Our Frequently Asked Questions

We hope you find the following information both useful and informative. If you cannot find the answer to your question please contact us.

Is it true that wood burning & multifuel stoves are going to be banned?

In short, No. You can read about this in more detail by clicking on the links below

Defra’s Clean Air Strategy

Identifying the truth

Can I install a stove myself?

You are strongly advised to use a HETAS Registered installer. All appliances must be installed by a competent person such as a HETAS registered installer who will understand the safety and Building Regulations issues and who will notify the work via HETAS to your Local Authority as required by law. Failure to do so may void the manufacturer’s guarantee, and may also invalidate your home insurance..

Do I have to get planning or building permission for my new stove?

From April 2005, it became a legal requirement to notify all work including new or replacement appliance installations to your Local Authority although this is now done automatically on your behalf by the HETAS registered installer.

What is the difference between a solid fuel and multi fuel stove?

Essentially it’s the type of grate they use. For burning wood a flat grate is required with air directed into the top of the fire. For solid fuel, air must be directed through the fuel from underneath.

What kind of fuel can I burn in my stove?

Stoves are either for wood burning, solid fuel burning or both. They have a burning grate specifically designed for the fuel type. Those stoves that can burn both wood and solid fuel are usually known as multi fuel stoves.

How do I know I m buying the correct firewood?

When you buy firewood, make sure that you are buying good seasoned firewood as it’s potentially dangerous. However if you live in a smokeless zone, you must only burn smokeless fuels, or have DEFRA approved stove. Ensure that it was cut and split at least a year ago and then stored so that air and sun can dry it out. A good sign would be to look out for the cracks in the end grain of the logs.

What is Air-Wash?

Air-wash is achieved by drawing air across the doors to create a barrier between the burning fire and the glass. By preheating this air, the overall temperature of combustion is increased keeping the door glass cleaner during operation.

How often do I have to clean ashes from my stove?

A wood burning stove benefits from having a bed of ash so, depending on use, will probably need cleaning out no more than once a week. In contrast a solid fuel stove should be riddled and the ash removed daily.

Do I need a chimney if I want a stove installed?

Its ok if you don’t have a chimney. Prefabricated stainless steel systems (twin wall systems) can be the answer where there is no chimney to use or the chimney is inadequate for the needs of a fire. They are fixed to the outside of a building, although they are suitable for use internally as well.

Do I need a flue liner?

If you have a standard masonry chimney and wish have a woodburning or multi fuel stove installed, it is highly advisable to fit a stainless steel flexible flue liner with the stove. When a stove is fitted there is less heat going up the chimney than that of an open fire, therefore there is insufficient heating of the clay or stone masonry. It is quite common to have tar condensation and an incorrect draught for the stove to work correctly and efficiently if no liner is installed. In addition chimney lining will also prevent smoke and fumes from your fire from leaking into other rooms of the house.

How much heat do I require for my room?

A key part of choosing the right stove for your home is getting the right size and heat output, which is measured in kilowatts (kW) and ranges from 3kW to over 15kW. If you get a stove that has too high an output for your home, you may end up having the windows open all the time to cool it down – or running the stove at a lower temperature, which will create more tar and smoke and be less efficient. As a rough guide, if you multiply the height, width and length together and divide this by 14, you ll get a gauge of what size stove you need. (height x width x length 14).

Do I need a cowl?

It is recommended to fit a rain cap. When the stove is not in use and it is raining you are more than likely to collect rainwater in the stove body if you do not have one fitted.

How often do I need to sweep my chimney?

Ideally you should have your chimney swept at least once a year but can be done more frequently if you notice changes in the draw from your chimney.

Does all the heat from my stove go up the chimney?

No, the efficiency of a stove usually indicates how much heat is lost up the chimney or flue. If a stove state s 70% efficiency, the remaining 30% is lost. However some or all of this ‘loss’ may be essential to keep the chimney or flue operating correctly.

Do I need a hearth?

Yes, it is a Building Regulation. The hearth must overlap the footprint of the stove by at least 150mm around the back and sides and then 300mm in front of the stove.

Are there any parts in my stove that will need replacing eventually?

A stove has parts that will need maintaining and replacing over time due to wear and tear. For example, the fire grate, firebricks and baffle plate.

What are the installation costs?

These can vary, however, having our own installers allows us to keep our costs low.

I live out of your area, will this be a problem?

No, we cover most areas with our installation service, please contact us for further details.

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