Stoves 

Over the years, Chimney Sweep North Devon have swept and examined many, many stoves and fireplaces and so are well placed to recommend the best choices. 

CHOOSING A STOVE 

As with anything, some stoves are great and some not so great. Some are traditional in design and some are very contemporary. Stoves are available in a range of kw from a small 4kw up to whopping 12kw or more. The size you need is dependent on your room size so check carefully. Too small and you'll be wearing hats & coats - too large and you'll be sitting in the hallway 'cos it's too hot! 
 
There are many types of wood and multi-fuel stoves on the market. A lot are imported. To the uninitiated most stoves will probably look very similar and the specifications will sound the same. This is not the case. Not all stoves are the same by any means. Having said that, there are many manufacturers of great stoves around. 
 
Have a look at the local stove suppliers below who, between them, stock a fabulous range of stoves suitable for the most discerning buyer and reasonably priced too. 
 
Kenwyn Stoves, Torrington 
Rangemoors, Winkleigh 
Stove Centre, South Molton 
 
Telegraph.co.uk has even done a spread on their idea of the 10 best stoves around. 

Building Regulations & Guidelines 
 

We DO NOT recommend installing a stove yourself but should you decide to do so, the document below must be adhered to. Please note you will need to apply for Building Regulations and they will want to inspect your build at various stages. 
Chimney Sweep North Devon would advise you to use a HETAS approved installer to keep yourself safe 
 
If you are looking to install a Stove you may want to read the Document J Building Regulations (new regulations from 2010) which gives you the guidelines with regard to the installation of solid fuel appliances. It is quite a lengthy and confusing document, so we advise you to take small sections rather than trying to read it all at once. 
 

CHIMNEY SWEEP NORTH DEVONS' TIPS FOR MAINTAINING YOUR STOVE 

 
Burn dry wood 
Damp or green wood (new wood which still retains sap) will create a creosote encrusted chimney which can lead to a chimney fire. A chimney sweep cannot get years of creosote off the sides of the chimney. It looks very pretty and sparkly, but it sets like concrete and even the stiffest brush will not remove it all. 
 
Use a chimney cleaning log 
Burning a chimney cleaning log approximately 2 weeks prior to a sweep will help 'flake' the creosote* so the chimney sweeps brush can do its job. It genuinely does what it says on the packet BUT please do not think this will replace a sweep and you can just burn one or two of these a year instead. Your chimney must be swept as well to remove the flakes and to clean it right to the top. 
 
* Creosote is the resulting hard crust formed in the chimney after burning wood - especially from green wood (new wood still holding its sap). Tar builds in the chimney near the top where the air cools and it hardens. It looks very pretty (all sparkly) but it is almost impossible at this stage to get off with a brush. 
 
 
Remember a stove is only as good as the owner. If it is neglected and ill treated it will cease to work properly. 
 
Treat your stove with respect and look after it. See this video which shows you how to keep your stove nice and clean. 
 

STOVES vs OPEN FIRES 

There is no real right or wrong answer when choosing between Stoves and Open Fires it's a matter of personal choice. The following may help you decide though... 
 
Wood / Multi Fuel Stove 
 
✔ 
Visually appealing 
 
✔ 
Can be vented through to an outside wall and a chimney built or a stainless steel chimney fitted 
 
✔ 
Cleaner (most dust is contained inside) 
 
✔ 
Safe to leave overnight 
 
✔ 
Radiant heat in the room from the stove and/or pipe 
 
✔ 
Will last for years if maintained well 
 
✔ 
Very efficient and controllable, especially if fitted well and lined 
 
✔ 
Different kw outputs for different size rooms 
 
✕ 
Can be expensive to buy and install 
 
✕ 
Needs quite a large installation area to comply with Building Regulations 
 
✕ 
May need planning permission 
Open Fires 
 
✔ 
Visually appealing 
 
✔ 
Traditional 
 
✔ 
Cozy 
 
✔ 
Cheaper to install - stoves may not always fit an existing chimney space 
 
✕ 
Very dusty 
 
✕ 
Not very controllable 
 
✕ 
Can be dangerous (spits/falling logs etc) 
 
✕ 
Cannot be left unattended 
 
✕ 
Least efficient method of heating and more fuel thirsty 
(80% heat goes up the chimney instead of into the room) 
 
✕ 
Requires a chimney 

STOVE INSTALLATION IN NORTH DEVON 

 
There are a lot of unqualified people out there fitting stoves/charging a fortune/leaving clients with unsafe equipment. Despite what it may appear, fitting a wood burning or multi fuel stove etc is a specialised area. 
 
We know of a few good HETAS registered stove installers in the North Devon area: 
 
Kenwyn Stoves - Tel: 01805 623521 
Mark Broadhead - Tel: 01805 623521 
Graham Watts - Tel: 01237 476604 or 07789 405088 
Stacks n Stoves - Tel: 01271 863338