Tag: wood

Is It Time To Re-Think How You Heat Your Home?

22nd August 2022 No Comments Blog

Are you worried about how much your heating bills will cost this Winter? Is it time to re-think how you heat your home?

Increasing energy bills are a worry for us all. Experts have suggested log burners could be a viable option for homes in the UK amid the ongoing energy crisis. It can cut your heating bill by up to 10%!

By using Firemizer on your log burner, you will save even more £££’s and reduce emissions at the same time!

How Firemizer works

Firemizer is not catalytic and does not contain any chemicals, the beauty is its simplicity! It slows the air flow to reduce the burn rate of fuel and conducts heat evenly across the fire to ensure all fuel is fully combusted and prevents small fuel fragments falling through the grate or being left unburnt in the ash bed.

How to use Firemizer

Simply remove from the pack and place it on the base or grate of your fire or stove. Then build your fire with dry wood or coal as usual on top. It should cover most of the base of your fire/stove but does not have to be an exact fit. You can cut it down to size with household scissors if it is too big for your fire, and for really big fires you can place two side by side.

 

How long will my Firemizer last?

Your Firemizer will last 500 burn hours which is equivalent to approximately 6 weeks at 12 hours per day. All you need to do is lightly brush off the ashes in between fires. Once it starts to deteriorate simply remove and recycle with your normal household metal waste.

We recommend wearing gloves when handling Firemizer to protect your hands from the metal fibres and sharp points. Also keep the product away from children and pets.

How much will you save?

Firemizer will save you up to 38% of your fuel costs, see for yourself with our fuel saving calculator!

For more information or to order, visit www.firemizer.co.uk.

 

How To Make Your Fire Pit Last Longer

6th June 2022 No Comments Blog

It is feeling a lot chillier than we’d expect for this time of year. Most of us have spent time getting our gardens ready to enjoy the sunshine, but the weather has other ideas! You can still make the most of your outdoor space if you have a fire pit or chiminea to keep you warm. And with the help of Firemizer, it will burn for much longer into the evening.

Fire pit

Whether you are entertaining or enjoying your fire pit alone, the last thing you want is for your fire to be going out every few minutes. First, you need to get your fire lit. Place scrunched up newspaper at the bottom of your pit and then place kindling (small dry sticks) on top. Carefully light the newspaper and kindling with a long match. An even easier way to light your fire is with Firebuilder, our handy firelighter and kindling in one!

Now you are ready to add your wood. There are certain types of wood that are less likely to spit or smoke too much. We recommend ash, oak or hawthorn for a steady, long-lasting burn. These are dense woods which will produce less smoke and residue. It is very important to only burn dry wood. Damp wood smokes heavily producing far more particulate emissions, making it worse for the environment.

Above all of this, the best way to burn for longer, reduce emissions and also save on fuel is by using Firemizer! Simply place at the bottom of your fire before you add your fire lighter and kindling and just sit back and enjoy the benefits.

Our Firemizer and Firebuilder Starter Pack is also available on our website.

How to use Firemizer

25th January 2022 No Comments Blog

Firemizer could not be easier to use! This award-winning fuel saving device optimizes the performance of fuel in solid fuel fires and stoves.

How it works

Firemizer is not catalytic and does not contain any chemicals, the beauty is its simplicity! It slows the air flow to reduce the burn rate of fuel and conducts heat evenly across the fire to ensure all fuel is fully combusted and prevents small fuel fragments falling through the grate or being left unburnt in the ash bed.

How to use

Simply remove from the pack and place it on the base or grate of your fire or stove. Then build your fire with dry wood or coal as usual on top. It should cover most of the base of your fire/stove but does not have to be an exact fit. You can cut it down to size with household scissors if it is too big for your fire, and for really big fires you can place two side by side.

 

How long will it last?

Your Firemizer will last 500 burn hours which is equivalent to approximately 6 weeks at 12 hours per day. All you need to do is lightly brush off the ashes in between fires. Once it starts to deteriorate simply remove and recycle with your normal household metal waste.

We recommend wearing gloves when handling Firemizer to protect your hands from the metal fibres and sharp points. Also keep the product away from children and pets.

How much will you save?

Firemizer will save you up to 38% of your fuel costs, see for yourself with our fuel saving calculator!

For more information or to order, visit www.firemizer.co.uk.

 

Why Firepits Are Good For You

13th July 2021 No Comments Blog

Firepits don’t just bring you warmth, they have lots of other advantages too. As well as being practical they can bring you health and emotional benefits too. Here’s just a few reasons why firepits are good for you…

Help you to relax and unwind

After a busy or stressful day can you think of anything better than sitting by an open outdoor fire? Scientists have found that an open fire reduces blood pressure. Subsequently the longer people sit in front of a roaring fire, the greater the relaxing effect it has on them.

You can use them all year round

Using a firepit enables you to enjoy outdoor living all year round. As a matter of fact there is no reason why you can’t throw an outdoor party, even in the middle of winter! Undoubtedly a burning fire is sure to keep your guests warm on a cold evening. In fact, why not get out the marshmallows for a delicious s’mores treat for everyone to enjoy.

It lights up the night

No outdoor lighting can compete with the blaze of a real fire. Firepits provide an ambient glow to your evening long after the sun has gone down. Make the most of your garden sat in the warmth and comfort of your open outside fire gazing at the stars.

Creates a romantic atmosphere

While firepits great for gatherings, they also set the scene for a romantic evening for two. No need to go ‘out out’, as an alternative share a bottle of wine and gaze at the twinkling sky snuggled up with your loved one.

You can use it to cook

Cooking is simple using your firepit. All you need is a grill rack, a couple of pots and some tin foil. Classics such as hot dogs, burgers and kebabs are always delicious. Try wrapping potatoes in foil and tucking them amongst the coals for perfect jacket potatoes!

 

Now you know why fire pits are good for you, keep your fire burning even longer into the night by adding Firemizer. Click here to order yours.

 

Home

4 Things To Do While You’re At Home

20th March 2020 No Comments Blog

The first day of spring is here and no one imagined spending most of Spring at home but here we are. To help with boredom here are some activities you can do while at home!

Indoor camping

If you’re stuck at home with kids struggling for ideas to keep them occupied then indoor camping might be the way forward.

  • get the snacks and drinks – hot chocolate is a good choice
  • Make some games – cards, board games or treasure hunt
  • You can use a tent or make one out of bedsheets and blankets
  • Make sure to fill the tent with blankets and pillows so its extra comfy

smoreIndoor S’mores

To fit with your indoor camping why not make some food to enjoy! S’mores are the best treat to have while camping. Grab some crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate and you are ready to go. Check out our other blog all about S’more and other yummy ingredients you can use.

Gardening

Being inside for most of the day isn’t fun so bring some of the outside inside by taking up gardening!

Start easy with some herbs like basil, rosemary or mint, make sure you don’t overwater them and they have adequate drainage. Another idea is making your own terrarium, this is a collection of small decorative indoor plants that created by you is one of a kind. You can buy kits to help you get started then once you’ve got the gist you can experiment with other decorative elements.

If you do have access to a garden then go to town with herbs, vegetables or flowers. Did you know using Firemizer in your wood burner creates finer ash. This can be used in your garden or for composting.

CinemaMovie Night

Who doesn’t love watching a film!  So why not make it more memorable than just sitting on the sofa. Create your own cinema, get some sweets and popcorn, set up a comfy, cosy seating area full of blankets and pillows and you’re ready to go. Don’t forget the films though!

bonfire

5 Reasons Wood Burners Are Good For You

24th January 2020 No Comments Blog

As people are becoming more aware of pollution wood burners are getting a lot of heat [pun not intended] from the media and activist groups. However, there are benefits to wood burners and ways to decrease any potentially harmful particulates.

Drying the air

Wood burners are very good at drying out damp environments which will make your home more pleasant and breathable. By keeping the air in your home free from moisture will prevent mold from forming which could lead to health problems.

Repelling allergens

Log fireplaces can help reduce the number of allergens in the air. These can get caught in the updraft of hot air from the fire. This will carry them out through the chimney or flue.

Providing relaxation

When it is cold and miserable outside there’s nothing better than sitting by a warm fire. A wood burner can really make a house feel more homely. You can also use your fire to cook on adding another element to your wood burner.

Cut down on heating bills

As heating bills rise more people find it hard to heat their homes. Having a wood burner can be very economical by saving you money on your heating bills. While you may have to still use your heating in other rooms having the option to lessen your heating bill while keeping warm is a win-win.

Good for the environment

Wood is carbon-neutral fuel, the amount of carbon dioxide given off when burnt is equal to the amount consumed by other trees which absorbs the carbon dioxide and releases oxygen.

There are other alternative fuels like coffee logs that are made from used coffee beans. Both wood and coffee logs work well with firemizer which will reduce your fuel consumption, reduce particulates and creosote in your flue.

look after your fire

How To Look After Your Wood Burner?

10th January 2020 No Comments Blog

As you’ve probably been getting the most out of your fire this winter, to maximize its efficiency you have to look after your wood burner.

Here are some things to look out for and do to keep your fire going for many winters!

coalCleaning

Giving your fire a thorough clean can be just the thing it needs to bring it back to life. It is also important to get your chimney swept at least once a year as they can tell you about any damage. You should also clean the glass, most modern stoves are fitted with airways systems to keep the glass clean. If yours does not then you can use newspaper dipped in malt vinegar or use wood ash. Don’t use any abrasive materials to clean the glass as this could cause permanent damage.

Check for rust

This may not be a problem for a modern stove however it worth saying. If you do spot any rust you can rub the area with wire wool and then reapply stove paint to get it looking as good as new.

Empty the ash pan

When the hot ashes start to pile up they can come into contact with the lower side of the grate and the heat from the ashes could cause it to become distorted and lose shape.

Clean the baffle/ throat plate

This area on and around the baffle plate is the top spot for soot to gather. This makes your stove less efficient by blocking the flue it also could be dangerous. Clean this once a week depending on how often you use your stove.

Leave the door ajar

When the stove isn’t being used it is best to leave the door slightly open. This allows a flow of air through the system which can help stop corrosion.

Use Firemizer

Using this in your wood, coal or multi-fuel stove can help reduce creosote and harmful particulates. As well as reducing your ash content and reducing the number of times you have to empty the ash pan.

3 Reasons To Love The Cold

22nd November 2019 No Comments Blog

As the nights are darker and the days can seem very gloomy and cold its hard to see the appeal of winter and the cold. However, there are some benefits and true pleasures to be had in the winter months.

  • Cosy by the Fire

This time of year is perfect to get your log burners going and enjoy the warmth. Your fireplace can create a festive atmosphere especially when decorated. Make sure you stock up on wood get your chimney swept a minimum of once a year.

To give your fire that extra bit of Christmas spirit you can add spices to your fire. Cinnamon sticks create a lovely spicy and sweet smell. Just place two sticks with the logs alternatively you could add a few drops of essential oil to your logs, allow them to dry and then burn away.

  • Warm drinks

There are so many lovely hot drinks to enjoy this time of year from hot chocolate to mulled wine. These are perfect to enjoy in the cold gloomy weather and a great pick me up. Here are some classics that’ll get you in the Christmas spirit;

  • Coconut milk hot chocolate
  • Eggnog
  • Hot buttered rum

If you’d like more ideas and recipes click here

  • Food

Winter brings around all the best food that you can enjoy. From roast dinners and mince pies to cheese boards and lots of chocolate. This Christmas why not try something new at a Christmas market like the chimney cakes or strudel.

Do you like winter or summer?

Help your Wood or Coal-Burning Stove live its best life!

11th October 2018 No Comments Uncategorised

Stove Life!

Now we’re into the final quarter of the year, it’s likely you’ll find yourself starting your wood-burning stove more often. Nothing beats the feeling of evading the outside in your lovely warm front room, listening to the crackling wood. As it’s getting more use, it’s incredibly important to make sure you’re using and maintaining your stoves correctly. That way, you can get the most out of your fuel and stove in terms of heat output and lifespan. Here are some quick and easy tips to make sure your stove stays pristine and performing properly.

Know your wood!

Firstly, it’s important to make sure you’re using the correct fuel in your wood-burning stove. Beech and ash logs burn the best especially when seasoned, so you should be harvesting your wood about a year in advance of when you actually plan to burn it. Both of these types of wood when dried out can produce quite a lot of heat output with a consistent flame. Burning hardwood is likely to give a stronger flame and appear to give out more heat than softer pinewoods. This is because they are likely to burn faster and cooler than hardwood because they have a lower calorific value.

Keep a clean stove!

Your stove door should fit snugly to keep the heat of the fire concentrated inside. If the door itself feels loose, you could be losing a lot of heat output. Keep an eye out on the Firemizer website for Maxseal – a new product that ensures your stove door is sealed and secure. Using a Firemizer will reduce creosote build-up in your chimney by 57%, keeping a clear flue. It will also make sure there are no unused clumps of fuel in your ash bed – Firemizer makes sure your fuel ins burned evenly, helping it last 38% longer.

Use the top-down method!

The way in which your start your fires could also improve stove life. Firstly, make sure your firewood is cut in a variety of sizes to fill all available space. Using the top-down method of starting a fire is a great way to start that perfect fire (especially when paired with a Firebuilder). Read our step-by-step guide on how to use the top-down method, as well as lots of other helpful tips and tricks here.

Bio-Bean’s Coffee Logs

9th April 2018 3 Comments Blog, Fire Expert

We tried and tested Bio-Bean’s Recycled Coffee Logs!

The lovely folks over at Bio-Bean sent us some of their Premium Eco Coffee Logs to test in our log-burner. Paired with a Firemizer and Firebuilder, these little recycled pocket-rockets worked an absolute treat for our eyes and our stove!

We started with the Firemizer on the base of the stove and a Firebuilder burning on top. Made of used coffee-grounds collected from shops across the country, they reduce unnecessary greenhouse gases and need for landfill sites, getting that extra mile out of your Americano. The logs themselves still give off that lovely coffee aroma whilst in the packet, so handling and inspecting was joy.

The Review

We then threw the first coffee log on top of our Firebuilder, and within moments the log was burning nicely. As the logs are old coffee grounds, they retain about 20% more energy than wood, meaning they burn much faster. This was immediately noticeable – within minutes we had a fire going. The coffee logs do have a tendency to crumble and break apart, so be extra careful we stoking the fire. When we noticed the fire simmering down after a little while, we placed a couple more logs in to bring it back up and, sure enough, the fire was roaring again within minutes.

The coffee logs are an excellent way of getting a fire started quickly, or building it back up when dwindling. They take to the flame immediately and require little intervention – perhaps occasional rearrangement when the logs crumble into smaller fragments. Truly, the only slight shortcoming of the coffee logs is the amount of smoke and ash they produce. Thankfully, with Firemizer, no clumps were left and we were able to brush off the collected ash into the pan. Unfortunately we couldn’t do anything about the amount of smoke each log produced when burning, but with the stove doors closed and the flue wide-open, it didn’t linger around the house.

Bio-Bean’s Coffee Logs are a revolutionary concept and make excellent use of waste that would typically be considered useless. Instead, they have managed to create a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels that packs the speed and strength of caffeine. The logs provide an excellent way to start or resurrect fires quickly and efficiently (especially when paired with a Firebuilder.) Try them for yourself by visiting http://www.bio-bean.com/coffee-logs/ now!

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