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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STOVES
Why are stoves better than an open fire?
Anyone with a working fireplace knows that most of the heat goes up the chimney but
with a stove the heat is concentrated in a small space and slowly released through a
5" diameter flue pipe, radiating more heat into the room.
Does a stove cost less to fuel than an open fire?
Yes, because they produce a more fierce heat from the same amount of fuel.
Are Stoves safer that an open fire?
If used correctly stoves are safer because logs and embers cannot spill out of the fire
basket onto the hearth and beyond. We still recommend a fireguard if you have children.
Can I burn coal on my multi-fuel stove?
We would advise against it, especially if you are in a "Clean Air Zone" as you could be
heavily fined by the local authority. Coal contains gases and releases noxious fumes
into the atmosphere. With smokeless bricquettes all these gases are removed and
combined with wood they will produce more heat than house coal. You should only use
fuel recommended in your manufacturer's guide to protect your warranty.
What is a "Clean Air " Zone or Area?
Local Authorities designate certain areas as "Clean Air" or "Smokeless" Zones or Areas.
They are usually built-up areas or areas bordering the sea or a river where there is an
increased risk of fog. Only smokeless fuel may be used in these areas. Burning wood
or coal in these areas carries the risk of a heavy fine.
What does DEFRA exempt mean?
This applies to stoves that have been approved by the Department of the Environment
to burn wood in a "Clean Air Zone" because these stoves have a tertiary, or secondary,
chamber where all pollutants are removed from the wood smoke before it emits up the
flue and into the atmosphere.
Can I fit my stove myself?
You should always use a HETAS qualified engineer to fit your stove
Can I still have a stove if I don't have a hearth or open fireplace?
Yes - your Hetas installer can open up the chimney breast and build a new hearth
Can I still have a stove if I don't have a working chimney?
Yes - you can fit a free standing convector stove near to an exterior wall where the
stove pipe will exit (from top or rear of the stove) and connect to a new stainless steel
twin-wall flue pipe.
What kind of wood can I burn on my stove?
Any wood which has not been painted or treated in any way. The wood must be dried
out and contain less than 20% moisture. For our guide on how long different types of
wood need to dry out CLICK HERE
Why can I not burn damp or painted wood in my stove?
Wood with more than 20% moisture can cause a build up of tar in the chimney which
could catch fire. In addition, about 30% of the heat is lost in drying out the wood as it
burns. You should never burn painted wood as paint contains formaldehyde - a toxic
gas used as a preservative in paint and also a binding agent in MDF, cardboard etc.
For our guide on what you must not burn on your stove or open fireCLICK HERE
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO MAIN STOVE PAGE
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL
0191 253 5959
or email us at
davidtroybuilders@gmail.com
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