Welcome to the HETAS Advice Hub
Here you will find all you need to know about anything stove related. From choosing the right stove for you through to top tips on how to burn better, lighting your fire, making sure your fuel is Ready to Burn and everything in between.
Working together for a cleaner and safer environment.
Buyer’s guide
The 7 types of stoves explained
It’s easy to forget just how vast the market is for stoves and solid fuel appliances. The HETAS team have created this simple guide to help you understand each type of stove.
How to choose the perfect wood-burning stove for your home
Deciding on the right wood burner for your home isn’t easy. The HETAS team have created this article as an easy way for you to choose the cleanest stove that is right for you.
Before you purchase
Consumer Guide to Ecodesign and Defra
The HETAS team has put together a simple guide to give you an overview of Ecodesign and Defra Exemption requirements.
Do I need my chimney lined?
One of the most common questions the HETAS team is asked on our helpline. Our useful guide will help you decide if you need a liner.
Are you in a Smoke Control Area? (SCA)
The HETAS team provide an overview of Smoke Control Areas and what this means if you’re looking to install a stove in an SCA.
Keeping you safe – rogue traders, logo misuse, and imitation businesses
The HETAS team detail how to identify rogue traders, logo misuse, and imitation businesses to help you keep safe.
Safety Advice for Installations of Fireplace Surrounds
Installing fireplace surrounds safely is an important issue. The HETAS team cover important safety tips to consider before installation.
After your installation
Your Certificate of Compliance
Customers using a HETAS Registered Installer in England and Wales will receive either a HETAS Certificate of Compliance (Building Regulation Compliance Certificate) from the installer on the completion of installation work or through the post if the installer notifies the installation online. Your installer will let you know which method of certification they will be using. You can also order replacement certificates using our self-service search and order.
16 things you should never burn in your wood burner
You could be risking a fine, the longevity of your stove, or even a house fire you burn these things in your wood burner.
How to light a fire
Lighting a fire can sometimes be difficult and there are countless guides on the internet. Our team has pulled together the best guidance available so you can get it right first time.
Top tips for using your wood burner responsibly and safely
Burning responsibly and safely will increase the efficiency of your stove and reduce its environmental impact.
How to choose the correct fuel for optimal burning
Every stove user has a responsibility to burn correctly. Following these top tips will help you continue burning optimally and responsibly.
Safe Disposal of Ash from Your Stove
HETAS is advising homeowners to safely dispose of ash from their wood burning and multi fuel stoves following a recent carbon monoxide incident and house fire.
How to avoid overfiring your wood burner
Prolonged and repeated overfiring can lead to increased deterioration and even permanent damage to your stove.
Refuel your appliance safely
Recent research has raised the issue of refuelling a fire, so we have put together some tips to help you safely refuel.
Cold Plug – Winter Safety Advice
An unexpected issue for stove users during winter can be a cold plug in their flue. The HETAS team offers advice to help resolve this problem.
What is creosote and why is it dangerous in your chimney?
Creosote is a highly flammable, tar-like deposit in a chimney that consists of soot, chemicals, and a range of particles originating from incomplete combustion when burning wood.
Top tips for keeping your stove glass clean
The HETAS team have put together some top tips for keeping your stove glass clean, so you can continue to enjoy the perfect view of those flames.
Top Tips
Slumbering your stove
The HETAS team offer some top tips on why you should avoid slumbering your appliance, unless it is specifically designed to do so.
Log storage – how to store your firewood correctly and safely
Log storage is something that can easily be overlooked; follow this guide to store your firewood correctly and safely.
How to keep coal-based fuels and manufactured solid fuels (MSF) dry
Keeping your coal-based fuel dry prevents energy being wasted on burning off water and any resulting steam from potentially causing damage to your flue liner, affecting the integrity of your installation.
Why do I need my chimney swept?
If you use a stove or an open fireplace, getting your chimney swept is essential. An unswept chimney can cause extremely dangerous hazards.
What does a chimney sweep do?
When you book a chimney sweep, the work they undertake will entirely depend on the condition of your chimney. This article will explain what a chimney sweep does and how you can prepare for your visit.
Why do I have creosote in my chimney?
Creosote occurs naturally when burning wood. However, there are irresponsible burning practices and appliance oversights that can contribute to larger, more frequent, and dangerous build-ups.
What is an uncommissioned stove?
An uncommissioned stove, also referred to as a decommissioned wood burner, relates to a stove that has been disabled by a HETAS Registered Installer pending maintenance or further inspection.
Why does my wood burner smell?
Part of the aesthetic of your wood burner is the cosy fireplace smell – this familiar smell is not something to worry about! However, your stove may require investigation if it has started producing odours that are new, stronger than usual, or out of place.
Cost-saving tips to beat the energy crisis
We know many of you will be looking for cost-saving solutions to beat the energy crisis this winter, find some tips to utilise the heat from your stove.
How to replace stove rope
Knowing how to identify stove rope degradation, when to replace a degrading stove rope, and how to complete the job yourself will ensure your wood burner can continue to burn efficiently and safely.
Need some help?
HETAS is concerned with the safety, technical standard and compliance to Building Regulations of the work carried out by its Registrants.
We do however understand that complaints can arise from time to time. Where concerns are raised, we encourage consumers to first discuss the issues directly with the installer. If you still have concerns or where this is not possible, please get in touch with our helpful team for support.