AGA Wood burning stoves

There are two types of material used for the construction of stoves: cast iron and steel. Both materials provide the warmth and cosiness associated with a stove, but they operate in very different ways.

For years AGA have constructed stoves from cast iron, making them extremely robust and built to last. The durability comes from the manufacturing process which involves pouring molten metal into moulds to create the desired shape. However, as cast iron is so dense, it can take some time to reach working temperature although, conversely, it retains the heat further into the evening and continues to radiate warmth after the fire starts to die down.

Steel stoves have improved greatly in recent years, and they now offer an alternative option for homeowners. Unlike cast iron, steel stoves are less dense, and subsequently far quicker to heat up.

A key part of choosing a stove is selecting the correct size and output for your home, using the same principles as you would for your central heating system. Stoves can range from 3kW up to a maximum of 15kW, but the most popular outputs are between 4kW and 8kW, reflected in the AGA Stoves range.

Selecting the right output for your room is key to a successful installation. Too high an output might result in having to open a window as it’s too hot. Or you might find yourself trying to run the stove at a lower temperature, which can cause ongoing problems with a stove’s operation. So it’s worth using an online ‘Heat loss calculator’ to help gauge what size is best for your home, then discuss specific requirements with a HETAS approved installer. They will also be able to help guide you concerning adequate ventilation for the stove installation.

As stoves are heating appliances, there are Building Regulations that govern their installation. For that reason, we advise all customers to use a HETAS approved installer to ensure all aspects comply with the relevant standards.

There are a wide range of elements required to meet these Regulations, including hearth sizes, flue outlet heights, flue sizes and ventilation requirements to name but a few.

Much of the information will need to be obtained from a competent person (such as a HETAS engineer) during a site visit. However, there are a few elements you can consider beforehand to gauge how much work is required for your installation,

You will require a chimney sweep to clean the chimney. It is best to provide a dedicated chimney cleaning sootbox

Depending on which stove you have, you will either have a damper (primary air), thermostat or spin valve, which will allow you to easily regulate the heat output.

Yes, your AGA wood burner requires a chimney or a flue system to safely vent smoke and gases produced during burning. If your home doesn’t have a traditional chimney, a twin-wall flue system can be installed as an alternative. This system allows the stove to be vented through walls or ceilings, making it a flexible solution for homes without existing chimneys. Proper ventilation is essential to ensure the wood burner operates efficiently and safely, so consulting a professional installer is recommended to determine the best setup for your home.