There are many different factors you should be thinking of before buying and installing a Stove. We are going to go through them now to ensure you make the right decision.
Size
By size we don’t just mean the obvious dimensions, even though these should be kept in mind, we mean the heat output. A stoves heat output is measured is kilowatts and the higher the number the more heat it will produce. So therefore, the bigger your room the more heat you need. To approximately calculate what kilowatt you need, use our handy calculator – all you need are the dimensions of your room.
Even though, the kilowatt size is the most important, you need to also consider the actual dimensions of the stove you want to buy. As many do, the stove will have to fit into a fireplace so make sure you measure this first before buying a stove.
Building Regulations
One of the main factors is complying with building regulations. You may have an idea where to put your stove but if this doesn’t coincide with the Building Regulations you have no chance. These regulations are to control how much space is left around the stove, where the flue exits the building, how close are yours and your neighbour’s windows to this and the size and material of the hearth.
Location
Make you sure you plan where your stove is going to be placed to allow space between the heat and combustible items you may have in the room. Dependent on what stove you choose, you may need to take into consideration the brands own advise regarding the gaps that need to be left between the walls and the stove.
Smoke Controlled Areas
Do you need a Defra Approved Stove? If you know the answer is yes, then take a look through our different brands to find yourself the perfect one. Fortunately, due to the increase of areas becoming smoke controlled, the brands have recognised this and produced a lot more stoves to choose from. So, you shouldn’t be short of options!
Chimney
Now this might seem like an obvious one, but there are only two options. If you have a chimney this is obvious place to have a stove installed. But if you don’t, you will need to consider a twin wall flue system that will run through your property internally or externally.
What Fuel?
Now to decide what you want to burn, just wood or other smokeless fuels. If just wood is suitable then you have a massive choice of wood burning stoves to choose from. If you are interested in burning other smokeless fuels, then you will need a multifuel stove. But remember to keep in mind that if you are in smoke controlled area you will have to burn wood or DEFRA exempt fuels.
Budget
In most people’s minds the budget is the first thing that is going to affect the choice of stove. Luckily, there are hundreds of brands out there that give you options whether you want to spend £200 or £200.
Brand and Style
Let’s get down to the good stuff, style. Now you need to ask yourself these questions – do you want traditional or contemporary, free-standing or inset? Either way you are going to have many choices.
Brand is also something you should consider. As humans, we tend to go for appliances that come from a well-known brand as they are well known for a reason. But remember these sometimes cost more which is sickening when you can get a stunning high-quality stove from a less known brand for half the price.
After reading this blog, you should be in a position to find your perfect stove!