Frequently asked questionsMy fireplace is already open what do I need to do next? Call stovefitter.com on 07932 632169 if you’d like us to come along and give you a free no obligation quote. We can advise you on the size of the stove and the heat output best suited to the size of your fire opening and your room. Don’t end up with a high output stove and a room that is too hot to sit in, or a stove which is too big for the fireplace! Do I need a chimney liner? Not necessarily! We can survey your chimney and run a smoke test. If the survey indicates that your chimney is not up to the job then Stovefitter.com can supply and fit a stainless steel flexible flue liner. As a liner adds considerably to the cost of the job, we recommend fitting one only where the existing chimney is unsuitable. You can depend on Stovefitter.com to give you good honest advice during our no obligation site survey. I’d like a stove but I don’t have a chimney! If you fancy a stove or open fire but don’t have a chimney Stovefitter.com can supply and fit stainless steel external chimney systems in most homes. Do I need a hearth? Yes, as a minimum requirement you need a concrete constructional hearth that extends 12 inches or more in front of the stove opening. Stovefitter.com can help with this and can also fit cosmetic stone, tile or marble hearths for an attractive finish. Can anyone fit a multi-fuel or wood burning stove, as my husband is handy and he’d like to fit our wood burner himself? HETAS is the official Government body which approves solid fuel domestic heating appliances, fuels and services including the registration of competent installers and servicing businesses. A solid fuel stove installation which is done by a non-HETAS installer must be inspected by the local council’s Building Regulations Officer. If you choose to ‘go it alone’, first check with your local council on the cost of an inspection as it can be costly! HETAS engineers are specialists in solid fuel installations; they can complete the job quickly and safely and certify their own work. They will also inform HETAS who will notify your local council. Don’t risk having an unsafe installation in your home. I’ve been using my stove for a while now, how do I know if it is still safe? Stovefitter.com can service your stove, smoke test it, replace ropes, seals, mineral glass and firebricks if required. We can sweep your chimney at the same time. My fire seems difficult to light why is that? There could be several reasons for this; the most obvious would be to check what fuel you are burning. It’s important that the fuel is dry. If you burn wood it should contain less than 20% moisture. See our ‘tips’ section to find out how to season your logs. Another possibility could be that the chimney has a ‘down draught’ in which case a cowl could help. If the chimney is blocked there may not be enough oxygen for combustion to take place. If a previously efficient stove starts to perform poorly, stop using it immediately and have it checked over by a HETAS engineer or a registered chimney sweep – there could be a blockage. Can I burn wood where I live? If you live in a town or city you’ll probably find there are restrictions on what you can burn in your stove or open fire. This link will enable you to check whether the local authority you live in has any restrictions or smoke regulations in force. http://smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk/locations.php If you live in a smokeless zone and would like the option of burning wood, you would need to have a ‘smoke exempt’ compliant appliance installed. Manufacturers are listening to consumers and adapting models so that they are suitable for use in smokeless zones. For an up to date list of smoke exempt units visit the following link: smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk/appliances.php There is a strong smell of smoke in the house, is this normal? No, it’s not normal. Don’t use your fire until you have had a qualified installer or a registered chimney sweep check out your chimney. Smoke spilling into the house is serious and can be deadly. Stovefitter.com is registered with the Guild of Master Sweeps. I can hear birds in my chimney, what shall I do? If you get birds trapped or making nests in your chimney, this can prevent deadly carbon monoxide and other toxic gases from leaving the house when your fire is lit. Our recommendation would be to call in stovefitter.com to check the airways, sweep the chimney and clear the debris. It would be worth having a nest guard installed at the top of your chimney so it doesn’t happen again as birds often return to the same nesting area year after year. We can do this for you too. How often should I have my chimney swept? During the heating season soot, creosote and tar can build up in a working chimney so it’s important to have yours swept at least annually, depending on the type of fuel you burn, see our tips page for more about fuel types. Stovefitter.com is pleased to offer a full brush and vacuum chimney sweeping service. I need a local chimney sweep, how do I know which one to choose ? Many people have set themselves up as chimney sweeps without adequate training, experience or qualifications. There are usually several sweeps in an area, look to see which ones are affiliated to a professional association. The Guild of Master Sweeps is the association for professional chimney sweeps who have met the strictest criteria and follow the highest standards in the industry. Using expert training and the most modern equipment a Guild sweep will always give a professional service. www.guildofmasterchimneysweeps.co.uk . HETAS the Government approved body for solid fuel appliances, fuels and services collaborates with the Guild of Master Sweeps (GMS); the Association of Professional and Independent Chimney Sweeps (APICS) and National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS) and you will find a register of HETAS Approved sweeps listed on their website www.hetas.co.uk . What can happen if I don’t have the chimney swept?
Don’t take any chances with your solid fuel appliances and chimneys – call Stovefitter.com today on 07932 632169.
If we haven’t answered your question on stoves, installations or fireplaces please give us a call on 07932 632169 or email mark@stovefitter.com . If we don’t know the answer we’ll do our best to find out for you! |
