The dos and don’ts of woodburning stoves

Our very own Ben Freeman featured in the Yorkshire Post's property pages this weekend, offering advice on how to buy a woodburning stove.

With both gas and electricity prices rising again – and some homeowners’ bills likely to see a 20% increase - many people are considering alternative options for heating their homes this winter.

Ben Freeman, from Leeds-based heating experts BMF, has seen an increase in people enquiring about woodburning and solid fuel stoves over recent months. “A stove might cost more than a gas fire initially, but wood can cost comparatively little – or can even be free – when compared to gas, oil or electricity and can produce enough heat for an entire house” he said. “It’s all about choosing the right stove for your needs – and if you pick wisely, a good stove will warm your home safely and efficiently for decades. Add to that the fact nothing beats the look of a real fire burning, and many people are deciding now is the time to think about installing one.”

BMF has just become the first retailer in Yorkshire to receive the Approved Retailer certification from HETAS, the official government-backed body which approves biomass and solid fuel domestic heating appliances, fuels and services. The scheme aims to ensure that customers receive a quality service when looking to purchase a solid fuel stove, being offered the appropriate advice on products, installation, safety and regulations. 

So if you are looking for a new woodburner this winter, what questions should you be asking and what key points do you need to consider? Ben explains:

• Regulations & requirements: There are rules relating to everything from flue pipes to ventilation and chimneys, which will need to be kept in mind when buying a stove. Do you have a flue/chimney and if you do, is it suitable? Chimneys can be too big, small, short, tall, cold or unsound which will mean either your stove will work inefficiently or can be unsafe. Generally, when an installation takes place, it will need to include lining any existing chimney, but take specialist advice on any further work which may be needed. If you don’t have a chimney – don’t worry, one can usually be built.

• Safety: There is a common misconception you don’t have to worry about Carbon Monoxide (CO) when you use solid fuel, only gas appliances. But burning any fuel can produce deadly CO so it’s vital you follow standard safety tips, ensuring you have sufficient ventilation, your appliance is properly fitted, your chimney is suitable and clear, the stove is well maintained and you have an audible alarm. 

• Maintenance: Many modern stoves now come with cleanburn technology, which blows super hot air down the glass, reducing the cleaning required, and also aids combustion efficiencies. Ashes do need removing, but usually once a fortnight rather than daily compared to open fires. Chimneys should be cleaned annually by a professional to make sure there’s no build up. A retailer will be able to advise on what can and can’t be burnt on the stove – and also help you source fuel, if you don’t already have a supply.

• Smoke Control areas: Following the Clean Air Acts of the 1960s, many towns and cities are now deemed ‘Smoke Control Areas’ in a bid to keep smog and air pollution to a minimum, including Leeds and some of the surrounding areas. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a solid fuel burning appliance - many modern stoves are so clean burning they have been approved for use even in smoke-free zones. 

• Choosing the right stove for you: Styles of stoves vary dramatically to suit differing tastes – from the traditional country cottage look of something like the Clearview 650, to modern masterpieces like the Harrie Leenders Pharos Interior which hangs suspended from the ceiling. But it is always worth paying for quality. A good stove, treated correctly, should easily look as good and work as efficiently in 20 years as it does today. A cheap stove will quickly start to show wear and tear. The size of the stove will also depend on what heat output you require – for example, whether the stove is heating the whole house or just one room.

• Choosing the right installer: Once you’ve chosen an appropriate stove, make sure you choose a professional, HETAS registered installers, as they are the only ones qualified to install solid fuel appliances. Don’t automatically go for the cheapest price – ask the installer to outline exactly what needs doing and how they will tackle the job to ensure they will cover everything you need. You should be issued with a HETAS certificate for your installation, which is the legal documentation you require.

BMF has a fireplace and woodburning stove showroom in Moortown, Leeds. For more information, visit www.bmfonline.co.uk or call 0113 2660096. 

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