Frequently asked questions.
What is Cleanburn ?
Cleanburn is a additional air flow within
the stove bringing air in at a higher level of the combustion chamber. This helps to ignite the volatiles
(potentially wasted fuel) in the smoke, resulting in lower emissions.
What is Airwash?
Airwash is a system where airflow is
directed down the glass pushing volatiles back into the fire to help keep the glass clean when burning for a better view of
the fire. Whether the glass stays clean is dependent
on the fuel you burn but most Airwash Systems do a good job. Burning wet or green wood, and bad quality fuels can still cause
the glass to blacken.
What is Multifuel?
A mutifuel appliance is capable of burning wood, coal and smokeless
fuel. Although most manufacturers specify wood or smokeless fuel and not coal, mainly down to environmental reasons and
high bitumen and creosote contents.
Who are Hetas?
Hetas are the governing board over solid fuel heating, very much like Corgi are to gas. They have
played a key part in setting a standard for stove installations, cutting down issues afterwards like inability to sweep and
downdrafts e.t.c. Getting a Hetas registered engineer should mean the appliance is fitted to the correct standard as shown
in Document `J` of the building regulations. What is Document `J`?
Document `J` is the building regulation for the installations of stoves, flues
and open fires. These regulations must be adhered to not only for a correct `sign off` of the installation but
also to make sure certain issues are addressed that help the stove to perform correctly.
Are stoves controllable?
Yes. Good quality Stoves are very controllable on both heat output and on the length of
the burn time. Different stoves operate at different levelsand generally the cheaper stoves have less control. Also
fuel quantities can help i.e less fuel less heat.
Can I install my own stove?
Yes you can, but its is essential that everything conforms
with Document “J” of the building regulations for safety reasons. If the installation does not conform you will
experience difficulty when selling the property as the installation will be questioned and reported on the property search
and relevant documents need including with your `homebuyer pack`. These should be legal requirements in 2007.
What is seasoned wood?
Seasoned wood has been stored outside
undercover with exposed sides for at least 2 years. During storage the wood expands and contracts pushing the sap out
leaving `dry` wood as an ideal fuel. Good woods to burn are Ash, Beech, Oak and generally it`s better to use hardwoods rather
than softwoods.
Which
is better, steel or cast?
Neither really. Cast iron tends to retain the heat longer but the difference is negligable. Cast is the
preferred option for people wanting a more ornate or traditional design whilst the steel stoves suit the modern
environment a bit better.
Do I need my chimney lined?
No you don`t as long as the chimney passes a `pressure test` but we prefer lining due
to the damage a stove can create.
The high level of control that you have with
a stove creates very high flue temperatures and due to the enclosed nature of the appliance the hot flue gasses are in the
chimney much longer. The result is much more `wear and tear ` on the chimney so we feel a metal flue liner is the best method
as it can be removed or replaced in the future.
What is a Pressure Test?
A Pressure Test for solid fuel use is specified in Doc `J` of the building regs.
It is to identify leaking chimneys and requires the chimney to be closed off at the top and bottom and inspection of
the chimney for faults.
Can
I fit a solid fuel stove anywhere?
With twin wall stainless steel chimney systems a stove can be fitted in many places although there
are limitation due to termination heights, distances from combustible materials and limitations on the amount of bends that
are allowed. We offer a flue design and installation service so please call for details.
Do I need an air vent?
Yes, for any outputs over 5kw. It doesn’t
matter if it is a large or small room or whether the room has gaps around, doors, windows or trickle vents. We must fit
a dedicated, permanently open air vent for stoves over 5kws.
Can I burn my stove overnight? (Slumbering)
Dependent upon fuel used
and quality of appliance. Although smokeless fuels should allow overnight burning at low rates of combustion. Seasoned wood
should give maximum 3-4 hours. Please note that some flue manufacturers do not allow slumbering and the guarantees will
be invalidated. This is due to the reduced burn rate creating more condensates and damage to the flue/chimney.
