Beyond style, it really comes down to performance. Open fires are only around 15% efficient, whilst the latest wood burning stoves that Auldton Stoves supply incorporate clean-burn technology for a higher heat output and minimal emissions.

For example, most of our wood burning stoves are between 74% and 86% efficient depending on the output and model you choose, which is amongst the highest level possible for a woodburner.

Stove installations should always be carried out by approved, competent professionals – you need to ensure you get a safe, efficient stove in your home. All of our wood burning stoves are fitted by HETAS certified installers. We invest heavily in staff training and will be able to advise you on all elements such as getting the right output, plus any other requirements for ventilation, combustion and compliance with Building Regulations.

Fitting, altering or replacing an external flue or chimney, or having work done that affects a chimney, will usually need some sort of approval. Planning consent is not normally required, as long as certain conditions are met, but we are always on hand and can advise you at any time, just contact us for a chat or pop in to the showroom. Our HETAS professionally installers can self-certify their work for building control.

Wood burning Stoves can be installed in homes with or without a chimney, however a flue is needed to remove the smoke, hot gases and other by-products created when wood burns.

There are two ways to approach this. If your home has an existing chimney, the flue could be housed in this. Our HETAS certified fitters will need to check the chimney’s condition and ability to draw out smoke.

If you haven’t got a brick-built chimney, then a pre-fabricated flue can be installed either inside or outside of your home, finishing above your roof level. Again only ever use a HETAS certified installer.

In short, both have their benefits. Thick, high-temperature resistant steel will heat up very quickly. While cast iron may take longer to heat up, it retains the heat and gives off warmth long after the logs have burned down.

Only use wood that has a moisture content of under 20%. Any higher and it will not generate as much heat, plus it will create particle build up in the flue or chimney and blacken the door glass. Auldton Stoves only sell the highest quality fuels, which can generate twice as much heat as a moisture-laden log.

Don’t be tempted to burn whatever you have to hand as many materials can give off dangerous fumes indoors and generate harmful environmental emissions. So do not use painted, varnished, glued and pressure treated timber, driftwood or engineered products such as MDF.

The wood burning stoves we supply have both Primary and Secondary Air systems, which gives you greater control over the heat output to the room and size of flame. These also allow you to switch from a roaring fire to a dancing flame very easily.

If you have an existing hearth or other surface you want to site the stove on, our staff will be able to advise whether it meets current legislation – and, if not, don’t worry as we have a wide range of options to suit all tastes. Pop into the showroom and take a look.