Abingdon Living Jan - Feb 2020

Choosing and Installing
a Woodburning Stove
Installing a woodburning stove is a real investment, not only
increasing the value of a property but adding a sense of warmth and
comfort to the living space. However, with so much choice on the
market, it can be a daunting process. Vicky Naylor, General Manager
of ACR Stoves, gives her expert advice to help customers select the
right stove for their home.
CE Approved & Warranty
“Firstly, consumers should always ensure that their chosen stove is
CE approved – this is a legal requirement and guarantees the stove
has been tested to current standards and is therefore fit for purpose”,
comments Vicky. “Another benchmark to look for is the length of
warranty given by the manufacturer; some stoves are supplied with
a 12 month warranty whereas others have a 10 year warranty. The
longer the warranty, the more peace of mind to the consumer.”
SIA EcoDesign Approved
EcoDesign is the new approval which will replace CE approval from
2022. It is designed to make stoves cleaner and more efficient in the
battle to improve air quality. Members of the Stove Industry Alliance
(SIA) have signed up to ensure that their new models are EcoDesign
approved immediately, rather than when this requirement comes into
force in 2022. “Choose a SIA EcoDesign approved stove - they will be
one of the most environmentally friendly and efficient stoves available
on the market,” advises Vicky.
Installation
“Consumers should always enlist the help and advice of their stockist
and registered heating engineer (such as a HETAS engineer) before
purchasing their stove to ensure that the installation will comply
with Building Regs and the manufacturer’s instructions” comments
Vicky. She continues, “The chimney should always be checked for
soundness and lined if necessary. Each installation will be different - it
is important to ensure that the hearth requirements and clearances
are complied with. If you live in a smoke controlled area you must also
ensure that the stove you install is smoke exempt if you intend to burn
wood.”
Style of Stove
“When it comes to which type or style of stove to choose, it’s very
much down to personal choice. However, there are certain aspects,
such as the room itself, which do influence these decisions” advises
Vicky. “We are seeing the sales of 5Kw output stove sales increasing.
This is mainly due to less heat being required in homes due to today’s
better insulation levels, along with the fact that stoves are being
installed into smaller rooms. This is often because they now are
becoming a ‘must have’ on people’s wish lists.”
Vicky concludes, “We find that customers want to see as much of
the fire as possible, so the larger the glass viewing area the better.
The increase in open plan living spaces also means that many
homeowners are looking for a stove which can be placed in the
middle of the room and enjoyed from all angles, so stoves with more
than one viewing window are increasingly popular.”
ACR Stoves are experts in their field and are always happy to offer
expert advice tailored to your features, to arrange this please contact
hannah@baytreepr.com.
Pictured above: SIA EcoDesign Ready Buxton Multifuel Stove from
£1,115.00
www.abingdonliving.co.uk | 33