FAQ - Stove Operation

Yes, you can install a stove yourself, but you’ll need to have your local building control officer inspect and approve the installation. However, we would recommend a suitable trained HETAS Installer to safely install your new stove. Always follow the Manufacturer’s Guidelines.

As of May 2021, the Air Quality Regulations (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) in England came into effect, banning the sale of wet wood and house coal.

As a result, our recommendation to burn only well-seasoned wood with moisture content below 20% is now the standard for all wood and solid fuel retailers.

A wood burner is specifically designed to burn wood only, while a multifuel stove can burn both wood and solid fuels like smokeless coal. The conditions for burning wood and coal differ: wood requires air to flow over the top of the logs, whereas coal needs an air supply from beneath the fuel bed.

The best types of wood for burning are Birch, Ash, and Beechwood. Oak is also a good choice, but it typically requires a longer drying time. Many types of wood are too wet to burn effectively, so it’s a good idea to check the moisture content with a moisture meter. The ideal moisture level is between 16% and 20%.

Dedicated wood burning appliances are designed to burn wood only. However, there are some wood burning models that can be converted to a solid fuel appliance using an optional multi-fuel kit.

Modern stoves are designed to operate with the doors closed (except when refuelling) for optimal air supply. They rely on the right combination of primary, secondary, and tertiary air to burn efficiently. Primary air helps start the fire, secondary air burns unburnt fuel particles, and tertiary air (Airwash) keeps the glass clean. The exact settings depend on the stove and practice. A thermometer on the stovepipe can help determine the ideal refuelling time. The flue system, which removes combustion products, is crucial for clean and efficient combustion and must be properly designed by the installer.

The benefits of direct air supply for your stove are especially important in modern homes, particularly new builds that are more airtight. Here's why:

• Improved Efficiency: Direct air ensures that the stove’s combustion air comes from outside the building, rather than using the warm air from inside the room. This improves the stove’s efficiency, as it won’t deplete the room's air or affect the internal temperature.
• Safety: Using air from outside the building also ensures that the stove is not drawing in the air needed by the occupants to breathe. This helps to prevent a dangerous drop in oxygen levels inside the home.
• Preventing Issues in Airtight Spaces: Modern, well-insulated homes with minimal ventilation can create problems when a stove is installed. A typical stove uses between 14 to 25 cubic meters of combustion air every hour, while a UK living room might only have around 40 to 50 cubic meters of air. In an airtight room, the stove could quickly deplete the oxygen available and negatively impact performance.
• Avoiding Dangerous Emissions: By providing a continuous supply of combustion air from outside, direct air supply ensures that the flue's updraught is more effective, helping to prevent the escape of dangerous emissions like carbon monoxide into the home.

Overall, a direct air supply is essential in maintaining your stove's performance, ensuring safety, and improving efficiency, particularly in energy-efficient or airtight homes.

If your stove smells the first time you use it, it's usually due to a burn-off process known as the "curing process." This smell is typically caused by the paint on the stove bonding with the metal, though other factors can also contribute.