Top Five Things You Need To Consider With A New Fireplace or Stove

As we start to leave the winter behind us and look forward to spring you may not think that now is the best time to be thinking about adding a fireplace. click to read more!

As we start to leave the winter behind us and look forward to spring you may not think that now is the best time to be thinking about adding a fireplace or alternative heating solution to your property.  However, now is the perfect time.  As the weather starts to get warmer you will be less reliant on the need for a heat source, which is why it’s ideal to get a new one installed.  That way, if you are going to add a new stove or fireplace to your property, it will already be in situ by the time the cold weather comes round again.

Here we look at the most important things you should consider when installing a new stove or fireplace.

Heating �" in order to get the most out of wood burning stoves, or any heating appliance for that matter, it is important that you consider the size of the room you are looking to heat.  For example, if you have a relatively small room and you buy an appliance that is too big for it, you will find yourself having to use it on the lowest setting so as not to create a sauna effect.  Alternatively, if the appliance is too small for a large room then you are going to get no benefit at all.

1. Ventilation �" for any heating appliance such as a fireplace or stove to function properly it needs air, which is why ventilation is vitally important.  You will need to find out if your property is particularly tightly sealed, and therefore if you are likely to need to connect outside air to your fireplace.

2. The chimney �" as part of the ventilation problem you will need to assess the suitability of your chimney.  Make sure that it is the right size and diameter for the appliance that you are planning on installing ,and make sure that it is suitably lined.  Problems in this area can result in the fuels not being burned efficiently, which in turn can lead to the build of carbon monoxide and other potentially dangerous deposits.

3. Weight �" often people do not consider the weight and load bearing capacity of their floors when they install an appliance, but this is something that should be taken into account.  Find out how heavy your stove is likely to be and assess whether you need to strengthen your floor in order to accommodate it safely.

4. Safety �" it is vital that, once your new appliance is installed, you have it inspected on a regular basis to ensure that it is still up to standards and is operating safely.  An annual inspection by a Gas Safe registered engineer is all that is needed.

Author's Note

The author has a keen interest in all wood burning stoves. His articles on the subject inform readers about a variety of gas and heating appliances and solutions.