Choosing A Stove - The Guide

As this is a fairly expensive exercise it really does makes sense to get it right first time. Think long term!

Common sense, planning, using quality products and seeking professional advice are paramount to your success when buying and installing a stove. Using solid fuel requires a little effort but the joy of owning a stove during those cold winter months is unbeatable.

A little reading is required, a little legwork, some research and some comparisons will help you make a few key decisions. These actions will help ensure a successful and safe installation and you will have many years of enjoyment and pleasure from your stove.

Stove guide - Building Regulations

Stove installation is covered by building regulations “Document J” Hetas – Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Service. Hetas registered installers are trained to adhere to these building regulations. 

Safety First! - Hetas Certified Engineers

We strongly recommend that you employ the services of a qualified / certified Hetas engineer. Please do not compromise your safety, the safety of your property or your loved ones and neighbours by performing an installation yourself. 

A badly installed stove can lead to an explosion, a fire or a build up of poisonous gasses and any of these events can lead to a loss of life or critical injury.

Stove guide - Important First Things To Consider

Purchasing stoves over the internet can be fraught with danger if you do not do your research before pressing the buy button.
Remember all stove installations are subject to building regulations and come under the control of your local authority. When you buy from a reputable stove retailer you will get the complete package: advice, guarantee and the right stove, if you've done your research! 
Before purchasing a stove, check with your local authority if you are in a smoke control area.  

You should not burn wood or bituminous coal in a smoke control zone unless the stove has been granted Exemption from the Clean Air act by DEFRA, find some DEFRA approved stoves here. You should be familiar too with the Clean Air Act .

Always follow the advice of your stove manufacturer regarding fuels suitable for your appliance. A good stove retailer will be able to advise on how to get the best results when burning these fuels. Remember you will invalidate your appliance guarantee if you burn a fuel that is not recommended by the stove manufacturer.

Stove guide - Chimney Flue – (the engine behind your stove)

All wood burning or multi fuel stoves require a class 1 chimney flue.  As the majority of stoves are more than 78% efficient it is imperative that the chimney flue is better than adequate. 

The chimney flue is what drives the appliance and the more efficient the stove is, the more efficient the flue system has to be in order to exhaust the combustion gasses quickly into atmosphere. 

Wherever possible the stove should be flued from the top of the appliance into the chimney and not from the back. Flue gasses naturally want to rise in a vertical fashion and encountering bends of more than 30 degrees to the vertical will slow and cool the evacuation of these gasses down,  resulting in possible condensation / deposit problems in the chimney flue. If bends are needed then they must be rounded and not sharp.

Flue Liners

It is common for most stove installations to be recommended a double skin, flexible, stainless steel flue liner. 

These come in 2 grades:
316 - with a guarantee of 10 years.
904 - with a guarantee of 20/25 years.

When either system is installed, I would strongly advise that they be insulated with either Vermiculite, Pearlite, Leca or a non combustible wrap in order to maintain the flue gas temperature. It is imperative that a flue liner is fitted to be both water-tight and insulated correctly.

As the guarantee implies, these lining systems are not permanent. If the stove is oversize or not operated efficiently or the liner is not installed correctly, then the life of these liners can be much less than the period of the guarantee. This can often lead to tension between the installer and you the householder as to what is the cause of the failure. 

A more permanent cure for an oversize or inefficient chimney flue is a “cast in situ” system provided by “Shellcast” or “Cico”. Although this may cost a couple of hundred pounds more to install, you will get a more permanent and durable system that will give many years of service.

Be aware that before any lining system is installed you must ensure that the existing chimney flue should be swept clean and pressure tested for air tightness.

Top Tip - For maximum safety chimney flues should be swept twice a year by a competent person registered to the National Association of Chimney Sweeps – NACS - or the Guild of Master Sweeps or be Hetas approved.

   

Home Is Where The Hearth Is

3. Your Hetas engineer will advise on hearth construction and ventilation requirements as again both are covered by building regulations. As all combustion processes require a supply of oxygen then there is an ongoing need to replenish any oxygen that is used in the process. Stoves with an output of more than 5kw require an additional supply of air from an external source.

The Silent Killer

Carbon monoxide is a product of incomplete combustion and is formed when there is a lack of adequate ventilation or if there is a blockage or restriction in the chimney flue. Carbon monoxide is a gas that kills, so for safety reasons, prior to using the appliance a battery operated carbon monoxide detector should be installed in the room.

Kilowatt Capacity

4. The kilowatt output of the stove should be very closely matched to the kilowatt requirement of the space you are wanting to heat.  For example a standard room of 15ft length by 14 ft wide by 7ft high only needs a stove with an output of 3 kilowatts.  

Installing an oversize stove will result in possible low firebox temperatures which in turn will lead to condensates and deposits forming in the flue system. These, are highly corrosive and can lead to failure of stainless steel flue systems. 




Burning Real WoodThere is a basic difference between a wood burning and a multi fuel stove, and it's all to give the favoured fuel optimum burning conditions. Wood burns best on a bed of ash, whereas solid fuel needs a grate capable of supplying primary / combustion air. If you want to burn a combination of both wood and solid fuel then this can only be done on a multi-fuel stove.

Before burning any wood, it must be either seasoned for a minimum period of 18 months or have been kiln dried down to an ideal of less than 20% moisture – the drier the better! 

Burning non seasoned logs (Green Wood) leads to creosote type condensates in the flue system. These will not only block the chimney flue but are also highly flammable and will lead to destructive chimney fires. We strongly recommend that you do not burn non seasoned wood in your stove.

Do not allow the stove to “tick over” for long periods especially if you have installed any type of flexible stainless steel flue liner. 

Before and after any slumbering or overnight burn you should “open up” the stove for an hour to increase the fire box temperature. This will help to create the correct conditions in the chimney flue to allow the combustion gasses to escape into atmosphere and not to condense on the inner surface of the flue. 

The purchase of a magnetic temperature gauge, to fit on the off-take pipe (the pipe that connects the stove to the chimney flue), will alleviate any low temperature problems. This device shows the best operating temperature at a glance.

Smokeless Fuels

All smokeless fuels used should be Hetas approved for use in a closed appliance and most importantly do not burn “neat” or “raw” petroleum coke as this can cause severe damage to the firebox. This fuel has very little ash content and consequently burns at very high temperatures. The ash content of the fuel is there to protect the fire bars, the grate and the firebox of the stove from the very high temperatures generated during the combustion process.

Ventilation

Natural ventilation is a good thing. Avoid using extract fans in the locality of the stove as this leads to a lowering of pressure in the building which can cause the combustion gasses to be drawn “back down” the chimney flu and into the room.

Stove Buying Golden Rules

Maintain sufficient temperature in the firebox to ensure the combustion gasses can escape into the atmosphere.

• Follow the stove manufacturer’s guidelines and Stove Retailers advice.
• Purchase a carbon monoxide detector.
• Building regulations are there to ensure maximum safety – abide by them
• Use a certified Hetas Engineer
• Talk to your local authority before spending your hard earned cash

The Cold Weather Approaches

As your wood burning stove may have not been used for a few months, it is important to make sure that your chimney is swept before you start to use it again to ensure it is free from bird nests or other obstructions.

Now is a great time to have your chimney swept

With use, soot, deposits and tar can build up, reducing the chimney’s draw, make the stove run badly and can cause a chimney fire. Now is a great time to have your chimney swept, before the colder weather as more chimney sweeps will be available than when winter is in full swing.As well as making sure your chimney is safe and clear from blockages, it is also a good time to have your wood burning stove or open fireplace serviced to ensure the best performance, as HETAS installers are starting to enter their busiest period of the year.
In the mean time, here are some general safety tips for keeping your chimney in tip top condition;

• Ensure your wood burning stove is installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s Installation Instructions. 
• You should have your chimney swept at least once a year, depending on the fuel you use and how dry it is, how frequently your wood burning stove or fireplace is used, the type of chimney or flue and whether or not it is lined, as fewer deposits will build up in a lined chimney.
• When burning wood, use only dry, seasoned logs with a maximum moisture content of 20% in your wood burning stove. If you burn green or wet wood, a lot of the heat in the stove’s firebox is lost in burning off the excess water. This reduces the stove’s efficiency, gives you less heat in the room and causes tar to condense in the chimney, which is one of the biggest causes of chimney fires.
• Never burn cardboard boxes, waste paper or wood treated with preservatives and coatings containing heavy metals, or other toxic chemicals and contaminants in your wood burning stove.
• If you have recently opened up and plan to use a fireplace, make sure it is inspected by a HETAS qualified engineer before use. Inspect the chimney breast, particularly in the roof space. Make sure that it is sound and that the sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks. If in doubt, have your chimney lined as there can be warranty and house insurance issues with not lining.

HETAS Advise: Chimneys & Lining

What is Chimney Lining?
The function of a chimney is to safely remove the products of combustion from a fireplace or appliance to outside of the building, without causing any danger to the occupants of the house. A chimney works because hot air rises and moves from high to low pressure. Factors such as running the appliance at a very slow rate or cold air leaking into the flue will cool the gases and affect the performance of the chimney. Lining systems are designed to replace the flue in an
existing chimney, with dimensions appropriate to the appliance. Insulation may be added or
integrated into the new flue system to improve the efficiency of the draught. This is a particular requirement for external situations. The Lining method of a chimney and materials vary

Why Line Chimneys?
Chimneys are lined for a number of safety related reasons. The
illustration (right) shows two types of chimney system lining. While new chimneys may require relining, systems that predate 1965 will often require a modern lining solution for the following reasons:
1. The flue may have lost integrity and can leak smoke into rooms or other parts of the building.
2. Condensates or tar can seep through chimney walls causing
staining, inside or outside of the building.
3. Lining with insulation included improves the operation of
appliance and flue (particularity important when the chimney is on an external wall).
4. Defective flue systems may be eroded and rough. This will cause frictional resistance to the flow of the gases resulting in poor updraught.
5. Large flues (over 200mm) particularly ones containing voids may affect appliance performance. Some appliance manufacturers specify smaller flues for efficient operation.

Methods of Chimney Relining and Renovation
Chimneys with existing flues can be relined in several different ways. These
include:
1. Using rigid sections of clay, pumice or refractory liner installed by cutting into the chimney wall or by lowering sections down from the top of the stack and infilling with an insulating material.
2. Insulating concrete, pumped in and around an inflatable former by a
specialist contractor.
3. Stainless steel flexible liner in a continuous length lowered down the chimney.
4. Spray on coating by a specialist contractor.
5. Ceramic coating by a specialist contractor.
The suitability of any of these methods of lining is dependent on each
individual system. You should seek professional advice on what is the most
appropriate solution for your need.

Chimney Faults
Before having a liner installed in your chimney, you should have it swept to remove soot and tar deposits by a professional chimney sweep. For those that already have a chimney lining, a
competent sweep will be able to inspect for the following faults:
1. Liners fitted upside down
2. Out of line or overlapping liner
3. Obstructive ledges hindering updraught
4. Protruding cement at joints
5. Liner removed during previous service work or installation
6. Damage through incorrect sweeping (see “more information” for professional
chimney sweep organisations)
7. Masonry damaging the liner
8. Blocked terminal (cowl or rain cap)
These faults can lead to a number of problems with the operation of a solid fuel appliance. More importantly, faults with chimney lining can pose a risk to the safety of household
occupants and should be rectified immediately.

For more information

The Solid Fuel Association technical and consumer helpline provides helpful advice on any aspect of solid fuel appliance installation and use.
Tel: 0845 601 4406
Web: www.solidfuel.co.uk


 The National Association of Chimney Engineers (NACE) provide a register of competent chimney engineers in the UK and Ireland for a variety of chimney work.
Tel: 0800 0924019
Web: www.nace.org.uk

The Association of Professional and Independent Chimney Sweeps sets standards for, and improve the knowledge and safety of sweeps in the UK.
Tel: 0845 604 4327
Web: www.apics.org.uk



The Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps works to improve standards and professionalism in the UK chimney sweeping industry. They have a directory of Guild approved sweeps on their website.
Web: www.guildofmasterchimneysweeps.co.uk


The National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS) promotes high standards for the sweeping,
inspection and maintenance of chimneys. They have a directory of approved sweeps on their website.
Tel: 01785 811732
Web: www.nacs.org.uk

For more information and access to a variety of HETAS advice sheets, visit the HETAS website at www.hetas.co.uk

Homeowner Is Heavily Fined For DIY Installation

Homeowner Paul Taylor was ordered by Loughborough Magistrates Court to pay over £400 in fines and costs following a fire which gutted his home.
Mr Taylor admitted to court that had breached building regulations relating to the installation of a wood burning stove.
The court heard that the incorrectly fitted flue was in direct contact with the timber and plastic eaves of the bungalow. Following an investigation by local building control officers, Mr Taylor also admitted that he was not HETAS registered and had not applied to Charnwood Borough Council for a building notice for the work.
Bruce Allen, CEO of HETAS, said "This case highlights the potential dangers of DIY Installation. Thankfully no-one was injured on this occasion but from a safety point of view we urge customers to use a HETAS registered installer to carry out any kind of wood burning appliance installation"
Householders wishing to install solid fuel or wood-burning appliances must either apply for a building notice from their local authority building control department or must use a registrant of an appropriate competent persons scheme such as HETAS.
For more information please visit http://www.hetas.co.uk

Could a Wood Burning Stove Damage Your Health?

The popularity of wood burning stoves is very high, many wood burning stoves are suitable for use in smoke controlled areas, and they are generally environmentally friendly as they use a renewable energy source, and they have an old fashioned homely quality that appeals to many home owners. However could we be inadvertently damaging our health when using them? Well quite possibly, as the Chemical Research in Toxicology medical journal has recently published research that shows that breathing in particulate matter from a wood burning stove has a similar effect to breathing car emissions.
What is this particulate matter found in wood burning smoke? And will it effect me? Well Professor Steffen Loft of the Department of Public Health at Copenhagen University believes that the tiny airborne specs of "particulate matter" found in smoke when burning wood is "small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lungs", and that "the particles that come from wood smoke can certainly cause fatal heart or lung disease". Professor Loft also claims that links can be made to asthma, bronchitis, cancer and other health problems too.
It all sounded very damming for the burning of wood and the use of wood burning stoves, however, Prof. Loft did continue on to say that the owner of a wood burning stove should use dry wood, cut into small pieces, and should ensure a good flow of air to the fire to minimise emissions. A German study into wood burning stoves also reached similar conclusions in December in 2010, thus bringing concerns wood burning stoves.
So should we all forget the concept of wood burning stoves all together, well, not quite. The Solar Fuel Association commented on the studies saying that there is very little chance of fumes escaping into a property from a correctly fitted stove.
This is probably the most important point, that the fumes from a wood burning stove could be possibly fatal, but we don't intend on inhaling the fumes. Any stove should be installed by a registered fitter, who will ensure the stove is flued properly. All stoves available to buy should have met standards that ensure smoke doesn't easily escape into a property, many even incorporate additional safety features such as oxygen depletion sensors etc to ensure the users safety and health.
Studies like this sometimes highlight the obvious as many people may assume that all smoke is harmful, but they show us how harmful, and allows us as consumers to make informed decisions as to what fire we use, and what effect using it may have.
By far the most important point raised by the study and reactions to the study is that no matter what stove is being installed, you should have a registered installer do the work, or check the work done, and pass the installation and stove for use. A registered installer will be able to answer questions and provide up to date information on whether a stove is suitable for your home, and will check to ensure the stove works properly in your home once installed.
If you have any concerns about your stove, or wish to get in touch with a registered fitter then visit the HETAS website or give them a call, they are the official body recognised by the UK Government to approve stoves and stove installers. They have an easy to use site, with consumer advice that is informative and easy to understand, and is used by consumers, installers and manufacturers, (even bloggers!) alike.