Solid Fuel Fireplace, Wood Burners and Stoves

A solid fuel open fireplace, wood burning or multi-fuel stove is considered to be a cost effective and reliable form of heating. The ultimate in creating a traditional ambiance, full range of fuels are available for solid fuel fires, and for those with homes in smoke control zones there are also a variety of smokeless fuels.

Solid fuel wood burners are more likely to be found in period homes and cottages rather than in new build properties, however conversions are still popular to enhance to feel of a room.

Builder Guide has a number of specialists capable of installing a new solid fuel fireplace along with all the necessary industrial brick work including chimneys and the fireplace surrounds. If you’re installing a solid fuel fire or wood burner into your home, and there wasn’t one there previously, then it can be a fairly big job. It’s not just a simple case of buying a fireplace and linking it up. For a solid fuel fireplace you need a fireplace opening, lintels and a flue running up to a chimney.

With this in mind, solid fuel fireplace installations can sometimes be a very large-scale and technical job. What it will do is require the skills of a builder as well as a heating technician. An installation should be carried out by a HETAS (Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme) registered installer.

If you already have a solid fuel fireplace and are looking for a replacement or the house previously had a solid fuel fireplace and the structure is still in place, then it can be a simple case of replacing the surround and ensuring the old structural framework is still in working order. However, if you’re adding a solid fuel fireplace to a newer property which has a gas or electric unit, then you’re looking at a larger job.

Benefits solid fuel stoves have over traditional open fireplaces

• They are more energy efficient – you’ll find that most solid fuel fireplaces, wood burners and stoves can be up to 40-50% more efficient compared to traditional open fireplaces.

• Greater control – you’ll have greater control over the burn rate and heat output.

• Solid fuel stoves are environmentally friendly and can burn coal, wood or peat.

• Wood burning stoves are more economical, kinder to the environment and energy efficient. They help to reduce heating costs and are carbon neutral.

• According to the Solid Fuel Association there are health benefits associated with solid fuel heating methods. Research has demonstrated that people living in homes with solid fuel heating as opposed to other forms of heating are less likely to suffer from certain medical aliments such as hay fever and asthma.

• Cast-iron structures have excellent heat retaining properties and can run at over 80% efficiency.

For a solid fuel fireplace you need a fireplace opening, lintels and a flue running up to a chimney. With this in mind, solid fuel fireplace installations can sometimes be a very large-scale and technical job. What it will do is require the skills of a builder as well as a heating technician.

Health and safety regulations for solid fuel fireplaces are just as strict as any other fuel appliance; therefore it is recommended that a homeowner has the fireplace and flue serviced and swept on a regular basis.

Sweeping the chimney on a regular basis will reduce the risk of a chimney fire and will increase the lifespan of your flue and stove. It is also a great way to spot problems before they arise and to ensure that your installation and liner guarantee remain valid with some insurers stipulating the need for appliance service and sweeping within their policies.

Wood chimneys should be swept twice per year as a minimum and some chimneys will require even more visits per year depending on usage.

Service and repairs for solid fuel fires, wood burners and stoves

Solid fuel fireplace repairs may be required for a number of different reasons. Services are available through Builder Guide to re-line a chimney, remove and rebuild the structure and re-point the chimney stacks. Chimney leaks and deterioration is a usual issue with solid fuel fireplaces, therefore it is essential to have repairs carried out by HETAS registered technicians.

Manufacturers, construction materials and outputs

Dimplex have a range of wood-burning and solid fuel stoves, including the Westcott solid fuel stove. The multi-flue appliance is suitable for burning wood as well as the majority of manufactured smokeless fuels. It’s available in outputs of 5kW and 8kW. Other popular manufacturers of wood burners and solid fuel stoves include Saey, Valor, Hamlet, Invicta, Westfire, Firebelly and Pevex.

Prices range from under £500 up to £2000 and above, and depend on kW output, construction materials and fuel type. Outputs range from 3kW up to 10kW and beyond. Some ranges are available with an output of 16kW and 18kW, so there will be a model to suit all sizes of rooms. Whilst cast iron is the most common construction material, steel is another option.

Builder Guide will be able to assist you with all your heating and plumbing needs, whether you’re looking to purchase and install a new solid fuel fireplace or require a service or repair job carrying out.