While it’s not a legal requirement, we strongly recommend having a chimney liner. A properly lined chimney improves safety, efficiency, and overall stove performance while keeping your system cleaner. Many chimneys built before 1965 don’t have liners and are often in poor condition, with damaged mortar joints or potential smoke leaks. For these reasons, our installers will always line the chimney before fitting a new stove to ensure it operates safely and efficiently.

Regular chimney sweeping removes soot and creosote buildup, reducing the risk of chimney fires and helping your stove run safely and efficiently. Most experts recommend having your chimney swept at least once a year, though more frequent sweeping may be necessary if you use your stove frequently.

Yes, it is possible to install a stove without a chimney. A twin wall flue system can be installed to safely vent the stove, running either through an external wall or up through the roof. This allows the stove to operate efficiently and meet all safety standards.

The right stove size depends on your room’s dimensions and how well your home is insulated. As a general guide, you’ll need around 1kW of heat output for every 14 cubic metres of space. However, factors such as room layout, insulation quality, and window size can all affect this. Our team can help you calculate the ideal stove size to ensure your space is comfortably heated without wasting energy.

A DEFRA approved stove, also known as a DEFRA exempt stove, is designed to burn wood or other solid fuels cleanly and efficiently, producing very low emissions. These stoves meet the strict air quality standards set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), allowing them to be legally used in Smoke Control Areas. Choosing a DEFRA approved stove ensures cleaner combustion, better efficiency, and compliance with environmental regulations.

Yes — modern stoves are highly efficient and can significantly reduce heating costs compared to open fires. Many models achieve efficiency ratings of up to 80% or more, meaning most of the heat produced is used to warm your room rather than lost up the chimney. Choosing the right size stove and using properly seasoned wood or approved fuel will help you get the best performance and value from your appliance.