FAQs

Most solid fuel stoves are approximately 40-50% more efficient than an open fire. Often a large percentage of the heat generated by central heating is lost from a room where an open fire is present (even when not in use). The installation of a stove will mean that the room is much warmer as the air flow is greatly reduced due to the installation of a register plate and the ability to close the air controls fitted on the appliance. You will also see the benefit in reduced central heating bills, if you regulate the temperature of your woodbuner you can keep a nice consistent heat over a larger area, and dependent upon the size of the building a larger kw stove will help heat greater spaces.

Are HETAS approved engineers are qualified to undertake the safe installation of all types of solid fuel stove installations, they are also qualified to undertake remedial works and alternations to accommodate the stove of your choice.

When a chimney was designed originally for an open fire it was typical for a fire to burn 12kW of fuel per hour and give nominally 2kW into the room. When a stove is fitted, for every 2kW it gives into the room there is less than 1kW of heat going up the chimney. Thus there is insufficient heating of the clay or stone masonry if a stove is fitted without a lining. In this situation it is typical to have tar condensation and an incorrect draught for the stove to work correctly and efficiently. A chimney lining will also prevent smoke and fumes from your fire from leaking into other rooms of the house.

Height x width x depth (in metres) divided by 14.

This is only an approximate, use out output calculator or give us a call to arrange a visit

The new Building Regulations which were introduced in October 2010 require that a Carbon Monoxide detector be fitted in a room whenever a solid fuel appliance is installed.

Our moto is No Chimney, No Problem! Having worked on several projects of this nature it is now very much the norm to have a solid fuel stove fitted without a chimney, In this case the solution is to have a freestanding stove connected to a flue system called a twin wall flue, you can see some examples of this in our gallery.

A twin wall flue system is cleverly designed to keep the flue gases warm. The flue contains a thick layer of insulation, between two walls of stainless steel. This insulation ensures that the stove will draw sufficiently. It will also keep the outside of the flue system cooler than the inside, which means that the clearance required to combustible materials is less than that of single wall flue pipe.

A twin wall flue system is made up of a number of different components that slot together and secure with locking bands. The components required vary depending on how the system will be routed; one option is to exit the twin wall flue pipe through the wall from the stove, meaning the majority of the flue pipe runs up the outside of the building. The second option is to run the flue system internally through the ceilings of each floor and through the attic space to exit at the roofline, meaning very little flue can seen from the outside.

Generally twin wall flue comes in a stainless steel finish as standard, however they are also available in black.

Wood burning stoves have flat fuel beds because wood burns better on a flat bed of ash, with air for combustion coming from above. Multi fuel stoves are fitted with grates because coal and smokeless fuels need to burn on top of a grate, with air entering from beneath the fire and the remainder of the fuel falling through the bars. Multifuel stoves can burn wood too as they are also designed to allow you to build up a bed of ash upon which to burn logs should you wish.

This approval allows you to use the stove with dry wood only, or approved smokeless coal, in a smoke controlled area. These restrictions are usually placed in heavily populated urban areas, normally larger towns or cities. You will need a DEFRA approved stove If you live in a smoke controlled area and wish to burn wood, otherwise you will be breaking the law.

HETAS stands for “Heating Equipment Testing & Approval Scheme”. They are the governing body of solid fuel domestic heating appliances, fuels and services and are responsible for the registration of competent installers and businesses. For more information please visit www.hetas.co.uk

To comply with building regulations and demonstrate that your installation has been carried out by a fully trained, competent installer.

A copy of the certificate is sent to HETAS, who will notify your Local Authority Building Control Department (LABC) of the work carried out. This saves you the time and money (sometimes up to £300) of seeking a Building Notice yourself and having an inspector from your LABC sign off the installation.

A copy of the certificate is also required to be sent to you and the installer will also retain a copy.

If you sell your home then the Solicitor acting for the buyer will require a copy. It may also required to be presented to your insurance company. Should there be a problem and HETAS do not have a record of a HETAS certificate at the property then it is likely that you may not be insured.

If the stove has a rated heat output of over 5kW, then yes it does.

All woodburning stoves should be serviced and their flues swept at least once a year. The service would include the replacement of broken or damaged rope seals, gaskets, firebricks, glass and fire cement seals. Three Shires Stoves offer a full range of maintenance packages please go to our services page for more details.

A multifuel stove can burn wood, coal, smokeless fuels and also peat. Before purchasing a fuel it is important to check the manufacturer’s instructions which will inform you which fuels are prohibited for use within your particular appliance. We can assist with recommending a fuel supplier or supplying fuel directly to you, whichever you’d prefer.

At least once a year, but up to two or three times a year, particularly if you are using your stove regularly for long periods of time. This also applies if or you are using wood that is not dry, or operating the stove at too low a temperature for extended periods, which is more likely to cause a build up of creosote in the chimney.

This problem is usually due to wet wood. The moisture from the fuel is adhering to the glass surface. Test the wood to measure its moisture content; it should be less then 20%, as anything above this means you will not be able to achieve a hot, clean fire.

Depending upon the model of the stove chosen the answer is usually yes, but there will be a dramatic reduction in appliance efficiency, unless the appliance has a damper fitted. We would recommend checking the manufacturer’s instructions for details on individual appliances.

Yes. We have insurance in excess of 2 Million, this includes public liability and professional indemnity insurance.