I Want a Stove. Where Do I Start?

It's already March, but don’t get complacent - despite the snowdrops, crocuses, and daffodils everywhere, Spring isn’t QUITE ready to make an appearance. How about making sure you have a wonderfully cosy woodburning stove in by next winter? Or even by the next cold snap – which, let’s face it, could be any time through March and even beyond.

Many customers come into the showroom for the first time with the opening line ‘we would LOVE a wood-burning stove, but we simply don’t know where to start. HELP!’ That’s what we do. We help, we guide, and we advise. We have a page dedicated to buying your stove but call into the showroom in person – you’ll learn far more.

There are no daft questions, and yes, it IS possible to have a stove even if you don’t have a chimney. We’ll go through absolutely everything - every single detail - with you to ensure you make the right decision and get a stove you love and that works for you.

A Warm Welcome with a Cosy Stove

When you visit the showroom, there’s no pushy sales talk; we will greet you and let you wander and browse if you prefer. Then, when you’re ready, we’ll discuss what you are hoping for.

What will we ask you?

• Do you have an existing chimney and fireplace? Or perhaps a new-build extension with no chimney?

• Is there a bricked-up chimney or an inset gas fire? This will inform options such as installation, fireplace designs and hearths as well as your choice of stove plus aspects such as flue liners, beams, surrounds and chambers.

• How big is the room? Is it open-plan or a through room? This is how we determine the output required.

• Have you decided on a woodburning or multifuel stove? Then we’ll need to consider kiln-dried logs vs seasoned, storing the logs, lighting the stove…

• Are you aware of any Smoke Control Zone regulations and restrictions? Have you looked into Building Regulations requirements?

• Who's installing your stove? We have our own expert installation team, which delivers a more seamless experience. It goes without saying that they’re totally up to date with all relevant building regulations and HETAS.
  

Please don’t worry, it’s not an interview. It’s very informal, but the more detail we get at this stage, the better the service we can give and the happier our customers will be. And THAT is our ultimate aim.

Choosing Your Stove

So, once we’ve covered those bases, it’s time to start looking at the stoves and discussing designs and your preferences. Firstly, we’ll ascertain if you’d prefer a traditional or more contemporary style. Then, we’ll discuss the options for an inset or freestanding stove.

Professional advice is essential before installing a wood-burning or multifuel stove, and not only in terms of style and design.

That’s where we come in. With over 40 years in the trade, we KNOW stoves – and we know what will work where. We don’t ever do a hard sell – but we will carry out a comprehensive survey to ensure you get the perfect stove for you. There are over 200 brands of woodburning stoves and literally THOUSANDS of different models.

At Coalwood, we know too many options would be overwhelming, so we offer a good range of stoves from select manufacturers. This means that we know the manufacturer AND their stoves inside-out, so we can happily advise. We know what works best in which space. We can stock the most commonly requested spares for those stoves. And, if ever there was an issue, we know those manufacturers and that they’re as committed to customer service as we are.

What About Installation and Running Costs?

With proper set-up and use, a modern stove can offer reasonable economy. Costs will vary depending on the amount of use, the output required and the energy efficiency of the house itself – is it insulated and double-glazed? Whether you choose a multifuel or woodburning stove will make a difference, too.

Maintenance-wise, log burners and flues will require regular sweeping. Sure, there’s an upfront cost when installing a stove – but oh, what a difference it will make to your home and your comfort.

Who Can Have a Wood-Burning or Multifuel Stove?

Unsurprisingly, there are regulations and guidelines in place to ensure woodburning stoves are installed correctly and used safely and efficiently. There are a few things to consider:

• Building Regulations: The installation of a wood-burning stove is usually subject to local authority building regs. Any installation MUST comply with safety standards to protect both occupants and property. If not using a HETAS registered installer – which isn’t advisable anyway - you will need to consult your local building control office before installing a stove, as they will inspect the work and sign off the installation.

• HETAS Certification: HETAS (Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme) is a government-approved body that certifies installers and appliances for solid fuel, wood, and biomass technologies. Using a HETAS-certified installer is your guarantee that your stove is installed correctly and meets safety standards.

• Smoke Control Areas: Certain areas in the UK are designated Smoke Control Areas, so the use of wood-burning stoves may be restricted, though there are some appliances specifically designed and approved for use in Smoke Control Areas. Again, it's important to check with your local authority.

• Eco-design Ready Stoves: The UK government encourages the use of eco-design ready stoves, which are designed to be more energy-efficient and produce fewer emissions. These stoves meet higher environmental standards and can be used anywhere in the UK.

• Flue Requirements: The flue or chimney associated with the stove must also meet certain standards, crucial for the safe and efficient operation of the stove. There are strict guidelines as to the flue height, diameter, and positioning.

Again, we can happily discuss all these points with you in detail and will ensure we get it right, every time.

Your Stove Experts in Stockport

On top of cosiness and warmth, a multifuel or wood-burning stove brings a distinct ambience and beauty to your home. There's something almost magical, mesmerising even about the crackling sound of a fire, and the sight of the dancing flames can be enthralling.

Whether you're aiming for a countryfied, traditional look or a streamlined, contemporary design, there's a stove here that will perfectly fit your home.

Get in touch today and let us help you come home to a wonderful, warm welcome!

Forty Years of Coalwood Heating!

Did you know that Coalwood has now been here in Stockport for a whole FORTY years? FOUR DECADES?! That's forty years of experience, expertise, and first-class customer service in supplying wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves. We're really rather proud of that. Thank you to all our customers, old and new - and the many who come back for more!

Here's the press release featured in local media:

Forty Years for Family Company, Coalwood Heating

Recessions. Credit crunch. Pandemic and lockdowns. Cost of living crisis. Businesses have undoubtedly had their work cut out over the past four decades. Many, sadly, didn’t make it. All the more reason, then, for Coalwood Heating to celebrate this landmark FORTIETH anniversary.

Forty and Fabulous

Forty years in business is more than cause for celebration in itself. Riding out the storms of the last forty years - and positively - thriving warrants champagne and fanfare and a huge congratulations from the whole of Stockport and beyond. Sure, it’s not always been easy – indeed, running a business is never easy – but quality products, expert advice, and superb service have made the difference for Coalwood Heating. They first opened their doors back in 1982, supplying and installing high quality, stylish wood burning, multifuel, gas and electric stoves.

Owner and manager Beverley Sangster says: “We pride ourselves on the ultimate customer service and our specialist knowledge on the range of stoves, as well as our installation expertise. For this reason, most of our work comes from recommendations and referrals.” You can see for yourself - Coalwood’s Google reviews back up this point beautifully.

A Family Firm

Beverley grew up in the family home, above the showroom, which was opened by her Dad, Keith Williams. Keith retired four years ago, but still helps on a part-time basis. In fact, ‘helping’ is how Beverley started, back when she was just a 13-year-old Saturday girl. Then in 2001, she returned to ‘help’ again, ostensibly just for a year…

One stand-out reason for Coalwood’s longevity and success is their approach to the customers and each individual job. Everything is managed by Coalwood’s dedicated and knowledgeable experts. Says Beverley: “We don’t send out salespeople to survey for our clients. There’s no hard sell, ever. Everything is tailored exactly to the customer’s needs – we even choose the right installation team.”

Coalwood work with four trusted, expert installation teams – with many years’ experience in both building and fireplaces - and it is they who will help a customer find exactly the right stove for their home and situation.

All in the Detail

Whether it’s just a stove and a flue line, or an elaborate fireplace and tiled hearth, the Coalwood team will meticulously plan and deliver exactly to the customer’s needs and wants. The service is entirely bespoke, while refreshingly down to earth. From a customer’s first visit to the warm and welcoming Stockport showroom all the way through to completion, nothing is too much trouble. No question is too daft, and few settings impossible.

Beverley says “Many customers have a bricked-up chimney breast, an old wall-mounted gas fire, or a fireplace and fire that came with the house. In an older house, there might be an original fireplace we can expose. Or we can line the chimney breast opening with a smooth heat-resistant board. The hearth can then be tiled, or we can fit a granite, stone or brick hearth. As an alternative we can also tile inside the chimney breast opening. Perhaps a beam or surround could be fitted.

No chimney? No problem. Newer properties, or extensions, rarely have chimneys. However, this doesn't mean you can't have a stove. We can install an insulated flue, even a mock chimney breast if required.”

Coalwood Heating – Forty Years of Fantastic Service

Coalwood really DO go the extra mile. An independent and genuinely family-run firm, Coalwood is a HETAS-approved retailer. HETAS (Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme) is a legal entity – much like the Gas Safe scheme - the industry’s governing body, and Coalwood’s clients’ guarantee of safety and quality.

It's crucial to get it right. Most of the Manchester area is a Smoke Control Zone, which means restrictions on which fuels can be burned, and which stove can be installed. Confused? Don’t be. Coalwood can guide you through the entire process.

That knowledge is just one reason for their continued success. Together with a wealth of superb products, expert planning and fitting, plus stellar customer service, it’s little wonder they’re Stockport’s longest-standing stove supplier. Here’s to many more years!