Installing or repairing a wood stove is not a job where corners should be cut. A stove may look simple from the outside, but it is connected to a chimney system, ventilation, fire safety rules and building regulations. This is why using a HETAS registered fitter is so important.

A (HETAS) registered installer has been trained to work with solid fuel appliances, including wood burning stoves, flues, hearths and chimney systems. They understand how to install a stove safely, how to check the flue draw, how to position the appliance correctly and how to make sure there is enough ventilation. Poor installation can lead to smoke leakage, chimney fires, carbon monoxide risks and inefficient burning.

Regulations

Another key reason is compliance. In England and Wales, stove installations must meet Building Regulations. A (HETAS) registered installer can usually self-certify the work and provide a Certificate of Compliance after completion. This certificate is important because it proves the installation has been carried out to the required standard. It may also be needed when selling a property or dealing with home insurance matters. HETAS confirms that registered installers can issue this compliance certificate for completed installation work.

Using a registered fitter also protects the long-term performance of the stove. Correct fitting helps the appliance burn cleaner, heat more efficiently and reduce problems such as tar build-up, poor draw, smoke blowback or cracked components. When repairs are needed, a qualified fitter can identify whether the issue is with the stove, flue, chimney, seals, baffle plate, ventilation or fuel use.

A wood stove is a valuable feature in the home, but only when it is safe, legal and properly maintained. A cheap or unqualified repair can cost more in the long run if faults are missed or the installation fails inspection.

Choosing a (HETAS) registered fitter gives peace of mind. You know the work is being carried out by someone trained, assessed and familiar with the correct standards. For safety, compliance, efficiency and property protection, it is always the sensible choice.

Like to discuss your options?

Please do get in touch and one of our expert engineers (HETAS) registered will be happy to assist you.

The post Do I Need A HETAS Engineer To Fit My Stove ? appeared first on Kent Stoves.

A wood stove is generally a much better option than an open fireplace because it provides more heat. And uses less fuel, and is far more controlled. While an open fire may look traditional and attractive, much of the heat it creates is lost straight up the chimney. In many homes, an open fireplace can actually pull warm air out of the room, making the rest of the property feel colder. A wood stove is designed to keep heat inside the appliance and release it steadily into the room.

One of the biggest advantages of a wood stove is efficiency. A good stove burns wood more completely, meaning you get more warmth from each log. This can reduce the amount of fuel needed and make heating a room more cost-effective over time. With an open fire, wood often burns quickly and unevenly, so you may find yourself constantly adding more logs without getting the same level of useful heat.

Cleaner and easier to control

A wood stove is also easier to control. The airflow can be adjusted, allowing the fire to burn hotter, slower, or more steadily depending on what is needed. This makes it more practical for everyday heating. An open fire is harder to manage, and sparks, smoke, and falling embers can create more mess and risk.

Log Burner Safety

Safety is another important benefit. A stove contains the flames behind a door, reducing the chance of sparks escaping into the room. This can be especially useful in homes with children, pets, carpets, or soft furnishings. The glass door still allows you to enjoy the look of the fire, but with much greater protection.

Wood stoves will also improve the appearance and value of a room. They create a strong focal point and can suit both traditional and modern homes. Many buyers see a fitted stove as a practical and attractive feature, particularly where energy costs are a concern.

Like to discuss your options?

Please do get in touch and one of our expert engineers (HETAS) registered will be happy to assist you.

The post Is A Log Burner Better Than An Open Fire ? appeared first on Kent Stoves.

Installing a wood stove can potentially increase the value of your property, but the level of impact depends on the type of home, location, installation quality, and what buyers in your area are looking for.

A professionally (HETAS) registered installed wood stove can make a property feel warmer, more characterful, and more energy conscious. For many buyers, especially in rural, semi-rural, or older homes, a wood stove is seen as a desirable feature. It can create a strong focal point in a living room and add a sense of comfort that standard heating alone may not provide.

Very practical

There is also a practical benefit. With energy costs remaining a concern for many households, buyers may value having an additional heat source. A wood stove can reduce reliance on central heating, particularly during colder months, and this can make the home feel more efficient and resilient.

The stove must be installed correctly, comply with all relevant building regulations, and come with proper certification. Poor installation, lack of paperwork, or an unsuitable stove could reduce buyer confidence rather than improve it. Buyers may also consider ongoing costs such as chimney maintenance, fuel storage, servicing, and insurance requirements.

The style of the property matters too. In a cottage, farmhouse, country home, or period property, a wood stove may strongly enhance appeal. In a modern flat or highly urban property, the impact may be smaller, and some buyers may be more concerned about emissions, air quality, or local restrictions.

Overall, a wood stove is more likely to improve saleability than dramatically increase the formal valuation. It can help your property stand out, make rooms feel inviting, and strengthen emotional appeal during viewings. If installed to a high standard, with the right stove for the size and style of the home, it can be a worthwhile improvement.

Like to discuss your options?

Please do get in touch and one of our expert engineers (HETAS) registered will be happy to assist you.

The post Is A Log Burner A Good Investment appeared first on Kent Stoves.

Getting the best efficiency from a log burner starts with using the right fuel. Always burn dry, well-seasoned wood with a moisture content below 20%. Wet logs waste heat because much of the energy is used to boil off water, causing poor heat output, excess smoke, tar build-up and dirty glass. Hardwood such as oak, ash, beech and birch usually burns longer and hotter than softwood, although properly dried softwood can be useful for kindling.

Air flow is vital

Good airflow is also essential. When lighting the stove, open the air vents fully to get a strong flame quickly. Once the fire is burning well, reduce the airflow gradually, but never shut it down so much that the fire smoulders. A bright, active flame is more efficient than a slow, smoky burn. Smouldering fires create soot, waste fuel and increase chimney deposits.

Don’t overload your stove!

Load the stove correctly. Do not overfill it, as this can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. Add one or two logs at a time and allow enough space for air to circulate. Smaller logs usually burn more cleanly than very large pieces because they catch faster and reach a better temperature.

Keep the stove and chimney clean. Empty excess ash regularly but leaving a thin ash bed can help maintain heat in some stoves. Clean the glass and check the door seals, because poor seals allow uncontrolled air into the stove and reduce performance. The chimney should be swept at least once a year, or more often if the stove is heavily used.

Finally, use the stove thermometer if you have one. Running the burner in the correct temperature range helps avoid both under-burning and over-firing. A well-maintained stove, dry logs and careful airflow control will give more heat, use less fuel and keep the appliance safer for longer.

Like to discuss your options?

Please do get in touch and one of our expert engineers (HETAS) registered will be happy to assist you.

The post How Does A Log Burner Work ? appeared first on Kent Stoves.

Choosing a new wood stove for your home starts with choosing the right size. A stove that is too small will struggle to heat the room, while one that is too powerful can make the space uncomfortable and encourage poor burning. As a rough guide, measure the room and ask a qualified installer or stove supplier to calculate the correct kilowatt output.

Next, check the rules in your area. Many parts of the UK are smoke control areas. In those areas, you must use an approved appliance or authorised fuel, and wood can only be burned in a Defra-exempt appliance. GOV.UK says penalties can apply if smoke is released from a chimney in a smoke control area or if unauthorised fuel is used incorrectly.

Choose efficiency over a cheap version

Look for a modern Ecodesign stove with good efficiency. These stoves are designed to burn cleaner and use fuel more effectively than older models. Also consider whether you want a wood-only stove or a multi-fuel stove. If you mainly plan to burn logs, a dedicated wood burner is often the better choice.

Fuel quality is very important. Use properly dried wood with low moisture content, ideally “Ready to Burn” certified logs. Damp wood creates more smoke, gives less heat, dirties the glass, and can increase chimney deposits.

Think about installation before buying. Your chimney, flue, hearth, ventilation and clearances all need to be suitable. A HETAS-registered installer can advise on safety and compliance.

Finally, choose a stove that suits your lifestyle. Consider ease of cleaning, glass size, door style, ash removal, warranty, spare parts and aftercare. The best stove is not just the nicest-looking one; it is the one that fits your room, meets the rules, burns efficiently and can be safely installed and maintained for years.

Like to discuss your options?

Please do get in touch and one of our expert engineers (HETAS) registered will be happy to assist you.

The post I Need A New Log Burner appeared first on Kent Stoves.

Over the last 20 years, wood burning stoves have improved significantly in design, efficiency, safety and environmental performance. Older stoves were often basic metal boxes that produced heat but also wasted a lot of fuel and released more smoke and particulates into the air. Modern stoves are far more advanced and are designed to burn wood more completely, producing more heat from less fuel.

One of the biggest improvements is efficiency. Many newer stoves use better air-control systems, insulated fireboxes and improved combustion technology. This allows the stove to reach higher temperatures and burn the gases and particles that older models would have sent up the chimney. As a result, modern stoves can heat a room more effectively while using fewer logs.

Environmental standards have also become much stricter. Today’s cleaner-burning stoves are built to reduce smoke and emissions. The vast majority of models now meet recognised low-emission standards and are designed for use with properly seasoned or kiln-dried wood. This has helped reduce the impact of wood burning compared with older, inefficient appliances.

Key safety issues

Safety has improved as well. Modern stoves often include better door seals, stronger glass, improved flue connections and clearer installation requirements. These changes help reduce the risk of smoke leakage, overheating and chimney problems. Stove glass has also improved, with air-wash systems helping to keep the viewing window cleaner for longer.

Design has developed too. Wood burning stoves are now available in a wide range of styles, from traditional cast-iron designs to sleek contemporary models. Many are compact, easier to control and better suited to modern homes.

Overall, wood burning stoves have become cleaner, safer, more efficient and more attractive. While they still need correct installation, proper maintenance and suitable fuel, modern stoves are a major improvement on the older models used two decades ago.

Like to discuss your options?

Please do get in touch and one of our expert engineers (HETAS) registered will be happy to assist you.

The post Are New Stoves Better ? appeared first on Kent Stoves.

If you are looking for cheaper heat next winter, installing a log stove is a practical and attractive way to make your home warmer, more comfortable, and more inviting. A log stove provides a strong, steady heat that can transform a living room into the heart of the home, creating a cosy atmosphere that standard central heating often cannot match.

One of the main reasons to consider a log stove is energy efficiency. Modern stoves are designed to burn wood far more efficiently than an open fire, meaning more heat is produced from less fuel. This can help reduce reliance on gas or electric heating, especially during evenings when you may only need to warm one main room rather than the whole house.

Higher energy costs on the way

A log stove can also offer reassurance during periods of high energy prices or power cuts. Having an additional heat source gives you more control and flexibility, particularly in winter when heating is essential. With properly seasoned logs and responsible use, a stove can be a dependable backup as well as a daily comfort.

There is also a strong lifestyle appeal. The sight and sound of real flames bring a natural warmth and charm to a room. A well-chosen stove can become a stylish feature, adding character to both traditional and modern homes.

Please ensure you use a (HETAS) registered installer

Before installing one, it is important to use a qualified installer, choose the right stove size for your room, and follow local regulations on smoke control and approved fuels. Good ventilation, regular chimney sweeping, and correct fuel storage are also essential.

Overall, a log stove is worth considering because it combines warmth, efficiency, atmosphere, and independence. Installed correctly, it can make next winter more comfortable while adding long-term value and appeal to your home.

Like to know more?

Please do get in touch and one of our expert engineers (HETAS) registered will be happy to assist you.

The post Low Cost Heating Options appeared first on Kent Stoves.

A wood stove often feels better than radiators because it produces a stronger, more natural form of heat. Radiators mainly warm the air around them, which then circulates through the room.

This can create hot and cold patches, especially in larger spaces or rooms with poor airflow. A wood stove, by contrast, gives off a mix of radiant and convective heat. The radiant heat travels directly from the stove to people, furniture, walls, and floors, making the whole room feel warmer and more comfortable.

Quality heat

One of the biggest advantages is the quality of the warmth. Heat from a wood stove feels deeper and more even because it warms solid surfaces, not just the air. Once the room’s walls, floor, and furniture absorb that heat, they release it slowly, helping the room stay warm for longer. Radiators can lose their effect quickly once the central heating switches off, particularly in draughty homes.

A wood stove also provides a strong focal point. The visible flame creates a cosy atmosphere that radiators cannot match. This psychological comfort matters: seeing the fire, hearing the crackle, and feeling direct warmth can make a room feel more inviting, relaxing, and homely.

Independence

Another benefit is independence. A wood stove can still provide heat during power cuts or boiler problems, depending on the setup. It can also reduce reliance on central heating if used sensibly, especially in the main living area.

To get the best results

It is important to use dry, properly seasoned wood and maintain the stove correctly. When used well, a wood stove can offer efficient, comforting, long-lasting heat that feels more natural and satisfying than radiator warmth. Radiators are practical, but a good wood stove gives a room character, atmosphere, and a deeper sense of warmth.

Like to discuss your options?

Please do get in touch and one of our expert engineers (HETAS) registered will be happy to assist you.

The post Will A Stove Keep Me Warm ? appeared first on Kent Stoves.

A wood stove still needs attention during the summer months, even when it is not being used regularly. Proper seasonal care helps prevent rust, moisture damage, unpleasant odours, and chimney deterioration. And while also ensuring the stove is ready for safe use when colder weather returns.

The first step is to give the stove and chimney a full clean at the end of the heating season. Remove all ash, soot, and leftover debris from the firebox because ash attracts moisture and can lead to corrosion during warm and humid conditions. The glass should also be cleaned thoroughly using a stove glass cleaner or a damp cloth with stove ash.

The chimney and flue should be inspected and swept by a professional if necessary. Creosote and soot left inside the flue over summer can absorb moisture and create acidic deposits. And these damage metal liners and masonry. A clean chimney also improves airflow and reduces the chance of unpleasant smoky smells entering the room.

Good practice in the summer months

To prevent condensation and rust, keep the stove door slightly open during the summer. This allows air to circulate through the appliance and reduces trapped moisture. If your stove has air vents, leave them partially open as well. In particularly damp homes, using moisture absorbers near the stove can help protect metal surfaces.

It is also important to check rope seals, fire bricks, baffle plates, and external pipework for wear or damage. Summer is the ideal time to replace worn parts before the heating season begins again.

The outside of the stove can be wiped down and treated with stove paint or stove polish if required. Also avoid storing damp logs or combustible materials close to the appliance.

Finally, before autumn arrives, carry out a safety check on smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure everything is working correctly for the next season of use.

Like to discuss your options?

Please do get in touch and one of our expert engineers (HETAS) registered will be happy to assist you.

The post Annual Stove Service appeared first on Kent Stoves.

A wood stove can be a highly effective and economical way to heat a home, offering both strong heat output and impressive efficiency when used correctly. Unlike many conventional heating systems, a modern wood stove produces a deep, radiant heat that warms not just the air, but also the walls, furniture, and overall structure of a room.

This creates a more consistent and comfortable environment, reducing the need for constant thermostat adjustments.

Super-efficient and money saving!

Contemporary wood stoves are designed to burn fuel more completely, extracting a greater amount of heat from each log. Advanced airflow systems and sealed combustion chambers allow for cleaner burning, meaning less wasted energy and reduced emissions.

Compared to older open fireplaces—which can lose a significant portion of heat up the chimney—a well-installed wood stove can deliver efficiency levels of 70–85% or more.

From a financial perspective, this efficiency translates directly into savings. Wood, especially if sourced locally or in bulk, is often significantly cheaper than gas, electricity, or oil.

For homeowners with access to their own timber or low-cost firewood, heating expenses can drop dramatically over time. Additionally, using a wood stove to supplement central heating allows you to heat only the areas you use most, further reducing energy bills.

Complete heat independence

Another factor contributing to savings is energy independence. With fluctuating fuel prices, relying on electricity or gas can be costly during peak periods. A wood stove provides a stable, controllable heat source that is less affected by market volatility.

In summary, a modern wood stove combines strong, reliable heat with high efficiency, making it a practical solution for reducing heating costs while maintaining a warm and comfortable home environment.

Like to discuss your options?

Please do get in touch and one of our expert engineers (HETAS) registered will be happy to assist you.

The post Is a Stove Economical to Run appeared first on Kent Stoves.