We all know that the best stove installers are often unavailable due to their busy schedules from September right through to March time. During this period the UK tends to attract the coldest and the most challenging periods of weather. Those who have been considering a wood-burning or multifuel stove for weeks or months, suddenly decide now is the time. However, are you really mad to consider installing a stove in the summertime?
Unpredictable weather
Whether we like it or not, weather patterns in the UK continue to change with unseasonal warm periods over the winter and unseasonal cold periods over the summer. The reality is that predicting the UK weather from day-to-day is challenging but looking weeks and months ahead is a whole different universe. So, perhaps it is time to look towards the “warmer climes” to install your new wood-burning/multifuel stove and have it ready for the oncoming cold snap?
Conditions for installing
It is ironic demand for the installation of stoves peaks during the winter time when the weather can be and it’s most harsh and working days are often lost. One delayed installation job will have a knock-on effect all the way down the line with those suddenly deciding they want a stove regularly forced to wait months. As we mentioned above, the more traditional summer time period is not averse to windy days, rain and on occasion the odd flutter of snow, but you have less chance of your installation being delayed in the “quieter times” for the stove industry – and your installer is more likely to be free, unless they are enjoying their summer hols!
Thinking ahead
The process from acquiring a stove of to having the machine installed cannot only be fairly lengthy but will require a fair degree of thought as to location, finances and getting the best out of your machine. If you install your new stove of in the quieter summer period there will be days and nights where it is required and, by the time winter is upon us, you will have mastered the art of lighting your stove and maximising efficiency.
Unfortunately, many people underestimate the popularity of the stove business in the UK and are under the impression that a simple phone call will have a HETAS approved installer around to your home within hours. In busy times, what are the options?
Moving down the quality ladder
You have the stove, winter is approaching but the installation guidance is that you will have to wait months to have your machine installed by a HETAS approved installer. The temptation for many people is to look at those who do not have HETAS approval but “made a great job of installing my friend’s stove”. In many cases of substandard installations it may take months or years before the cracks literally start to appear and the substandard work begins to emerge.
Let’s not forget a faulty stove or flue is not only highly inefficient when it comes to converting fuel to heat but it is potentially dangerous. Do you really want to take the chance that potentially fatal fumes will be released into your home? In reality, all you need to do is plan ahead, pay the going rate and you will have very few problems in the longer term. Cutting corners and saving money tomorrow could quite literally be fatal the day after………….