FAQs

This depends on the age of the house, condition of the chimney and whether it has been clay or pumice lined previously. Simply Stoves work closely with a select few HETAS registered installers. Through years of experience, our installers are capable of answering this question. We offer a FREE on site survey carried out in your property at a time to suit you. Contact us directly to arrange a free survey.

Yes! Simply Stoves offer the highest quality Twin Wall flues and components which enable a wood burning stove to be installed in almost any building. Due to the complexity of twin wall flues and the associated components, we offer a FREE on site survey. This survey is carried out by a HETAS registered engineer. Furthermore, they can supply CAD drawings to present exactly how your new flue system will look.

The choice is yours! Have the product delivered directly to your home (delivery charges apply) or collect from our Essex showroom. Collection is available once your product(s) arrives to our warehouse. If you have any queries on this, contact us on 01621 772221 or email [email protected]

It is important to get the most appropriate output for the area you are trying to heat. If you have the stove in a fireplace, always ensure it fits into the opening with sufficient clearance.

The online calculators are a useful guide but other factors will need to be taken into account. For example; the insulation value of the walls, whether the windows are double or single glazed or if you have high or vaulted ceilings.

Stairs in a room will affect the distribution of heat. This includes archways or door openings into other rooms. It is always best to have a HETAS registered installer survey the property for peace of mind.

Planning is not required for the installation of a stove into an existing chimney stack with a chimney liner or new Twin Wall system. However, you should use a suitably qualified HETAS installer. Planning permission may be required if building a new chimney. Always check with your local authority to confirm if permission is required.

Chimney Liner size will depend on the make and model of your chosen stove. Find flue sizes under the “specifications” tab on our products. If you cannot find your chosen stove on our website, please contact us. A member of our sales team will be happy to help. 

Most Wood Burning and Multifuel stoves require a minimum flue size of 150mm (6 inches). Always check the installation instructions. The 2010 edition of the Approved Document J permits a minimum flue diameter of 125mm (5 inches) for a closed appliance of up to 20kW rated output. These stoves generally meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act when burning wood. Find these under our DEFRA approved stoves section.

One of the most common problems experienced by owners of Wood Burning and Multifuel stoves is using unsuitable fuel. We recommend burning logs with a moisture level of 25% or less to avoid any problems. Look out for the Woodsure sticker.

Logs burnt with high moisture content are generate very little heat. Most of the energy is being used to drive off the moisture in the form of water vapour and steam. This mixes with the resins and products of combustion when burning to create tar that damages the appliance and blocks the flue. In turn, this risks dangers of a chimney fire or fumes escaping back into the room.

Burning green or wet wood is inefficient. These create high volumes of pollution smoke and, in many cases, will void the warranty on your stove. Always avoid burning the incorrect fuel. 

This really depends on personal choice, many customers like to have the option to burn both Smokeless fuel and logs and therefore choose a Multifuel burner, but if you intend to only ever burn logs on your chosen appliance then a pure Wood Burner may be the way forward for your needs. The main differences between a Wood Burning stove and a Multifuel stove is that the Multifuel versions come with a grate and Ashpan to aid in the burning of smokeless fuel, if you are still unsure of which stove option to go with Contact a member of our sales team who will be happy to help you based on your requirements.

Cast Iron will generally holds heat longer than steel. However, takes longer to heat up. Cast Iron is made in moulds. Therefore, motifs and patterns can be added. Alternatively, a steel stove will always be plain. This is personal preference. Cast Iron needs to be “Seasoned” (broken in gently) within the first week of burning to avoid cracking. This is very uncommon but recommended.

There is little difference in the performance of the two materials regarding the efficiency. Keep aware of cheap cast iron stoves. These are made of cheaper quality casting and more prone to cracking.

Yes, a Hearth is always required when installing a wood or multifuel stove. A suitable non combustible hearth of the right size and specification is required to protect any combustible material underneath and provide an area to catch any embers or burning fuel that might fall from the fire or stove. It is also meant to clearly show the area where combustible material such as carpet must not placed, Simply Stoves offer a wide range of natural stone suitable for cutting and using as a beautiful hearth.

This will depend on the size of the stove chosen. Any stove that produces over 5KW output of heat will need to have an Aircore Ventilator installed in the room to abide by regulations in Approved Document J of the Building Regulations for England & Wales. This Ventilator will provide a permanent open air supply for the stove.

Yes. From 1st October 2010, a new legislation was brought in as part of building regulations. This requires a Carbon Monoxide Detector is installed within the room for all new or replacement solid fuel appliances. Additionally, this brings peace of mind for both you and your family when the stove is lit, ensuring it is running correctly.

If burning dry seasoned or kiln dried wood you should sweep your chimney at least once a year and twice a year if burning solid mineral fuel (anthracite etc). Sweep the chimney before, during and after the heating season. Sweeping the flue keeps the chimney clear, to ensure the appliance operates efficiently and safely. Removing any tar like deposits will reduce the risk of a chimney fire. If wet wood has been burnt it is advisable to sweep the chimney more often to remove these deposits. Always check that the sweep is qualified and leaves a sweeping certificate, and beware of any sweep who does not use a proper bristle brush suited to the size of the flue.

Many people frequently ask about the implications of installing solid fuel and wood burning appliances in “smoke controlled areas”. The Clean Air Act allows Local authorities to declare “smoke controlled areas” in which the emissions of smoke from domestic properties are banned.

This act was created to prevent the damaging “smogs” that frequently occurred in the 1950s and 60s. Under the Act, it is also an offence to emit smoke from the chimney of a building located in a “smoke controlled area”.  Alternatively, to acquire an “unauthorised fuel” for use within a smoke control area unless it is used in an “exempt” appliance. Many parts of the UK are still designated as “smoke control areas”. More details can be viewed on the Gov.co.uk website. Additionally, Gov.co.uk offers information on authorised fuels and exempt appliances.

A DEFRA approved appliance is one that has passed specific tests for burning wood in smoke control areas. Just because a stove may be described as clean burning does not mean it is automatically approved for use in smoke control areas, which is why the smoke control website should be checked.

Consumable parts do not fall under the manufacturer. In addition, they might not qualify for a free replacement at any point from date of installation. Including but not limited to; firebricks, rope seal and/or door glass. For further information on your warranty, please check your appliance manual. Alternatively, contact us via email.