Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to install a stove?
There is no standard figure as it depends on whether or not you have an existing chimney, and if you do, how high the chimney is and how accessible it is with ladders. However, here are some of our typical prices:
For a bungalow with existing chimney: £750
For a bungalow with no chimney: £2,000-2,500
For a two storey house with existing chimney: £1,000
For a two storey house with no chimney: £3,000-3,500
These figures are for supplying the liner or chimney system and labour to install (but not for supply of the stove or hearth which our customers can source more cheaply for themselves). Our clients tell us that our charges are competitive (we don’t have a showroom so our lack of overheads keeps the cost down).
How efficient is a stove compared to an open fire?
Generally an open fire is about 20% efficient i.e. 20% of the heat comes into the room, and 80% of the heat disappears up the chimney. All stoves sold in this country have to comply with BSEN 13420, which means they have to be at least 65% efficient. However, most stoves meet this criteria comfortably, and stoves can be over 80% efficient.
Is it true that wood burners are going to be banned?
No! Definitely not. It’s all about the design of stoves and how they are operated. The government understandably wants to ensure that new stoves meet the highest environmental standards and that the fuel used in them burns as cleanly as possible. Wood burning stoves are in fact carbon neutral, which means that a tree, over the course of its lifetime, absorbs as much carbon (CO2) as it releases when burnt. We encourage our customers to operate their stoves as cleanly and safely as possible, by: burning only dry and seasoned wood; having the flue swept regularly to prevent build-up of soot; keeping the stove at a steady temperature and not idling it. See the HETAS website for more information on the Clean Air Strategy.
What is a Defra Approved stove?
Defra Approved or Defra Exempt appliances meet high efficiency and environmental standards. They are modified by the manufacturer to limit the amount they can be 'closed down' as fuel starved of air creates an unclean combustion. A Defra Approved wood burner will therefore allow you to burn wood legally in a UK Smoke Control Area.
Do I need a multi fuel stove or a wood burner?
A multi fuel stove has the addition of a grate so that smokeless fuel (a man-made coal substitute) can be burnt, and the reason for this is that smokeless fuel requires air underneath it to burn. Therefore, if you intend burning smokeless then you need a multi fuel but if you are just burning wood, you only need a wood burner. Some people buy a multi fuel even though they are only burning wood, in case they want to burn smokeless at a later date. However, having a grate in your appliance does take up room in the chamber of the stove, which means less space for your fuel (more of a factor if you are choosing a small stove).
How big does my fireplace need to be?
Ideally the stove should sit in the opening with 150mm (6") either side and 300mm (12") above it. These clearances are from non-combustible materials (combustible materials will require a greater distance, depending on the stove). Having said that, stoves can be installed into tighter spaces, although the more space around a stove, the better it will work. Also a stove will look more pleasing aesthetically if it is not crammed into a tight space.
What is the difference between 904 and 316 stainless steel liner?
904 is more resistant to acidic substances, e.g. which are particularly found in smokeless fuel.
What grade of liner should I choose - 904 or 316?
If you intend burning smokeless fuel, the answer is 904. However, most people burn mainly wood with perhaps a bit of smokeless, for which 316 is more than adequate (as well as being considerably less expensive).
Is all 316 liner of the same quality?
There are many manufacturers and suppliers of different 316 (and 904) liner, and they are most certainly not all of the same quality. We use only top-grade British-made liner which is guaranteed for 20 years.
How long does an installation take?
Most of our installations take a day, although if there are complications (for example the weather!) or Mark is installing a chimney system, it can take a day and a half.
Should I get my chimney swept before having a wood burner installed?
Yes, this is advisable, to ensure that the flue is clear of debris and birds nests, especially if it hasn't been used for a long time. However, Mark always puts his sweeps brushes up a chimney before dropping a liner down, just to double-check. Mark is happy to advise on this when doing a site visit.
What other preparations do I need to do prior to a stove installation?
Mark will bring dust sheets and is very careful to minimise disruption, but it is always advisable to make as much space in the room as possible, so that he can unload his tools and work safely with no restrictions.
How soon after installation can I use my wood burner?
In most cases it is best to leave 24 hours after installation before using your stove, and this is to allow fire cement (if used) to set. For the first few lightings it is advisable to have small fires, so that the stove gets hot slowly, thereby allowing the paint on the stove to cure and any fire cement to set.
Why is my wood burner not giving out much heat?
The most common reason for this is your fuel, i.e. either the logs are too big or the wood is not seasoned or dry enough.
Can I fit my own stove?
The short answer is yes, although if you are not a HETAS-registered engineer you must apply to your Local Authority to obtain Building Control permission prior to any works being carried out. You must also ensure that the work complies with Building Regulations, which are found HERE.
How do I find a stove installer in my area?
Go to the HETAS website page Find Installer and search via your postcode.