9 things to do before buying a log burner
Buying a log burner is exciting – choosing the model that’s going to be the focal point of your room may feel like a big decision, but have you thought about what else you need to consider?
From the fuel you’ll be burning and where you’re getting it from to who is installing it and who will be maintaining it, you’ll need to make sure you’re prepared before you can enjoy the warmth and glow of your new stove.
To help you, we have created a checklist of things that you shouldn’t forget – making sure you’ll have your feet up in front of the fire in no time.
1. Plan your installation timeline
Getting a wood burner installed isn’t usually done in a day. HETAS Registered Installers have busy schedules, and demand is higher than ever during the colder months, so you’ll need to get in contact early to secure your spot.
Depending on your house, there is a chance that your HETAS Registered Installer will need to look at additional chimney work, and unexpected complications can arise during the installation process.
Plan your installation during spring or summer if you’re hoping for an installation that’s ready to keep you warm over autumn and winter.
2. Check if you live in a smoke control area (SCA)
Some urban areas across the UK are smoke control areas (SCAs). This means there are additional rules around burning, designed to make sure only the cleanest wood burners are being used to burn high-quality fuel.
Find out everything you need to know about SCAs – including what you can and cannot do – in our explanatory article.
There’s no need to worry, though. Even if you do live in an SCA, the rules are easy to follow. All you have to do is use a modern stove, use high-quality fuel, and burn responsibly – it’s really as simple as that.
3. Find your ideal heat output
Not every size stove is suitable for every room. A higher heat output (measured in kW) will be able to give off more heat. Large stoves are great for big rooms and in houses with poorer insulation. A lower heat output will still keep you warm, but will begin to struggle with keeping a larger room warm. These stoves are ideal for cottages, narrowboats, and cosy living rooms.
Buying a stove that is too large for your room will tempt you to run it at low output, risking increased emissions and incomplete combustion. A stove that’s too small won’t be able to heat your room well enough, and could even lead to you overfiring your appliance, risking permanent damage and chimney fires.
Your local HETAS Approved Retailer can help you find the ideal log burner for your room, taking into account your room size, location, and insulation – make sure you get in touch with the experts if you’re unsure what size you need.
4. Measure twice, buy once
So you’ve found your dream stove: it’s highly efficient, has the perfect heat output, and it looks beautiful in your room. Before you jump the gun, remember that your stove doesn’t just need to fit; it needs to fit safely.
There are strict safety requirements to make sure your log burner is safely away from any combustible material, and these distances can vary depending on your exact model. Keep in mind that if you are getting your wood burner installed into an existing fireplace, some additional work may be needed to make it fit for purpose.
Your local HETAS Registered Installer knows the ins and outs of building regulation requirements – leave the complicated work to them, but be prepared for some extra work to be necessary for a safe and compliant log burner.
You’ll also need space to open the door fully and room to move around when refuelling, getting your annual service, or performing some cleaning and maintenance.
5. Decide if you will be burning logs, smokeless fuels, or both
Depending on your burning habits and your local supply of fuel, you’ll need to make the decision whether you’ll be buying a wood-burning stove or a multifuel stove. Think about where you’ll be buying your fuel and how often you’d want to be buying it – you may have access to bulk firewood or live near a store that has a steady stock of smokeless fuel, making it easy for you to stay stocked up.
As the names suggest, wood-burning stoves can burn just logs and multifuel stoves can burn both smokeless fuel and logs. Make sure you have somewhere to keep your spare fuel over summer, and read our advice on the best way to get bargain logs to save some money.
Remember, these stoves are specially designed to burn either just logs or just smokeless fuel or logs. Old pallets, plastic, and other unsuitable materials should never be burned in your fire – they may be combustible but they’re not safe to burn.
6. Look for a Cleaner Choice appliance
Log burners, multifuel stoves, and pellet stoves with Cleaner Choice certification have been independently verified to produce at least 50% less harmful particulates than the stringent legal requirements in the UK.
Choosing an appliance that has the Cleaner Choice mark gives you peace of mind that you are burning efficiently, safely, and cleaner.
There are plenty of options to choose from, with a range of stoves from well-known manufacturers across the UK that are sure to fit any home.
Cleaner Choice comes from HETAS, the industry-leading organisation in wood burning – giving you the assurance your home will be kept warm cleanly and safely.
7. Find your local HETAS Registered Installer
The next step after you’ve decided on your dream log burner is to find a qualified professional to install it.
HETAS Registered Installers have the training, knowledge, and experience to install your wood burner safely – making sure it complies with all relevant building regulations.
Using a HETAS Registered Installer makes sure your stove will work safely and efficiently, heating your home for years to come. You’ll also be provided with a Certificate of Compliance – something that is vital for validating your home insurance and is required when selling your home.
Our online postcode search lets you find professional installers near you.
8. Learn the basics and get your essential stove accessories
You’ll also need a few basic accessories to hand before you get burning, such as some heat-resistant gloves, tools for handling logs and ash, and a moisture meter to check your wood is safe to burn.
As you begin to master your log burner, you’ll find more accessories to help you enjoy those warm fires even more – ranging from cooking accessories to kindling buckets.
Lighting a fire and keeping your room warm may sound easy, but there are a few essential top tips every wood burner owner should know.
Your new appliance will come with comprehensive operating instructions and the HETAS Advice Hub has a range of tips to keep you burning safely.
Whether you’re looking for the best way to light your fire, the safest way to put it out, or just some maintenance tips to keep it looking and running like new, we are here to support.
Use a local HETAS professional for ongoing maintenance
As your local installer will have told you, now that your stove is installed, routine maintenance is vital for your stove to operate safely and efficiently.
Finding your local HETAS Approved Chimney Sweep will save you last-minute scrambles to book in your twice-yearly chimney sweeps. Equally, getting in touch with your local HETAS Approved Servicing Technician before your yearly stove maintenance will save you time, making sure your stove is safe to keep you warm for another winter.
Getting your chimney swept at least twice a year if you burn wood and at least once a year if you burn smokeless fuels is essential to keep your chimney free of flammable debris and your home safe.
Yearly maintenance and servicing from a professional will also make sure any degrading parts of your log burner are replaced and you are burning safely. Think of your stove’s maintenance like your car – you may not always immediately spot the issues, so it is best to get it routinely serviced and let the professionals eliminate any issues.
Ready to purchase?
Once you’ve worked through this checklist, you will be well-equipped to make an educated decision about your new log burner or multifuel stove. Remember that choosing a Cleaner Choice appliance, using HETAS registered professionals, burning responsibly, and committing to regular maintenance will give you the safest, cleanest, and most efficient burn.
You’ll get decades of warmth out of your new appliance – provided it is used and maintained properly.
For more information on the different types of stoves, how to choose the perfect log burner for your home, and so much more – visit the HETAS Advice Hub.
