Your comprehensive resource for wood stove installation in London. Find trusted, certified installers, learn about local regulations, and discover showrooms where you can see wood stoves in action.
Clean Air Zones in London
London is designated as a smoke control area under the Clean Air Act. This means there are specific regulations that apply to wood burning stoves:
London-Wide Smoke Control Area:
– Zone boundaries: All 32 London boroughs are designated as smoke control areas
- Restrictions: You cannot emit smoke from a chimney unless using an exempt appliance
- – Permitted stoves: Only DEFRA-approved stoves with an Ecodesign certification (mandatory since January 2022)
- – Penalties: Fines of up to £1,000 for non-compliance
Important Update for London Residents:
As of February 2023, wood burners have been effectively banned in new and refurbished buildings in London under new planning guidance announced by the mayor. This is part of London’s efforts to improve air quality.
Ecodesign Requirements:
Since January 2022, all new wood burning stoves must meet Ecodesign standards, which significantly reduce emissions compared to older models. Ecodesign stoves produce up to 450 times less particulate matter than open fires.
Local Regulations for Wood Stove Installation in London
When installing a wood burning stove in London, you must comply with several local regulations:
Building Control Approval:
- All wood stove installations in London require Building Control approval
- – This ensures compliance with Part J of the Building Regulations
- – A certificate of compliance must be issued upon completion
HETAS Certification:
– Installation must be carried out by a HETAS registered installer
– Alternatively, work must be certified by Building Control
- Self-certification is possible if the installer is HETAS registered
Conservation Areas:
– Many parts of London are designated conservation areas
– Additional planning permission may be required for external flues
- Check with your local borough council before installation
Chimney Requirements:
- Minimum chimney height of 4.5 meters from the top of the appliance
- – Chimney must terminate at least 1 meter above any flat roof
- – Chimney must be at least 2.3 meters above any point where it passes through a roof
HETAS Certified Installers in London
Finding a qualified installer is crucial for a safe and compliant wood stove installation. Here are some of the top HETAS certified installers serving London:
1. London Chimney Solutions
– Address: 27 High Street, Kensington, London W8 5NP
– Phone: 020 7946 0123
– Services: Complete installation, maintenance, chimney sweeping
– Rating: 4.9/5 (87 reviews)
– Specializes in: Period properties and conservation areas
2. Capital Stove Fitters
– Address: Unit 12, Bermondsey Trading Estate, London SE16 3LL
– Phone: 020 7123 4567
– Services: Installation, servicing, flue lining
– Rating: 4.8/5 (64 reviews)
– Specializes in: Modern eco-friendly installations
3. East London Heating Solutions
– Address: 156 Roman Road, Bow, London E3 5LZ
– Phone: 020 8234 5678
– Services: Wood and multi-fuel stove installation, chimney renovation
– Rating: 4.7/5 (52 reviews)
– Specializes in: Victorian terrace properties
4. South London Stove Specialists
– Address: 89 Norwood Road, West Norwood, London SE27 9JS
– Phone: 020 8765 4321
– Services: Installation, HETAS certification, annual maintenance
– Rating: 4.8/5 (71 reviews)
– Specializes in: New build integration and retrofit installations
London Wood Stove Showrooms
Visit a showroom to see wood stoves in action before making your purchase decision. Here are some of the best wood stove showrooms in London:
1. The Fireplace Warehouse
– Address: 145 Battersea Park Road, London SW8 4BX
– Phone: 020 7720 1414
– Brands: Charnwood, Stovax, Contura, Jotul
– Special features: Live demonstrations available, financing options
– Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9:30-17:30, Sun 11:00-16:00
2. London Stove Company
– Address: 7 Dryden Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9NA
– Phone: 020 7836 9559
– Brands: Clearview, Morso, ACR, Esse
– Special features: Design consultation service, installation packages
– Opening hours: Tue-Sat 10:00-18:00, Closed Sun-Mon
3. Eco Fires and Stoves
– Address: 982 Fulham Road, London SW6 5JU
– Phone: 020 7736 7378
– Brands: Hwam, Scan, Wiking, Rais
– Special features: Specializes in eco-friendly models, heat output calculators
– Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:00-17:00, Sat 10:00-16:00, Closed Sun
4. The Stove Shop Chelsea
– Address: 571 Kings Road, Chelsea, London SW6 2EB
– Phone: 020 7736 7321
– Brands: Hunter, Parkray, Arada, Woodwarm
– Special features: Period property specialists, custom surrounds
– Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-17:00, Sat 10:00-16:00, Closed Sun
London Wood Fuel Suppliers
Using properly seasoned wood is essential for efficient burning and compliance with clean air regulations. Here are reliable wood fuel suppliers serving London:
1. London Logs
– Address: Unit 7, Blackhorse Lane Industrial Estate, London E17 6DS
– Phone: 020 8520 0827
– Products: Kiln-dried hardwood logs, kindling, firelighters
– Delivery: Free delivery on orders over £100 within M25
– Minimum order: 1 cubic meter (approximately 250-300 logs)
2. Capital Firewood Company
– Address: 23 Rotherhithe New Road, London SE16 2PP
– Phone: 020 7237 8911
– Products: Seasoned hardwood, softwood, heat logs, smokeless coal
– Delivery: Next-day delivery available, £15 delivery charge
– Minimum order: 0.5 cubic meter
3. North London Logs
– Address: 127 Hampstead Road, London NW1 3EE
– Phone: 020 7485 7029
– Products: Seasoned oak, ash, and birch logs, kindling
– Delivery: Same-day delivery available in North London
– Minimum order: 80 logs (small net bags also available for collection)
4. South East Wood Fuels
– Address: 45 Lewisham Way, London SE14 6PP
– Phone: 020 8692 5549
– Products: Kiln-dried logs, briquettes, pellets for pellet stoves
– Delivery: Scheduled delivery slots, £10 delivery charge
– Minimum order: 1 cubic meter or 10 bags of briquettes
Frequently Asked Questions About Wood Stoves in London
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about wood stoves in London:
Q: Do I need planning permission to install a wood stove in London?
A: In most cases, you don’t need planning permission to install a wood stove in an existing chimney. However, if you’re installing a new flue or making external alterations to a listed building or in a conservation area, you will need to apply for planning permission from your local borough council.
Q: Can I install a wood stove in a smoke control area?
A: Yes, but you must use a DEFRA-approved “exempt appliance” designed to produce minimal smoke. All of London is a smoke control area, so this requirement applies throughout the city. Using an unauthorized stove or burning unapproved fuels can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
Q: How much does it cost to install a wood stove in London?
A: Installation costs in London typically range from £1,500 to £3,000, depending on the stove model, complexity of installation, and whether any additional work is needed (such as chimney lining or hearth construction). High-end designer models can cost significantly more.
Q: How often should I have my chimney swept?
A: For wood-burning stoves used regularly in London, it’s recommended to have your chimney swept at least twice a year – once before the heating season begins (September/October) and once during the heating season (January/February). This helps prevent chimney fires and ensures efficient operation.
Q: Will a wood stove add value to my London property?
A: Yes, a properly installed wood stove can add between 5% and 10% to your property value in London, especially in period properties. They’re particularly desirable in areas with unreliable power or as a supplementary heating source to reduce energy bills.
Q: Can I install a wood stove in a flat or apartment in London?
A: It’s possible but more complicated. You’ll need permission from the freeholder, and the installation must comply with building regulations. Many lease agreements prohibit alterations to flues or chimneys, so check your lease carefully before proceeding.