Frequently Asked Questions
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How often should I get my chimney swept?
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Regular sweeping will remove soot, bird nests, cobwebs, and any other blockages. It also removes creosote, which will help to prevent dangerous chimney fires. HETAS encourages having your chimney swept at least twice a year when burning wood or bituminous housed coal and at least once a year when burning smokeless fuels.
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What are the new Ecodesign 2022 Government rules on wood burners, log burners, and multi-fuel stoves?
From 1st January 2022 all stoves manufactured must meet Ecodesign 2022 efficiency requirements. Ecodesign 2022 legislation is a Government backed and European wide programme designed to lower emissions and improve the UK's air quality.
Are Ecodesign stoves different? Yes in a way, each Ecodesign stove will be incredibly efficient and economic benefiting from at least 80% efficiency which means you'll be saving on fuel and helping improve air quality at the same time.
Will I need to replace my existing non-Ecodesign stove?
No, the new legislation will only apply to newly purchased stoves on the market after 1st January 2022.
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Is Ecodesign the same as ClearSkies?
ClearSkies goes above and beyond the Ecodesign regulations. ALL ClearSkies certified products meet the required standards for Ecodesign, Levels 4 and 5 exceed these latest standards. Plus, products certified as ClearSkies Level 3 and above ALSO meet the UK legislative requirements for smoke control areas (Defra Exempt). Read further information about ClearSkies here.
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What size KW output do I need?
Depending on the age of the property, the number of windows in the room, the size of the room where you want to install a stove and the insulation of the house these can vary dramatically. We will be able to advise you on the most appropriate size at\ our visit.
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Why do I need to line my chimney?
A stove works most efficiently when fitted with a flue as close as possible to that stated by the manufacturer. Hot air rises, if it cools it will slow or start sinking. It doesn’t rise well in a cold chimney, tar can be deposited and condensation caused, both of which can damage your property. If the smoke slows too much the stove will burn poorly and smoke can leak from the doors when adding fuel and even exit the air intakes leaving dangerous gases in the room.
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For more helpful advice take a read of our News & Advice page.
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