HETAS Approved Retailer

HETAS have established the Approved Retailer certification so that consumers can be directed to retailers that meet standards for service quality. We will provide a web site listing of approved retailers and their key features.

Good retailers can now differentiate their offering and get more customers through their door.

There will be support from HETAS in the form of standard advice sheets and a training course. Approved Retailers will receive a certificate as well as being able to purchase window display stickers and ID badges and batches of advice sheets for use in the showroom. Approved Retailers will also be shown on our web directory for consumers.

We will list retailer features to help the consumer make an informed choice as to who to visit, including the number of hot appliances on show, contact details and an embedded map to help consumers find their nearest Approved Retailer.

The scheme is targeted at retailers of (solid fuel) stoves and fuel retailers. Any retailer located in the UK can apply, however you must have access to training.



Why have HETAS introduced this certification?

We want to maintain the good reputation for heating with solid fuel (biomass and mineral). We need retailers to give appropriate advice to consumers in order that the consumer gets a good experience from their equipment. This includes buying a size of stove that is appropriate to their room and taking measures to ensure appropriate maintenance is carried out, amongst a range of other advice. In return we offer our endorsement of the best solid fuel appliance retailers in the UK by listing them on our web directory and authorising the use of an Approved Retailer logo to advertise on their marketing literature and in the showroom.

Requirements for applicants

Trained staff

At least one showroom staff member must have received HETAS approved training (possibly with up-dates). The level of training is the H002 - Solid Fuels Regulations and Standards course. Trained staff will be able to advise on choosing an appropriate installation for the home, including how to size the appliance and design an appropriate flue connection that eases sweeping and soot extraction and various other home survey considerations. The purpose of this training is to ensure that consumers' questions related to regulatory requirements and best practice can be handled with confidence.



Appropriate display

Stoves on display should have ‘prime details’ on prominent display with a listing that includes efficiency, fuel types, HETAS approved status and ‘smoke controlled area’ exemption status. Appliance instructions should be in English and must include expected maintenance tasks. Fuels for sale should show accreditation status, country of origin and key characteristics (moisture content, kWhs if possible and pack size). Full details of labelling guidelines can be found in the requirements document

Complete advice

The complete set of advice available should include building regulations, smoke control areas, how to achieve efficient burning, how to maintain your appliance, how to stay safe, how to achieve a legal installation, chimney sweeping and integration with other technologies. Some of this advice will be facilitated by ‘advice sheets’ supplied by HETAS. Each retailer must at least display a master list of the sheets available and preferably enable consumers to pick their own copies. A starter pack of advice sheets will be provided after scheme registration. Further copies can be printed from electronic masters provided free (or packs sent from HETAS subject to charge). Advice sheet updates will be emailed and downloadable from our web site.

How does the application process work?

Retailers will demonstrate that they meet the necessary requirements by post, there is no visit for the initial assessment. Retailers will provide proof that one of their showroom staff has received appropriate training. Labels in use for fuel sales and equipment sales must be provided in both electronic form (showing standard layout) and photographic evidence of use in shop.

Training Course Requirement

The two day course H002 – Solid Fuel Regulations and Standards is the minimum training required for at least one member of showroom staff – see Training Course information for details of the course content and a link to the training dates available. HETAS may be able to plan new dates with special rates if stove shops want to put groups of staff through the course.

If the planned dates and venues do not meet your needs, please register your interest with HETAS so we can plan more availability.

Policing

We have a team of staff and associates travelling around the country covering inspections. They will be conducting drop-in audits once per year (typically) without pre-warning. Checks that requirements are being met will be reported. Any complaints about retailers will be assessed fairly to establish the facts on both sides and come to an agreement on a suitable way forward.

Costs

The annual fee for HETAS Approved Retailer is £150. For those retailers that are already a HETAS registered business the annual fee is set at a reduced price of £100. Advice sheets are available to purchase through HETAS or free to print from PDF's. Optional extras such as window stickers and ID cards for trained advisors are available also.

Scheme logo

The logo below will be available for you to use once you have successfully completed the application process.



Register your interest

Please contact retailer@hetas.co.uk to register your interest in the scheme. Please advise your full contact details. Alternatively, find a copy of the application pack here or email for a paper copy to be sent to your address.

Net to gross efficiencies

For appliances that quote net efficiencies retailers can use the following factors to help them attain the gross efficiency of an appliance. Note: this will give approximate values.

Conversion factor for wood: Net x 0.91 = Gross

Conversion factor for wood pellets: Net x 0.926 = Gross

Conversion factor for anthracite or  manufactured smokeless fuel: Net x 0.98 = Gross

Conversion factor for bituminous coal (house coal): Net x 0.97 = Gross