Stove Installation

Stove installation is covered by building regulations document J. This details many regulations that you must adhere to when installing a stove, flue system or chimney as well as various recommendations and good practices.

Self installation

Many of our customers install their wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves themselves. Usually the installation process is fairly simple and we are happy to advise as to how to go about the job - we have many years experience of stove installations.
If you install a stove yourself then you should inform Building control so that they can come and inspect the installation. This is not a major undertaking and does not cost very much.

Stove installation by a builder

Many of our customers have their stoves and flues installed by builders. Often builders will have prior experience of this and even if they do not a competant builder will quickly be able to grasp the concepts and techniques needed, guided by us when needed. Like self installation of a stove you will still need to get Buidling control approval of your stove, flue, or chimney installation.

Hetas registered installers

www.hetas.co.uk

Hetas runs the Competent Persons Scheme. They train stove and flue installers in good practice techniques. If you have your stove or flue installed by a hetas registered installer then you do not need Buidling control approval for the job as it is assumed that the job is doen well and in accordance with all regulations and recommendations.

In general we have found that Hetas registered stove and flue installers are competant and provide a good service. However there are exceptions - just because someone has gone on a short course does not necessarily make them careful, competant, or skillful. We have come across a few cases where Hetas Registered installers provided a less than perfect service. This is in no way a reflection on Hetas itself - please just bear this in mind when assessing your chosen installers.

About HETAS Ltd

HETAS Ltd (heating equipment testing and approval scheme) with its distinctive three-tick logo, is the organisation recognised by the department of transport, local government and regions (DTLR) as the official approval body for the domestic solid fuel industry. Established in 1936, HETAS Ltd is a non-profit making independent body whose prime function is to ensure that the highest possible standards are maintained throughout the solid fuel heating industry by regular testing and inspection of appliances, fuels and other associated equipment used in the domestic market.

How will the Hetas competent persons scheme help you?

HETAS Ltd with its long history of dealing with all matters relating to stoves has developed a registration scheme for companies and individual engineers involved with installation of stoves and other related equipment. However, it should be noted that not all the companies are registered for the installation of central heating stoves and some chimney lining systems. It is therefore important to confirm what level of registration the company has before using their services.

Companies applying for membership to the HETAS Ltd registration scheme will have to meet a number of conditions before acceptance.

The main conditions are:
• They will employ HETAS Ltd trained engineers
• That their workmanship (on inspection) is of a good standard
• They have the required level of Public Liability Insurance
• They respond to customer concerns in a positive way

Companies accepted into membership of the registration scheme will not need to seek building control approval before commencement work. This should save you both time and money.

How to contact HETAS

Full details of the companies registered with HETAS Ltd under the Competent Persons Scheme are available from the following sources:

HETAS Ltd
PO BOX 37
Bishops Cleeve
Gloucestchire
GL52 9TB

www.hetas.co.uk

The Solid Fuel Association
7 Swanwick Court
Alfreton
Derbyshire
DE55 7AS
Tel: 0845 601 4406
Fax: 01773 834351

sfa@solidfuel.co.uk

Service and Maintenance

In order to ensure that your new stove maintains its performance and operates in a safe manner HETAS Ltd recommends that an annual service (including chimney sweeping is carried out. Many of the companies registered with HETAS Ltd are additionally able to undertake service and maintenance of stoves in a professional manner. The addresses above should be contacted to identify which companies are registered for this type of work.

Approved Chimney Sweeps

In addition to the HEATS Ltd regfister of companies able to undertake the installation and servicing of stoves, they also operate a nationwide list of approved chimney sweeps. Again details can be obtained from the contact points above or directly from:

The national association of chimney sweeps
Unit 15
Emerald Way
Stone Busimess Park
Stone
Staffordshire
ST15 0SR

Tel: 0800 833 464
Fax: 01785 811712
Email: nacs@chimneyworks.co.uk
Email: www.chimneyworks.co.uk