If you're looking for a warm and cosy home during those chilly months, a boiler stove might just be the perfect solution. Boiler stoves are not only an efficient way to heat your home but also offer several other benefits that make them worth considering. In this back boiler stove guide, we’ll explore all the reasons why boiler stoves are becoming increasingly popular, especially for off-grid homeowners. 

Contents

An Introduction to Boiler Stoves
Which Size Boiler Stove Should I Buy?
Top Brands and Models of Boiler Stoves
Is a Boiler Stove Right for Your Home?
Can I Install a Boiler Stove in a Pressurised System?
What is an Open Vented System?
Maintenance and Care for Boiler Stoves

Wood burning and biomass (pellet) boiler stoves provide dual heating to both your living space and hot water. This means you can enjoy a toasty warm home whilst having hot water readily available without the need for an additional water heater. A boiler stove will effectively transfer heat produced by the fire of the stove to the water in the boiler tank that often wraps around the firebox. Once the water that sits around the stove has been heated, it flows through the heating system to both your radiators and hot water taps. The two main types of boiler stoves that are used in UK homes are wraparound boiler stoves which are used for full home heating and clip-in boiler stoves which are for smaller systems.

Boiler stoves burn wood incredibly efficiently and only release minimal emissions into the atmosphere. By utilising wood as a fuel source, you can significantly reduce your energy bills, especially compared to traditional heating systems or modern heat pumps. Furthermore, boiler stoves offer a cosy and inviting atmosphere, they create a stunning focal point in any living space with their charming flames and rustic looks. Whether you're seeking a sustainable heating alternative or want to add a touch of charm to your living space, a boiler stove is an excellent choice. Join us as we delve into reasons why these stoves are gaining popularity among homeowners.

When looking to install a wet appliance like a boiler stove in your home it is important to have it fitted by a competent person. A heating engineer will help you calculate your boiler stove requirements to ensure you buy the correct size for your home. 

As a general guide, we recommend that you allow 1kW of heat per square metre of single panel radiator (multiply up if double or triple panelled radiator). If you’re also looking to heat domestic hot water then add the kW requirement for the cylinder or thermal store (approximately 3kW will heat a 120L cylinder). You’ll also need to take into account any potential heat loss throughout the system, for a modern home we’d recommend factoring in around 10% for heat loss but this could increase/decrease depending on pipework being lagged etc. The information we have provided should only be used as a general guide a qualified heating engineer will ensure that you make the right choice of boiler stove for your home.

When it comes to choosing a boiler stove, selecting a reputable brand is crucial. Here we’ll introduce you to some of the top brands and log burning boiler stoves that are well known for their quality and performance.

1. The Parkray Aspect 14 boiler stove by Hunter is reliable and efficient. This boiler stove is both hard working and stylish in design with a large glass viewing window that measures 600mm in width it is sure to make a powerful impact in your room. Parkray boiler stoves are crafted with attention to detail and are built to last and this model will happily heat up to 14 single radiators.

2. Esse is a well-known UK brand that manufactures high-quality cast iron cook stoves with the addition of a boiler. The ESSE 1000W boiler stove combines classic design with modern technology, offering both style and functionality. 

 3. Opus & Woodfire boiler stoves are known for their excellent heat outputs and clean-burning capabilities. They are designed to be highly efficient and eco-friendly whilst offering sleek and modern styling. You’ll find freestanding and inset stoves within the range of boiler stoves.

 4. La Nordica boiler stoves are known for their versatility and reliability. They offer a range of sizes and styles to suit different heating requirements. When choosing a La Nordica boiler stove you have the most choice when it comes to style and design thanks to cook stoves, freestanding stoves & pellet stoves within their range.

Boiler stoves offer a unique combination of warmth, efficiency and style. Whether you're seeking a sustainable heating alternative or want to add a touch of charm to your living space, boiler stoves are an excellent choice. From their dual functionality of heating your home and providing hot water to their cost savings and environmental benefits, there are many reasons why boiler stoves are gaining popularity among homeowners.  With a boiler stove, you can enjoy a warm and cosy home during those chilly months while also reducing your carbon footprint and saving on your energy bills. Their versatility in design, size, and capacity ensures that there is a boiler stove to suit every home and heating requirement. Discover wood burning, multi-fuel and pellet-fired boiler stoves within our online collection, not only are these products a practical choice but also a statement of style and sustainability. So, why settle for a conventional heating system when you can have the perfect eco solution?

Off-Grid Advantages - By making the switch to a boiler stove you can experience the comfort and benefits that boiler stoves have to offer. One of the main draws of a boiler stove is that it helps remove your reliability on the grid. If you live in an area that experiences power outages then a boiler stove can keep your heating system working in these instances, unlike newer heating systems like heat pumps that would shut down during electricity blackouts.

Reduce Energy Costs - Another significant advantage of boiler stoves is the potential for cost savings. By utilising wood as a fuel source, you can significantly reduce your energy bills, especially compared to traditional heating systems. Wood is a renewable and readily available resource, making it a cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels. In addition to the lower cost of fuel, boiler stoves can also help you save on your water heating expenses. With a boiler stove, you can heat your water directly, eliminating the need for a separate water heater. This can lead to substantial savings on your utility bills in the long run. Furthermore, boiler stoves are known for their high efficiency in burning wood. They are designed to extract as much heat as possible from the fuel, ensuring minimal wastage. This efficiency translates into more heat for your home and fewer trips to the woodpile. By maximising the heat output and minimising fuel consumption, boiler stoves can help you save both money and resources.

Different Styles & Sizes - When it comes to boiler stoves, there is a wide variety of options available to suit different needs and preferences. From traditional cast iron wood burning boiler stoves to sleek and modern pellet boiler stoves. Whether you prefer a classic look or a contemporary style, you can find a boiler stove that complements your living room aesthetic. Whether you have a small cottage or a large family home, there will be a boiler stove that can efficiently heat your space. It's important to consider the size of the heating system, insulation, and other factors when selecting the right boiler stove for your home.

Environmental benefits - In addition to the cost savings, boiler stoves offer several environmental benefits. They burn wood efficiently, releasing minimal emissions into the atmosphere. Wood is a renewable resource, and when burned in a controlled manner, it can be a carbon-neutral fuel source. This means that the carbon dioxide released during combustion is offset by the carbon dioxide absorbed by growing trees. Unlike fossil fuels, wood is a sustainable and eco-friendly option for heating your home. It is a renewable resource that can be sourced locally, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Additionally, modern boiler stoves are equipped with advanced combustion technologies that ensure clean and efficient burning, minimising air pollution. By choosing a boiler stove for your home, you are making a conscious choice to reduce your environmental impact. You can enjoy a warm and cosy home while knowing that you are contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

A pressurised system has an operation pressure above that of a normal vented system with an atmospheric pressure vent pipe (approximately 1 bar in a typical installation). If you have a pressurised system always check that the boiler stove is suitable as NOT all boiler stoves can be used within a pressurised system. For wood-burning boiler stoves to be suitable for pressurised systems they’ll have mandatory safety features incorporated within them including a quench coil loop and TAS valve connection point. Lots of La Nordica cookers can be fitted with a Dual Serpentine Array (DSA) which is a safety device which makes it possible to fit the boiler into a pressurised system. This valve reduces the temperature in the boiler rapidly by allowing cold water into the system when the water gets above a certain temperature and ejecting hot water into the drain. It is unsafe to operate a boiler stove that does not have these features in a pressurised system so always check the compatibility before you buy.

An open vented system is a wet heating system that incorporates a header tank fill system and an atmospheric pressure level vent that is normally vented back into the header tank, or outside the building. Boiler stoves are generally installed in open vented systems however boiler stoves that are fitted with a quench coil and TAS valve for cold mains water, don’t necessarily need to be fitted within an open vented system. You should always look for expert advice from a qualified heating engineer to confirm the compatibility of your current system.

Just like with gas fires and regular log burners, it is important to have your central heating stove maintained regularly. To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your boiler stove, regular maintenance and care are essential. Here are some tips to keep your stove in top shape.

1. Clean the stove regularly to remove ash and soot buildup. Cleaning the inside of your stove will help maintain efficient burning.
2. Inspect the stove's gaskets and seals regularly to ensure they are intact and functioning correctly. Damaged gaskets should be replaced as they can reduce the stove's efficiency. You can view our all maintenance products here which include fire rope seals, cements & replacement glass.
3. Check the chimney or flue regularly for any blockages or obstructions. A clear and properly functioning chimney is crucial for the safe operation of the stove and your chimney should be swept at least annually.
4. Have your boiler stove serviced annually by a professional. They will inspect the stove, clean the flue system, and make any necessary adjustments or repairs to your system.

By following these maintenance practices, you can ensure that your boiler stove operates efficiently and safely for years to come. If you’ve finished reading our article you can view our full range of wood burning boiler stoves. Make the switch today and experience the comfort and benefits that boiler stoves have to offer.