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Who Should Install My Gas or Wood Burning Stove?
So, you've decided to take the plunge and invest in a stove for your home – a decision we applaud. But there's one big consideration you'll need to make – who should install your stove? Getting the installation right is essential whether you've chosen gas, multi-fuel, or the classic wood burner.
Safety Comes First
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about safety. Undoubtedly, a stove isn't just any other home accessory or appliance – it can potentially cause harm if not correctly installed. With that in mind, you'd want the best hands-on job.
Who Should Install My Wood Burning Stove?
Our advice to anybody looking to buy a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove is to always have it installed by a professional. We offer access to HETAS-registered stove installation professionals through our partners, Direct Heating Services.
When you buy your stove, you only need to drop a message to [email protected] or call 0161 699 0697. The friendly team will discuss your installation requirements and provide a quote. If you're happy, a survey will be booked. Once the survey is completed and everything's good to go, we will then schedule your installation for a convenient date and time.
Visit our stove installation page to find out more.
What is HETAS?
HETAS is the official body the government recognises to approve solid fuel domestic heating appliances, fuel, and services in England and Wales. Its role is to promote the safe and efficient use of solid fuels, wood, and biomass heating systems.
Things to Know
Stove certification: HETAS runs a certification scheme for heating appliances, fuels, and services. The scheme ensures that installers meet standards and regulations, particularly regarding safety and efficiency.
Training: The organisation provides training for installers to ensure they are competent in safely installing, commissioning, and servicing heating equipment.
Official registration: Installers and businesses can register with HETAS, which allows them to self-certify that their work complies with any relevant building regulations. A registered installer will have a HETAS ID card - proof of their competence.
Vigilance and promoting safety: One of HETAS's primary goals is using solid fuel appliances to promote safety. They provide advice and information to consumers and professionals alike about these systems' safe and efficient use.
Extensive database: HETAS maintains a list of approved products, services, and installers who are registered with them. This helps consumers make informed choices and ensures the products or services they select meet the necessary standards.
Looking for a HETAS installer near you? Visit the HETAS website here.
Who Should Install My Gas Stove?
For gas stoves, you can't take chances. These appliances are fabulous ways to warm the home but can be seriously dangerous if not installed correctly.
You should trust a Gas Safe registered engineer for your gas stove installation. The Gas Safe Register, the official gas registration body for the UK, has accredited these professionals. When you choose a Gas Safe registered engineer, you will ensure the following:
Proper installation: They have been trained and examined rigorously.
Safety assurance: Gas leaks are dangerous. But when you have your gas stove installed by one of these experts, such risks are minimal.
Regulation compliance: Gas Safe registered engineers are updated with the latest safety regulations and best practices.
As with wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves, we also facilitate the safe and professional installation of gas stoves through our partners, Direct Heating Services.
As mentioned above, email [email protected] or call 0161 699 0697 to discuss your installation requirements. Firstly, we'll give you a quote, and if you're happy with it, book you in for a survey. Once the survey has been completed, we will then schedule the installation for a convenient time if everything is suitable.
Learn more: Visit our stove installation page here.
What is the Gas Safe Register?
The Gas Safe Register is the official and definitive list of engineers legally allowed to undertake gas work in the UK. Formerly known as CORGI, the Gas Safe Register has, since 2009, been the hallmark of trust and assurance for consumers and the gas industry alike.
What You Should Know
Legal requirement: In the UK, it's the law for anybody carrying out gas work to be registered on the Gas Safe Register. This ensures that the person has met the necessary competency standards to operate safely and legally within the UK.
Broad coverage: The register covers all types of gas work, including installing boilers, cookers, and gas fires, as well as servicing and repairing appliances.
Identity card: Every engineer on the Gas Safe Register carries an ID card with their own unique licence number. This ID card details the types of gas work they are qualified to do. And it's always good practice to ask to see this ID card before any gas work begins.
Safety: The primary aim of the Gas Safe Register is to protect the public from unsafe gas work. It provides a platform for people to report illegal gas work or check the validity of their gas engineer.
Regular checks: Engineers on the register undergo regular inspections to ensure they maintain the required competence level and adhere to the stipulated standards. This ensures the safety and quality of the work they provide.
Public awareness: The Gas Safe Register also runs public awareness campaigns to inform people about gas safety, the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, and the importance of annual appliance safety checks.
Visit the Gas Safe Register website: Find a professional near you here.
Why You Shouldn't DIY
While handling home improvements on your own can be really satisfying, there are some areas where professional intervention isn't just advisable – it's crucial. Installing a gas, wood-burning, or multi-fuel stove is one of those areas. Here's why a DIY approach isn't the best choice:
Safety Hazards
Installing a stove without the proper expertise can lead to various hazards.
Gas leaks: In the case of gas stoves, even a tiny error can result in gas leaks, which are a fire hazard.
Smoke and fumes: With wood-burning stoves, an incorrect installation might mean inadequate ventilation, subsequently accumulating smoke and harmful fumes inside your home.
Carbon monoxide leaks: Gas, wood-burning, and multi-fuel stoves all carry a risk of carbon monoxide leaks when not installed safely.
Learn more: What Gas Stove Installation Requirements Are There?
Inefficiency
Your stove may not operate optimally if you do not have it installed correctly. As a result, you could burn more fuel than necessary, leading to higher bills and a less satisfactory heating experience.
Invalid Warranty
Many manufacturers have warranty conditions that require installation by certified professionals. A DIY installation could void this warranty, meaning you're out of pocket if something goes wrong.
Building Regulations
Both gas and wood-burning stoves have to adhere to specific UK building regulations. Failing to meet these might put you at risk. Plus, selling your property could result in legal repercussions or problems.
Read more: Are There Building Regulations For a Stove?
Cost Implications
While DIY could save on upfront installation costs, any mistakes you make can be expensive to rectify. In worst-case scenarios, you might need to purchase a new stove or pay for extensive property repairs due to damage.
Complexity
Installing a stove is about more than just connecting a few pipes. You need to understand the stove's specifications, ensure proper ventilation, ensure the flue is correctly placed and secured, and ensure safety measures are in place. Each of these steps is crucial - and a professional is fully trained on them.
Post-Installation Checks
Even after the stove is installed, you must have essential checks and tests conducted to ensure everything is in order. Professionals have the tools and know-how to perform the inspections, ensuring your stove is installed correctly and operates safely.
Learn more: Service Your Stove In Summer
Find a Professional to Install Your Stove
Whether you're going for wood-burning, multi-fuel, or gas, it evidently pays to have your stove installed by a professional. Visit our installation page here to learn more about HETAS or Gas Safe approved installation from Direct Stoves and Direct Heating Services.
We also offer free next-day delivery to the UK mainland, no-hassle 14-day returns, and a range of finance options to spread the cost of your new wood-burning, multi-fuel, or gas stove.
Got questions? Our customer service team can help. Call 0161 516 8860 or email [email protected]. Or, you can visit our showrooms in Cheadle, Bromsgrove, and Stockport.
Need More Information?
You might like:
- The Ultimate Guide to Wood Burning Stove Installation Costs in 2023
- Wood-Burning Stove Buying Guide
- Multi-Fuel Stove Buying Guide
- Gas Stove Buying Guide
- Can You Install a Stove in an Existing Fireplace?
- What Gas Stove Installation Requirements Are There?
- Can I Install a Wood Burning Stove in a Conservatory?
- Do You Need a Carbon Monoxide Detector?
- Can You Fit a Log Burner in an Airtight House?
- What Parts and Accessories Do I Need to Fit a Stove?
- Can You Convert a Gas Fireplace to a Wood Burning Stove?
- Do You Need a Flue For a Gas Stove?