The reason I choose to have a multi fuel stove (log burner) installed was because I love that cosy feeling you get from a real fire, however with an open fire 70 – 80 % of the heat goes up the chimney where as with log burner 70 – 80 % of the heat goes into the room.
Having obtained four quotes from various local businesses and weighing up the pros and cons of each quote I decided to go with Warm Living of Wigan, as they had a large show room with an extensive choice of multi fuel / log burners and unlike some of the show rooms I visited they allowed me to wander around at my own pace without any pressure to purchase.
I really detest companies that employ sales people that pounce on you the moment you walk in the door.
On Monday the 12th December the gas fire was disconnected and removed, then the chimney was swept ready for the preparation work to begin.
On Wednesday the 14th December the plaster fire surround was removed, as it could not be used in conjunction with a log burner, as the plaster would have cracked due to the heat produced by the log burner. I was however able to keep my marble front base, as the stove itself would not be sitting directly onto this. The front base was hollow so a mixture of vermiculite was inserted to provide a solid base and to help prevent the base from cracking.
I was pleasantly surprise by just how little mess the workman made, yes there was a fair amount of dust which settled over the next 24 hours, however at the end of each day the workman removed the dust sheets and swept up; leaving me with little to do other than hover up any dust that latter settled.
On Thursday the 15th December the fire resistant plasterboard was added and the exposed brickwork was plastered and left to dry over the next couple of days, once dried I was able to paint it.
On Monday 19th December a hole was cut in the fire resistant plasterboard to fit the register plate. The function of the register plate is to prevent heat loss up the chimney when the log burner is in use as well as to prevent draught from coming down the chimney, when the log burner is not lit. The register plate is NOT intended to prevent soot falling down. If soot does begin to fall down it means your chimney is in need of sweeping.
I’m told it’s good practice to have your chimney swept at least once annually and Warm Living of Wigan kindly provided me with the contact details of a local qualified chimney sweep. If you are looking to have your chimney swept then check out The Home of The National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS) website.
Next the matching marble back base was fitted and then the workmen went on the roof to install the chimney liner (Midtherm flue system). While a liner is not always required it was my choice to have one installed as I felt that a lined chimney would be safer and more efficient as an unlined flue over time can result in costly building work due to tar seeping through the chimney walls.
Once the liner had been installed the stove was fitted, my stove is a Fireline FX5 free standing multi fuel stove. Fireline are based in Irlam in Manchester.
Useful links:
http://www.whatstove.co.uk – Browse various makes & models along with customer reviews
http://smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk/appliances.php?country=e – Defra exempt appliance list
http://www.nacs.org.uk – National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS)
http://www.midtherm.co.uk/flues – Midtherm Flue Systems
http://www.hetas.co.uk – Hetas The official body recognised by Government to approve biomass and solid fuel domestic heating appliances, fuels and services including the registration of competent installers and servicing businesses.
http://www.warmliving.co.uk – Warm Living of Wigan
http://www.fireline.co.uk – Fireline of Manchester
