Householders beware of installing wood burning stoves

As the summer draws to a close and energy companies announce another hike in fuel prices, many people will be thinking about cost effective ways to keep warm this winter. However, experts from Broseley Fires - a leading manufacturer of wood burning stoves - says that cheap Chinese imports combined with DIY installation could prove a lethal combination.

Tristan Johnston, product development engineer at Broseley, explained: “When times are hard it is understandable that people will try to save money and investing in a wood burner can be a great way to reduce heating costs. “But it is not worth putting lives at risk to save a few extra pounds by skimping on the cost of installation or buying a stove on an internet auction site that doesn’t meet stringent safety standards.” Mr Johnston went on to say that the company has seen an increasing number of cheap stoves with false EU safety markings. More alarmingly, many people think they can install the stove themselves or with the help of a friend.

“By law, once they have been installed stoves need to be checked and signed off by a local authority building control department, which can cost £200. However, a qualified engineer can self-certify their work to ensure it meets all necessary regulations,” he continued. “A badly fitted stove can cause a chimney fire, as can burning the incorrect fuel, and we have heard of cases where this has caused many thousands of pounds worth of damage.

“An even greater threat is carbon monoxide poisoning which can prove fatal and so it is vitally important that homeowners buy their wood burner from a reputable dealer – preferably a fire specialist – and insist that it is installed by a HETAS registered engineer.”

HETAS is the official body responsible for approving biomass and solid fuel domestic heating appliances, fuels and services - including the registration of competent installers and servicing companies. A HETAS or CE approved stove will also ensure that it is safe and fit for purpose.

Bruce Allen from HETAS added: “Making sure your stove is installed correctly is vitally important for safety. Not only that, but an installation which meets building regulations will also burn fuel more efficiently and cost less money to run.” Added Mr Johnston: “A recent survey carried out by Brosely found that 70% of our distributors and installers frequently met customers who believe they could install a stove on their own, without professional help, this is an issue that the whole industry needs to face up to.”