Wood-burning stoves are making a fiery comeback in the market as modern models come with innovative, yet industry-established features that can shave off thousands of dollars on your heating bills. It combines the best of both worlds, making it a highly efficient yet energy-saving unit that can benefit an eco-conscious home.
Installing a wood-burning stove seems like a straightforward process, but many tend to cut corners to skimp out on a few hundred dollars. However, failing to follow the correct regulations when installing stoves can quickly turn this cost-effective appliance into a fire hazard, putting lives in danger in more ways than one.
With that in mind, here are some of the common mistakes to avoid when installing a wood-burning stove in your home:
1. Using Combustible Materials to Collect Debris
When breaking down the components of a wood-burning stove, the register plate plays a pivotal role in preventing gas leaks from spreading across the room. It serves as a crucial failsafe that also collects debris that can spark fires in your home, especially in stoves that don’t have flue liners.
Keep in mind that flue liners are a standard feature, though in case you don’t have one, it’s important to have a well-secured, steel register plate to contain any gas leaks. However, some opt for using combustible materials like chipboard due to its cheaper price, but this will only fuel your safety risk.
2. Poor Connection Between the Stove and Flue Liner
Carbon monoxide from the stove should securely pass through the flue liner and into the atmosphere, which means it’s important to ensure the connection between the two is reliably secure. In many cases, the connection can loosen up through time, so it needs regular maintenance to minimize the risk of spreading carbon monoxide.
This toxic gas is invisible to the naked eye, but it can have detrimental effects on your health since it deprives the body of oxygen. Fortunately, modern wood-burning stoves come with a carbon monoxide alarm, which should alert anyone in case the carbon monoxide increases to a dangerous level.
3. Failing to Comply with Building Regulations
People can proceed with installing wood-burning stoves without gaining the approval of your local authority building control department, but it can be extremely risky in both the legal and safety aspects.
Following regulations ensure the quality and security of the installation, so proceeding without the authority’s approval can put many people in extreme danger.
The Bottom Line: The Importance of Proper Wood-Burning Stove Installation and It’s Impact on Safety
If you’re looking for a reliable, HETAS-compliant company that offers installation and maintenance of wood-burning stoves in West Lothian, our expert team represents the best in the industry. We strive to provide stovetops that suit the style and dimensions of your space.
We supply leading brands like Merlin, Aduro, Pod, and more, so we’re confident that we can find the perfect stovetop that matches your home. Our products can attractively and efficiently heat your space, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the warmth it brings.
