronted), reducing the risk of injury. A fire guard is always recommended.

9. Easy to Install

Gas fires are relatively easy to install and may not require any major renovation or construction. This makes them a much more affordable option for installation compared to traditional wood fireplaces. Just set your gas fire up wherever you need it and turn it on for instant warmth.

10. Improves Value

By adding a gas fire to your home you can increase its value. Not only is it an appealing addition for potential buyers based on comfort and convenience, but with plenty of stylish models available you can even further increase the value.

RFC Services

Here at RFC Services we have a wide range of gas fires and stoves for your home. To view our range of gas stoves we encourage you to get in touch with us today.

If you are looking for an efficient, low cost and overall effective choice for heating your home, then contemporary electric fires are a great option. Modern electric fires can be easy to install and maintain and will last for a long time. Here are some of the main benefits that come with contemporary electric fires.

1. No Toxic Fumes

The heating element of an electric fire is a fan heater. This means that no toxic fumes or smoke will penetrate your home. Overall, contemporary electric fires are a safer alternative for the whole family.

2. Low Maintenance

Traditional wood fires create ash and smoke and require regular cleaning. Since contemporary electric fires do not need to burn any fuel very little maintenance is required. Just a vacuum around the heating element to keep house dust at bay.

3. Low Installation Costs

Many fireplaces can cost a lot of money to install due to all the components needed. The only thing electric fireplaces need to run is access to a suitable power source. No need to worry about installing chimneys or flues: all you need to work out is the type of electric fire that will best suit your needs.

4. More Energy Efficient

One of the greatest benefits of contemporary electric fires is that they can heat up a room quickly and effectively. This is called supplemental heating and is a much more efficient way to heat the home without driving up energy bills.

5. Long Lasting

One of the downsides with traditional heaters is that they succumb to rust and corrosion over time, becoming less reliable. Electric fires can last a long time without these issues and can still work as good as new even after many years of use.

6. Easy to Install

For most contemporary electric fires you only need to plug it into a power source in order for it to work. Unlike traditional fires there is no need to knock down walls or remodel the room. Also, they can be installed anywhere you need them so long as they have access to power.

7. Many Design Choices

Electric fires have many options for designs and features available. From small heaters that are useful for compact spaces to traditional-looking fireplace designs suitable for grand homes, there is a design out there just right for you.

8. Better Safety

Traditional fires come with a host of potential hazards: from toxic fumes to hot surfaces that can cause serious burns. Electric fires feature built-in safety features that ensure even children can use them without the risk of harm.

9. Year Round Heating

For traditional fires usage tends to be restricted to certain times of the year dictated by the weather. Since electric fires use no consumables you can safely use them to heat your home at any time of the year.

10. Environmentally Friendly

In addition to toxic fumes, wood and gas fires can release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. Since electric fires produce no polluting chemicals they are much safer for the environment overall.

RFC Services

Here at RFC Services we supply a wide range of electric fires from brands such as Dimplex, Evonics, Elgin & Hall, Stovax, Gazco, ACR, Ekofires and Broseley. To enquire about your own electric fireplace installation visit us online or speak with our friendly team by phone today.

If the fireplace is the heart of the home, choosing the right fireside accessories is essential. Even the most beautiful fireplace and hearth can be spoiled if the things that surround it look out of place.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the fireplace as a focal point. So much so, that it’s now a key feature of many interior designs. But how do you choose the right fireplace companion set, and what materials would best suit your fireplace?

Here at RFC Services, we’ve been helping customers to make the most of their fireplaces for over 20 years. Hugely experienced in the supply and installation of all types of fires, we’re here to offer assistance and advice. Whether you’re accessorising a new fire or giving an existing one a makeover, we can help.

Why do we need accessories?

Fireplace accessories have been an essential part of our homes for hundreds of years. When cooking was done over the fire, you needed the right tools to make sure the temperature was constant. And as was the fashion in the past, if you had to have tools, they might as well look stylish.

That tradition has continued, and although we no longer cook over the fire, we still need to be able to control it. We also need to keep our homes and our families safe from harm. Decorative fire screens, fenders and implements for opening stove doors are still indispensable tools.

Choosing the right fireside accessories

Whether you chose iron, brass or copper fireside accessories will depend on your personal taste. But, it’s always a good idea to pick something that will suit the style of your fire. For example, a fireplace companion set in black would naturally complement a black wood burner or stove. If you like to mix contemporary with traditional, there’s nothing wrong with that, either.

Aside from the decorative aspect, it’s also advisable to think about the function of your fireside accessories. Tools such as tongs, a poker and a shovel will be essential items for an open fire or wood burner. And if there are children or pets in the house, an effective fire screen should be top of your list.

Styles and finishes

The good news is, fireside accessories are available in a huge range of styles and finishes. From stylish copper fireside accessories to rustic iron tools, the choice is entirely yours. A traditional style for a traditional setting is not a rule, but it’s often a good place to start. Equally, if Art Deco is your thing, don’t be afraid to experiment.

RFC Services

Here at RFC Services, we don’t just install beautiful fires and stoves. We also supply everything you need to bring them to life, including fireside accessories and fuel. We offer a stunning range of companion sets, fire guards and log baskets to suit every style of home. For more information or helpful advice, get in touch with our friendly team today to discuss your needs.

If you are thinking of buying a wood burning stove, there are a few factors you need to consider. Is your home well suited for accommodating a log burner, and can it warm the entire layout effectively? How efficient would a log burner need to be when it comes to fuel usage vs heat generated? How much maintenance will it require? In this guide, we will look at these questions so you can decide on the best wood burning stove for your home.

1. Storage Space

You will need a lot of space to store fuel for your wood burning stove. An average size stove will use between 1 to 1.25 tonnes of wood a year; therefore, this will help you to calculate how much storage space you will need. It is important to set aside a space where the logs will be safe from moisture or rain. In addition, as buying logs in bulk is the most cost effective way of buying fuel, make sure you have a space that is easily accessible for deliveries.

2. Heating Area

Wood burning stoves are great for heating up a specific room or area in the house. However, if you want to heat up other rooms, or even the whole house, you might need some kind of central heating system. For example, a small wood burning stove connected to a biomass boiler can generate heat for the entire home. So, it is a good idea to explore central heating options if you plan on heating your whole home. Unfortunately we do not offer a full central heating service.

3. Fuel Efficiency

In order to have an effective wood burning stove, you will need it to generate enough heat for the amount of fuel you burn. You will also want to have a relatively low impact on the environment. Avoid fuel sources like coal or wet logs that can generate harmful pollutants. new legislation means that you shouldn’t be able to buy wet logs or house coal. In addition, improved insulation in the home can help reduce the amount of fuel you need to burn to stay warm.

4. Regular Maintenance

Another factor to consider before deciding to purchase a small wood burning stove is how often you will need to maintain it. When in use, log burners take a little preparation to light, followed by continued re-fuelling to keep it burning. The best thing about burning dry wood is that you do not need to clean out the stove after every fire. Wood even burns better on a bed of ash. You will need to have your chimney cleaned once or twice a year as well as having your burner serviced. You should carefully consider all these factors before purchasing a wood burner.

5. Other Features

Each wood burning stove will come with a range of features that you need to consider. Some will have removable ash pans for easier cleaning, others have differing methods of controlling the heat output. It is recommended that you check the features of various log burners to see which ones will work best for you.

RFC Services

Here at RFC Services we have a wide range of heating solutions suitable for your home. To find out more about our range of wood burners, contact our friendly team online or via phone today.

More Information

For more information on wood burning stoves do read some of our other articles about wood burning stoves: How to Clean Wood Burner Glass: Keep your Stove Glowing and Installing a Wood Burning Stove in An Existing Fireplace.