You may be tempted to buy a wood burning stove online. After all, you’ve done all your research online and found out about all the different models and heat output. You’ve decided which manufacturers you like and researched the prices. You think you’re ready to buy.
But there are some good reasons why you shouldn’t make the final purchase online. We’ve outlined the four key reasons why buying a stove online might not be right.
1. Safety
The primary reason you shouldn’t purchase a stove online is safety. There is a good reason why stoves must be installed by a HETAS approved engineer and that’s because there are many things you need to understand to be able to install one (and use one!) correctly. Stoves and all the connecting parts are complicated bits of kit! Stoves and fires should always be certified by an accredited agency such as HETAS and only by buying through an approved retailer can you ensure the one you buy is safe.
We can’t stress enough how important safety is when you have a fire in your home. You need to ensure that the fire burns well and there are no noxious gasses or smoke being released into your home. Only by purchasing a stove from an experienced retailer can you be sure that your stove will be installed safely but also function safely. We can also give you advice on how to use your stove such as the best way to light it, the best type of fuel to use (you’d be amazed at the difference between the different types of wood!), and how to keep it clean.
2. Suitability for your home
If you buy a stove online without talking to an expert, you won’t know for sure if it will fit in your desired space. There are several things to consider when deciding what size stove to buy and it isn’t just the size of the stove itself. There is also the flue to consider.
What you think are the right dimensions doesn’t mean the stove will fit well into your fireplace. Only a trained engineer can say for sure. A trained engineer can also advise on the best heat output for your space. It’s very common for people to choose a stove with the wrong heat output for the room they have the stove in, resulting in stoves that are far too hot for the room or ones that just don’t have enough heat output.
3. Availability of spare parts
You never know when you may need spare parts for your stove or advice if things are going as expected. If you buy it online, there’s no guarantee that the website you bought it from will have spares – and you definitely won’t be able to get in touch with them for advice! You may have trouble tracking them down, especially if your brand of stove is not commonly stocked. If you buy from a reputable retailer, you can check that they also stock common spare parts.
4. No after sales care
Stoves are a bit like cars. You don’t just buy one and that’s that. Stoves and flues need regular maintenance You may also encounter issues with your stove, especially in the early days. If you buy your stove online, you won’t get any after sales care. We pride ourselves on the advice we offer our clients all the way through the buying process, not least after installation.
For advice on buying a stove, we’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us to chat through your requirements.
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