Why choose a HETAS registered installer?

HETAS registered installers | Proper stove installations

During this brief article we aim to set out why you should choose a HETAS registered installers for your stove installation.

With over a decade in the solid fuel industry Hot Box Stoves strives to be an industry leader.

Boasting over 1500 stove installations to date we have always done things properly.

Further, from our conception in 2008 our mission was clear. Supply only quality stoves and install them using quality components using only trained and competent installers.

From day one, we agreed the following key components on which our business is built.

• Quality stoves from reputable manufacturers only.
• A single source of chimney components from a single supplier, Schiedel. 
• Moreover, all staff would be HETAS registered, even our MD.

As with all business activities, times have been tough of late. Many of our competitors have fallen by the wayside during our time in the industry.

The reasons, we believe are simple. Our core focus has always remained the same, we have not deviated from our course. Our teams of installers have worked hard over the years to ensure each and every stove installation is 100% compliant and fit for purpose.

Often, this approach means that we are beaten on price by other companies offering similar products and services. However, it is quality that we strive to achieve.

Why choose a HETAS registered installer?

Enough about us here at Hot Box, let us set out the reasons why an accredited stove installer is a must for your stove installation. 

• Training, the key to competence. HETAS engineers have been through a rigours training exercise. This training installs the basic principals of stove installation with one simple aim. Safety.
• Products, along side the training comes knowledge of the right products needed to carry out proper stove installations. Further, the training and subsequent vetting procedure by HETAS means all registered installers have been vocationally checked.
• Provenance, all registered installers are on a database where their credentials and information available in the public domain.
• Continued training, every 5 years a HETAS installer must attend a refresher course to keep up to date with changing regulations.
• Accountability, as a client, this is crucial if a problem arises you know exactly where to turn.

Further, a solid fuel appliance or wood burner can, if not correctly installed be lethal.

Consider this, the fire inside a stove usually burns at circa 500 centigrade. The flue gases omitted will be in the region of 350 centigrade.

Factually, carbon monoxide is a bi product of combustion and is exactly as rumoured, a silent and odourless killer.

Moreover, by choosing an accredited installer you can rest assured that they are aware of these facts.

What a HETAS accredited installer should offer you

Crucially, the following elements should be offered and set out by an individual or organisation who purports to install wood burning stoves.

• A full and comprehensive site survey, information is after all key when planning any stove installation.
• The engineer should asses access and make you aware of any specific requirements, cherry picker, scaffolding or the like.
• Present a detailed specification outlining exactly what they intend to do to install your wood burner.
• Fully check the existing chimney and detail how they intend to make the connection between the appliance and atmosphere. Usually using a flexible flue liner or twin wall chimney system.
• Offer a range of appliances, importantly provide details on efficiency and warranty information. By 2022 all stoves will have to meet new Eco Design Ready standards.
• Provide after sales services such as sweeping and servicing. 
• Present advice on wood fuel and offer advice on lighting and what to burn moving forwards.

Moreover, an installer or company should offer a turnkey installation service providing all elements of work. The formation of an appropriate recess to the installation of the hearth forms part of Document J,

More so, arguably the recess and hearth into and onto which an appliance will be installed are as important as the appliance and its connection.

Conclusively, by using a HETAS registered installer you can be assured that your wood burner installation is safe, complaint and fit for purpose.

Look out for cowboys…..

More so, after 10 years in the wood stove industry Hot Box have seen numerous poor and dangerous installations.

Briefly, when considering an installer make sure you know who they are. Below, we have provided a few pointers that should set alarm bells ringing!

• Your installer is not part of HETAS or another certification scheme.
• An installer does not mention building regulations.
• The price quoted seems cheap in comparison to others, there will be a reason.
• The fitter has told you that you do not need a liner. A liner or flue should be installed on most occasions.
• Your stove installer has asked for a cash deposit for materials is requested in advance of work.

Further, use your intuition, check out your installer prior to parting with any money.

In addition, get another opinion, it doesn’t hurt to get more than one!

Finally, look at your installation as an investment, a stove or wood burner installation should be something which adds value to your property.