Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are they banning stoves?

A: : Contrary to what many of the headlines in today’s press might lead you to believe, wood burning stoves are NOT being banned. Defra has announced that it will ban the sale of traditional bituminous house coal, that wood sold in single units under 2m3 (loose stacked) must have a moisture content of 20% or less & there will be a national requirement for certified controlled sulphur content and a smoke emission limit on manufactured solid fuels.

Using dry wood on a modern Ecodesign ready appliance is PROVEN to lead to better air quality by improving efficiency & significantly LOWERING particulate emissions. ESSE’s focus for 2020 and – indeed – the new decade, is on the clean-burning qualities of the latest wood-burning stoves ahead of the new emissions requirements ushered in by the 2022 Ecodesign requirements.

After some ‘bad press’ about wood burning stoves in recent years, they’re preparing to push back against the scare stories and headlines. The UK Government is again NOT preparing to ban wood-burning stoves, but it does want to ensure the nation burns high quality firewood from sustainable sources in efficient, clean burning stoves.
As pioneers of clean combustion for more than 165 years, ESSE has been at the forefront of efficient stove design since 1854 and they will be unveiling a positive new vision for the future of natural heating products later this year.

Q: Does the stove price include fitting?

A: No, this is the price for the stove only.

Q: Do I need a site survey for a wood-burning or gas stove?

A: Yes, if you would like us to do the install, a free site survey must be carried out before a price can be given as every fireplace, chimney and building are different.

Q: Why is it important to line a Chimney?

A: Wood burners can give off certain fumes. The lining keeps all gases inside the chimney to direct the smoke and gas away, out of your property.

Q: Do I need to install an air vent for my stove?

A: Stoves with a heat output of over 5kW require additional ventilation however some new build properties require an air vent regardless of output size so always check.

This can be supplied via a permanent vent to the room. Some of the ESSE models offer the option to duct combustion air directly into the appliance.

Q: What size stove do I need?

A; The way to calculate size of stove required for the room is as follows:
Length (m) x width (m) x height (m) / 14 = output (kw)

Q: What is the efficiency on stoves?

A: Most multi-fuel stoves have efficiency ratings around 75-85% compared to 25% with open fires however we also sell flue-less ESSE gas stoves which have a 100% efficiency.

Q: How often should I have my chimney swept?

A: We usually suggest getting your stove swept & serviced once per year, but some people require it more or less often depending on how much it is used and what is burned on it.

Q: Do ESSE electric cookers need to be serviced?

A: No, they do not require servicing.

Q: Can you fit to my current chimney liner?

A: No. All parts must be known and checked by the installer as it falls back to them should anything go wrong, this is to guarantee all work and your safety.

No Hetas registered installer will fit to unknown or used stove parts.

Q: Does the Chimney need to be lined to install a Wood Burning Stove?

A: It is usually recommended that you do line your chimney when installing a wood burning stove.

The installer must be satisfied that the chimney is free from any defects and is fully suitable to be used. Lining the chimney ensures compliancy and safety,
If it can be proven sound (usually using a smoke test), the diameters are suitable, the installer can connect to the chimney which complies to the regulations, it can be swept, and all building regulations are followed then you don’t have to fit a chimney liner.

Q: Do I need to burn seasoned wood on my stove?

A: Yes. Wood should be cut, split and left to season in a dry, well ventilated area for at least one year. Investing in a moisture metre is a good way of testing your logs – if the moisture content is 20% or less they are ready to burn. We recommend The Log Shed for all your fuel needs, www.thelogshed.com

Q: Can I burn smokeless fuel on my stove?

A: Providing your stove has a multi-fuel grate fitted there are a number of smokeless fuels that are approved for burning on stoves.

Q: I don’t have a chimney – can I still have a stove?

A: Yes. We can install stoves where no chimney is present with a twin wall flue system either inside your property going through ceiling above or out the property wall and up the external wall.

Q: What does DEFRA approved mean and is it relevant?

A: This type of stove allows you to burn wood in a smoke-controlled areas.

Q: Do You Need Planning Permission for a Wood Burning Stove?

A: There is much misconception around installing a wood burning stove and whether you need planning permission or not. Historically you may need some kind of clearance from your local authority, but with new updated changes, the vast majority of cases need no formal permission.

You do not technically require planning permission to install a wood burning stove, however since 2005 it has been a legal requirement to let your local authority building control department know of your intentions – no matter what type of heating appliance you are installing. When you use a specialist stove installer who is registered on the HETAS competent persons scheme there no need for any notifications as they will issue their own certification and registration.

Always keep in mind that any stove must comply with legal requirements for safety reasons.

Usually, altering or replacing external factors of the flue, chimney or soil and vent pipe is considered to be permitted and doesn’t require planning permission; however, keep the following regulations in mind:

The flue is only allowed to a maximum of one metre above the highest part of the roof.

If the building is listed or in a segregated property area/conservation then you should check with your local planning authority before a flue is fitted.

No flue should be fitted on the side elevation of a building that faces onto a highway.

If the flue is located internally within an existing chimney stack then you would not require planning permission, however it would be necessary if you require a new external flue.

Please keep in mind that building regulations and planning permissions are two completely different issues. Your wood burning stove will need signing off by either the councils building control department or a HETAS registered installer.