Wood Burning Stove FAQs

The correct stove output depends on more than the size of the room. Ceiling height, insulation, glazing, the age of the property and how the space is used can all affect the heat requirement.

As a general rule, most modern living rooms require a relatively modest output, and choosing a stove that is too large can be just as problematic as choosing one that is too small. We assess the room and installation during our site survey and recommend an appropriately sized stove for the property.

No. If your property does not have a suitable masonry chimney, a stove can usually be installed using a twin-wall insulated flue system.

This can often be routed internally through the property and roof, or externally depending on the building and the proposed stove position. Every installation is different, so we assess the most appropriate route as part of the survey.

Sometimes. The ventilation requirement depends on the stove output, the age and air-tightness of the property and the installation itself.

Older, less airtight properties may not require additional permanent ventilation for some lower-output stoves, whereas modern or highly insulated properties can require dedicated ventilation even with a 5kW appliance. We calculate any ventilation requirement as part of the installation specification.

Yes, in many cases. If you are in a Smoke Control Area and want to burn wood, the stove normally needs to be a DEFRA-exempt appliance, and it must be operated using the fuels permitted for that appliance.

We can advise whether a particular stove is suitable for use in a Smoke Control Area when helping you choose your appliance

Always burn dry, untreated wood with a moisture content of 20% or less. Wet wood produces less useful heat and substantially more smoke and deposits within the stove and flue.

When buying smaller quantities of firewood in England, look for the Ready to Burn mark, which confirms a moisture content of no more than 20%. Proper storage is equally important once the logs arrive at home.

HETAS recommends having a chimney swept at least twice a year when burning wood and at least once a year when burning smokeless fuels.

How frequently your chimney needs attention can also depend on how often the stove is used, the fuel being burned and the installation. Regular sweeping and stove maintenance help keep the appliance operating safely and efficiently.

Yes. Surrey Wood Burners is HETAS registered and qualifying installations are notified through the HETAS Competent Person Scheme.

The resulting Certificate of Compliance demonstrates that the installation has been notified and complies with the relevant Building Regulations. It is an important document to retain with the property and may be required when selling your home or by your insurer.

Often, yes. Existing fireplaces and chimneys can frequently be adapted for a modern stove, but their condition, dimensions, hearth, chimney and required clearances all need to be assessed first.

Depending on the property, the work may be as simple as preparing the existing fireplace and lining the chimney, or it may involve enlarging or completely renovating the fireplace.

The time required depends on the type of installation and the amount of preparation involved. Installing into a suitable existing fireplace is generally much quicker than creating a new fireplace or installing a complete twin-wall flue system.

Once we have surveyed the property, your quotation will set out the work required and we can explain what to expect during the installation.

Yes. We supply and install wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves from a carefully selected range of manufacturers, with more than 35 models on display at our Woking showroom.

We can help with the complete installation, including the stove, hearth, chimney or flue system and associated fireplace work where required.

Yes. Our showroom in St Johns, Woking has more than 35 stoves on display, including working models, and you're welcome to visit before deciding which stove or installation style is right for your home.