Are you searching for a stove? Open day on March 24th

FLAME by Design has been in operation since 1998. In that time they have built up a wealth of knowledge in the stove and fireplace industry.

They continue to strive for excellence in the products they promote and the installation methods they employ. To this end they have sourced some of the best products on the market and maintain close relationships with their partners. They are committed to employing best practise in all their installation procedures with on-going training. They are approved by HETAS, the governing body in the U.K for solid fuel installations (currently there is no regulatory body in Ireland for solid fuel installations).

Working closely with key interior designers, architects and builders, Flame by Design would be happy to arrange an appointment with any of your key people to go through their portfolio. Whether you are looking to convert your existing fire or are undertaking a new build and need a complete stove, breast build & flue system, they are available to guide and inform you. They invite you to view their gallery at www.flamebydesign.ie to see why a large proportion of their work comes through referrals.

Frequent anecdotal evidence confirms that the use of uncertified flues by unregulated installers is an issue. This causes extra expense to the homeowner in remedial work and has resulted in chimney fires. While many people are understandably cutting back on expenses, stove and flue installations are not DIY jobs.

To this end Flame by Design would love to welcome you to their premises on the Kinsale Road for an open day on March 24, to dispel the myths and misinformation. Their aim is to provide sound, reliable information with a wraparound service from enquiry to installation, should you require it. Their showroom is spread over 2 floors, showcasing fireplaces from 48” to 72” with lighting stove, gas & electric displays and introducing their newly opened flue section.

Top Tips on Choosing a Stove

* What output do you require?

If the stove is not the correct size for your room it will result in either under heating or overheating. Bring your room dimensions (width, length & height) when choosing your stove to calculate this. With new builds & extensions bring your plans.

* What fuel type?

Are you looking for a multi-fuel stove or wood burning only? Multi-fuel stoves can use both smokeless fuels & wood while wood burning are strictly wood only.

* What stove type?

If you have an existing fireplace, is it suitable to convert? If you have a conservatory or room without a chimney what are your options? Can you install a free standing stove with your block built chimney? Can you heat more than one room without a back boiler? What about insert / cassette stoves? Double sided stoves?

* Are you looking for a back boiler version?

Open fire back boiler systems are inefficient and expensive to run. These can be replaced with highly efficient back boiler inset stoves. Savings with these new systems are significant as they burn 2/3 less fuel & dramatically reduce oil & gas bills.

Before you choose a stove you should engage a plumber to confirm how many kilowatts of heat will be required to heat your radiators.

* What style are you looking for?

There are all styles on the market to suit your room from insert to freestanding. If you have existing fireplaces bring a picture to determine what will be suitable for your home.

Top Tips on Choosing a Retailer

* How much experience do they have in the industry?

Incorrect information can result in costly mistakes for you.

What about their products?

Are they manufactured by companies with long standing reputations in the stove industry? Are they CE approved & certified? Do they have air wash systems? Clean burn? How efficient are they?

* Do they have a showroom where you can view lighting models?

Lighting demonstrations in your home are even more important to show you how to set up a fire properly in order to heat up the flue and maintain a good draw. Correct user operation will keep your stove working at an optimal level.

* Do they provide site surveys by HETAS approved engineers?

A professional site survey can confirm all your questions on suitability and options. With existing fireplaces this will involve inspecting the opening and flue to confirm whether your chimney is safe to use. Where a new chimney system is required a survey will determine the best position for this taking into regard all building regulations.

* Do they provide an installation and after sales service?

Any retailer can sell a stove. Does your retailer have the expertise that comes with working with the products they are selling? Can they provide references? Do they have a portfolio of works? Can they advise on all the options available to you including flueing? As there is no authority in Ireland governing solid fuel installations, how do they govern themselves? Do they work in accordance with building regulations?

Top Tips on Maintaining a Stove

* Use the correct fuel

In multi-fuel stoves use dry wood or stove coal only. Never burn house coal as it damages the stove and the flue system. With all wood burned use only seasoned or kiln dried hardwood or manufactured ecologs. The wood should have a moisture content of less than 20%. Burning wet wood will cause a build up on the glass & result in harmful deposits in the stove and flue which will damage your stove and block your flue. Wood with high moisture content may not be easy to detect but if in doubt, test it with a moisture meter.

* Use the correct lighting procedures

There is no substitute for a lighting demonstration in your own home. This will show you how to heat the flue, how to start the fire, build it and re-load.

* Sweep the chimney regularly

Sweeping before installation is always necessary and thereafter at the end of every burning season. This is important for the efficient running of your stove as any build up of soot or tar deposits can reduce the draw and make the stove run badly.