This is a 5kw Villager Chelsea Solo fitted this week - price supply only £410. Please contact us at www.countystoves.co.uk for free fitting quotes.
Made from 8mm and 4mm steel plate and cast iron components sourced from carefully selected and monitored British foundries. The NEW Chelsea Solo and Chelsea Duo are fitted with deep riddling grates together with concealed log retainers making them easy to load with either Wood or Fossilised Fuel. With fully interchangeable 5" flue collars, these versatile stoves will complement most room settings whilst providing the all important comfort and enjoyment of a real fire in your home. Optional low or high canopies will change their appearance and add to their appeal.
Heat Output Up to 5 kW
Average area heated 56 to 70 cubic metres
Flue outlet Top or Rear (interchangeable)
127mm (5") damperless flue collar
Optional extras Fine mesh spark guard (Duo only)
Metal ash carrier with lid
Drop in grate conversion plate for woodburning
5" flue damper & handle
High & low canopies (removable)
Boiler options 12,000 btu (approx)
3.53kW Heat output
Available in
stainless steel
County Stoves, Hedge End, Southampton, Hampshire. Woodburner installation. County Stoves are installers of wood burners including chimney liners in Hampshire and surrounding areas. We are Hetas registered and provide free independent advice. For more details please visit www.countystoves.co.uk
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
New Gas Safe Website
Top tips for gas safety
Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer to install, repair and service your gas appliances, including your:
gas boiler
gas fire, gas cooker or hob
central heating system, radiators or your hot water system, if they are connected to either a Natural Gas or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) supply
Always ask for the card. Gas Safe registered engineers all carry a Gas Safe Register ID card. It shows you what they look like and what gas work they are qualified to do. It also gives you a unique licence number that you can use to check they are still on the register.
Only allow an engineer to work on your gas appliances after you have checked their Gas Safe Register ID card. If you have any doubts call 0800 408 5500 and quote the unique licence number on your engineer’s ID card.
If you suspect an engineer is not registered and working illegally, you should report it to Gas Safe Register using the 'Report an illegal engineer' service.
Check that your engineer is qualified to work on your gas appliance.
Not all engineers are qualified to carry out all types of gas work. Make sure you check the qualifications on the back of their ID card to make sure they are competent to work on your appliance. You can also check them on this website by using the 'Check an engineer' service in the right hand panel of this page.
If you have a complaint about work carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer, then let us know by using our complaints form.
Get your appliances checked once a year, or in accordance with your manufacturer's guidelines, by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Install an audible, carbon monoxide alarm. Fitting an alarm will alert you to the presence of the poisonous gas carbon monoxide, produced by unsafe gas appliances
If you think there might be a gas leak or notice any signs of carbon monoxide, act fast and follow the advice for gas emergencies.
visit www.gas-safe-hampshire.co.uk for a gas engineer in Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester, Eastleigh and surrounding areas
Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer to install, repair and service your gas appliances, including your:
gas boiler
gas fire, gas cooker or hob
central heating system, radiators or your hot water system, if they are connected to either a Natural Gas or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) supply
Always ask for the card. Gas Safe registered engineers all carry a Gas Safe Register ID card. It shows you what they look like and what gas work they are qualified to do. It also gives you a unique licence number that you can use to check they are still on the register.
Only allow an engineer to work on your gas appliances after you have checked their Gas Safe Register ID card. If you have any doubts call 0800 408 5500 and quote the unique licence number on your engineer’s ID card.
If you suspect an engineer is not registered and working illegally, you should report it to Gas Safe Register using the 'Report an illegal engineer' service.
Check that your engineer is qualified to work on your gas appliance.
Not all engineers are qualified to carry out all types of gas work. Make sure you check the qualifications on the back of their ID card to make sure they are competent to work on your appliance. You can also check them on this website by using the 'Check an engineer' service in the right hand panel of this page.
If you have a complaint about work carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer, then let us know by using our complaints form.
Get your appliances checked once a year, or in accordance with your manufacturer's guidelines, by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Install an audible, carbon monoxide alarm. Fitting an alarm will alert you to the presence of the poisonous gas carbon monoxide, produced by unsafe gas appliances
If you think there might be a gas leak or notice any signs of carbon monoxide, act fast and follow the advice for gas emergencies.
visit www.gas-safe-hampshire.co.uk for a gas engineer in Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester, Eastleigh and surrounding areas
Monday, 1 June 2009
Telegraph article on Stoves
More people are switching to wood burning stoves which both cut costs and are carbon neutral.
One manufacturer, Charnwood on the Isle of Wight, has seen sales quadruple this year.
It's had to double its night shift to increase capacity and is now taking orders for next April.
"We've been inundated, we've never known anything like it" said spokesman Ced Wells.
The third generation family firm has found that some customers have completely replaced their gas and oil central heating systems in favour of wood.
"At the moment, that's the only problem" said Mr Wells, adding: "We export a lot of stoves to France where, in rural areas, every house has a log store. Here there's a bit of a problem at the moment in the distribution of wood.
"The Forestry Commission says there is plenty of wood available – it's just that distribution is patchy, but it's starting to improve".
The firm's stoves start at around £600 and rise to around £2,500.
Industry icons, the classic Aga and Rayburn, confirm demand is skyrocketing with sales tripling in the last five years.
A few years ago, Rayburn was considering discontinuing the wood burning model because it accounted for only a small fraction of sales, but now it represents over 50 per cent of their sales.
Recently the firm launched a system which uses solar power to provide up to 65 per cent of a home's hot water while saving up to 60 per cent on fuel costs. The firm says that using a wood burner for five hours a day will cost only 50p. A further incentive is that VAT on buying the stoves is 5 per cent instead of the standard rate of 17.5 per cent.
John Dabb, head of marketing for Aga claimed: "Wood burning Rayburns have gone from zero to hero."
The firm boasts a galaxy of celebrity clients – from Prince Charles to TV chefs, footballer Ronaldo to David Cameron and Jeremy Clarkson.
Meanwhile the Solid Fuel Association is lauding the health benefits of burning a mix of coal and wood which, it claims promotes healthy circulation of air in a house and minimises condensation and also gets rid of mold spores which can cause bronchial irritation.
The fire also uses the chimney to rid the house of other gases and particles in the air which may give rise to asthma and hay fever.
The Association's website claims "Medical research has demonstrated that people living in houses with solid fuel heating are significantly less likely to suffer from asthma and hay fever compared to those living in houses with other forms of heating".
On the question of patchy wood supplies it says that there are nearly 1,000 coal merchants, many of whom sell logs and supplies are also available from supermarkets, farmer's co-operatives and garage forecourts.
Finally, there's one word of warning. The National Society of Master Thatchers (NSMT) says that each year about 50 thatched cottages catch fire, increasingly because owners have installed wood burners that are too powerful for old chimneys.
In some cases owners, particularly of weekend cottages, have filled up fireplaces with the burners because they look more inviting that way.
Scientist Marjorie Sanders, chief executive of the society said "When these appliances are fitted into elderly chimneys with only a four inch layer of brick between the flue and the thatch, the thatch will be especially vulnerable to the risk of heat transfer and a consequent fire.
"People are trying to save money by using wood instead of fuels like oil and gas."
One manufacturer, Charnwood on the Isle of Wight, has seen sales quadruple this year.
It's had to double its night shift to increase capacity and is now taking orders for next April.
"We've been inundated, we've never known anything like it" said spokesman Ced Wells.
The third generation family firm has found that some customers have completely replaced their gas and oil central heating systems in favour of wood.
"At the moment, that's the only problem" said Mr Wells, adding: "We export a lot of stoves to France where, in rural areas, every house has a log store. Here there's a bit of a problem at the moment in the distribution of wood.
"The Forestry Commission says there is plenty of wood available – it's just that distribution is patchy, but it's starting to improve".
The firm's stoves start at around £600 and rise to around £2,500.
Industry icons, the classic Aga and Rayburn, confirm demand is skyrocketing with sales tripling in the last five years.
A few years ago, Rayburn was considering discontinuing the wood burning model because it accounted for only a small fraction of sales, but now it represents over 50 per cent of their sales.
Recently the firm launched a system which uses solar power to provide up to 65 per cent of a home's hot water while saving up to 60 per cent on fuel costs. The firm says that using a wood burner for five hours a day will cost only 50p. A further incentive is that VAT on buying the stoves is 5 per cent instead of the standard rate of 17.5 per cent.
John Dabb, head of marketing for Aga claimed: "Wood burning Rayburns have gone from zero to hero."
The firm boasts a galaxy of celebrity clients – from Prince Charles to TV chefs, footballer Ronaldo to David Cameron and Jeremy Clarkson.
Meanwhile the Solid Fuel Association is lauding the health benefits of burning a mix of coal and wood which, it claims promotes healthy circulation of air in a house and minimises condensation and also gets rid of mold spores which can cause bronchial irritation.
The fire also uses the chimney to rid the house of other gases and particles in the air which may give rise to asthma and hay fever.
The Association's website claims "Medical research has demonstrated that people living in houses with solid fuel heating are significantly less likely to suffer from asthma and hay fever compared to those living in houses with other forms of heating".
On the question of patchy wood supplies it says that there are nearly 1,000 coal merchants, many of whom sell logs and supplies are also available from supermarkets, farmer's co-operatives and garage forecourts.
Finally, there's one word of warning. The National Society of Master Thatchers (NSMT) says that each year about 50 thatched cottages catch fire, increasingly because owners have installed wood burners that are too powerful for old chimneys.
In some cases owners, particularly of weekend cottages, have filled up fireplaces with the burners because they look more inviting that way.
Scientist Marjorie Sanders, chief executive of the society said "When these appliances are fitted into elderly chimneys with only a four inch layer of brick between the flue and the thatch, the thatch will be especially vulnerable to the risk of heat transfer and a consequent fire.
"People are trying to save money by using wood instead of fuels like oil and gas."
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
Woodburner fuel
The most commonly used wood fuel burned is logs on open fires or woodburning stoves. Interest in low carbon fuels has increased awareness of wood pellet and wood chip installations although current applications are limited.
There are a wide range of wood types available, both hardwood and softwood, although the hardwoods are favoured by many as they burn more slowly and have a higher calorific value.
Current concerns about the effect of carbon dioxide emissions in relation to climate change has focussed attention on the zero rating of wood fuel.It is widely accepted that during their growth, trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere equal to the quantity released during combustion.
Important also are the moisture figures and the recommended periods for seasoning. The CEN/TC 335 European Standard specification states logs should have a maximum moisture content of
Seasoned in Forest - 40%
Seasoned in Storage - 30%
Oven-ready Log - 20%
Most appliance manufacturers recommend moisture levels of less than 20% for best performance. This can be achieved by splitting, stacking and air drying for a period suitable for the wood type.
Burning unseasoned wood is an inefficient practice, Much of the energy released from the fuel is used to dry the fuel and boil off the water within the core of the log.
Poorly seasoned wood results in serious problems associated with condensation in the flue. Water vapour, driven off during the combustion process, will travel up the chimney together with flue gasses. Should the flue gas temperature cool to 'dew point' the water will condense on the internal surface of the flue to form water droplets. Whilst in contact with the flue gas the water entrains some of the combustion by products to form something resembling creosote. This can seep into brickwork and cause staining and can shorton the life of a lined flue.
There are a wide range of wood types available, both hardwood and softwood, although the hardwoods are favoured by many as they burn more slowly and have a higher calorific value.
Current concerns about the effect of carbon dioxide emissions in relation to climate change has focussed attention on the zero rating of wood fuel.It is widely accepted that during their growth, trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere equal to the quantity released during combustion.
Important also are the moisture figures and the recommended periods for seasoning. The CEN/TC 335 European Standard specification states logs should have a maximum moisture content of
Seasoned in Forest - 40%
Seasoned in Storage - 30%
Oven-ready Log - 20%
Most appliance manufacturers recommend moisture levels of less than 20% for best performance. This can be achieved by splitting, stacking and air drying for a period suitable for the wood type.
Burning unseasoned wood is an inefficient practice, Much of the energy released from the fuel is used to dry the fuel and boil off the water within the core of the log.
Poorly seasoned wood results in serious problems associated with condensation in the flue. Water vapour, driven off during the combustion process, will travel up the chimney together with flue gasses. Should the flue gas temperature cool to 'dew point' the water will condense on the internal surface of the flue to form water droplets. Whilst in contact with the flue gas the water entrains some of the combustion by products to form something resembling creosote. This can seep into brickwork and cause staining and can shorton the life of a lined flue.
Monday, 18 May 2009
Woodburners
There’s nothing quite like a real fire – either to warm yourself by, or simply to sit gazing at – but traditional open fires have their problems.
For one thing they can be fairly dirty things to have in your living room, but with wood burning stoves, although you will have to clean them out ever week or so, gone are the days of cleaning and relaying the fire anew each morning.
Having a layer of ash gradually building up on the base actually helps the logs to burn and with their enclosed design, today’s wood burning stoves can burn round the clock, without the ever-present danger of falling logs setting fire to your house. Although soot accumulation on the glass used to be a problem, many of the modern designs also have an air-wash which cleans it for you – so you never need lose the sight of dancing flames.
Wood burning stoves are also much more efficient than an open grate fire; most of the draughts in houses with fires are caused as hot air – that you’ve paid to heat – shoots up the chimney and sucks in cold air from outside to replace it. While an open fire has been estimated to be only around 20 or 25 per cent efficient, wood burning stoves manage over 80 per cent – an instant and massive saving in energy.
For the eco-conscious, the carbon neutral nature of wood is a big bonus too. Logs are a sustainable fuel – just as long as we keep planting trees – and since they only release the “modern” carbon they took up when they were growing, unlike fossil fuels that contribute ancient carbon to the air – their net effect on the atmosphere is zero.
Pick a model with a “clean-burn” or “clean-heat" system and your heating becomes even greener. These wood burning stoves re-circulate the combustible gases given off as the wood burns, increasing the heating benefit and reducing emissions.
For one thing they can be fairly dirty things to have in your living room, but with wood burning stoves, although you will have to clean them out ever week or so, gone are the days of cleaning and relaying the fire anew each morning.
Having a layer of ash gradually building up on the base actually helps the logs to burn and with their enclosed design, today’s wood burning stoves can burn round the clock, without the ever-present danger of falling logs setting fire to your house. Although soot accumulation on the glass used to be a problem, many of the modern designs also have an air-wash which cleans it for you – so you never need lose the sight of dancing flames.
Wood burning stoves are also much more efficient than an open grate fire; most of the draughts in houses with fires are caused as hot air – that you’ve paid to heat – shoots up the chimney and sucks in cold air from outside to replace it. While an open fire has been estimated to be only around 20 or 25 per cent efficient, wood burning stoves manage over 80 per cent – an instant and massive saving in energy.
For the eco-conscious, the carbon neutral nature of wood is a big bonus too. Logs are a sustainable fuel – just as long as we keep planting trees – and since they only release the “modern” carbon they took up when they were growing, unlike fossil fuels that contribute ancient carbon to the air – their net effect on the atmosphere is zero.
Pick a model with a “clean-burn” or “clean-heat" system and your heating becomes even greener. These wood burning stoves re-circulate the combustible gases given off as the wood burns, increasing the heating benefit and reducing emissions.
Check A Trade Quotes!!!!
No we don't get involved with my builder quotes or check a trade websites. How can you give a fair quote on a chimney installation without a site survey? There are many factors to consider when pricing chimney work, every job is different and requires seperate considerations eg. access , safety, location to name a few.
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
Smoke Control Areas
You are not allowed to burn fuel that emits smoke in a smoke control area either in a stove or fireplace. You are permitted to burn smokeless fuels on multifuel stoves and fireplaces
If in doubt contact your local authority. They can tell you if you are in a smoke control area and will have details of permitted fuels and appliances.
If in doubt contact your local authority. They can tell you if you are in a smoke control area and will have details of permitted fuels and appliances.
Clean Air Act
The UK's Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries was powered by coal and factories were often very near, or in , the cities. Coal burning in the home on stoves and fireplaces was also very common for heating. Air pollution was often very great and when it was foggy pollution levels rose and 'Smogs' were formed bringing cities to a standstill and causing many deaths.
Legislative controls on industrial emissions helped somewhat, but people were still burning a lot of coal on multifuel stoves and fireplaces for domestic heating.
After the Great London Smog of 1952 killed around 4,000 people the Clean Air Acts of 1956 and 1968 were introduced. These gave local authorities powers to control emissions of smoke and to declare Smoke Control Areas where burning fuel that produces smoke is banned. Many towns and cities now have smoke control areas especially in city centres and they have been effective in controlling the levels of smoke.
Legislative controls on industrial emissions helped somewhat, but people were still burning a lot of coal on multifuel stoves and fireplaces for domestic heating.
After the Great London Smog of 1952 killed around 4,000 people the Clean Air Acts of 1956 and 1968 were introduced. These gave local authorities powers to control emissions of smoke and to declare Smoke Control Areas where burning fuel that produces smoke is banned. Many towns and cities now have smoke control areas especially in city centres and they have been effective in controlling the levels of smoke.
Monday, 27 April 2009
Checking and relining existing Chimneys
Old chimneys are often very in-efficient and particularly if unlined, can leak products of combustion and tars through the chimney walls. It is quite common to find that old chimneys are in a poor condition due to the flue surface and mortar joints being eaten away by corrosive condensates and soot deposits. The size of the flue may also be too large to suit the operating requirements of many modern heating appliances. It was only in 1965 that Building Regulations required that all new chimneys had to be built with suitable flue liners of the correct flue size to protect the chimney structure.
It is therefore very wise to have any old chimney you are using checked for its condition and particularly if you are planning to re-open an old chimney after many years of not being used. The check is best done by a chimney specialist and would start with the chimney being swept to make sure it is clear of obstructions such as dislodged masonry or bird's nests. A smoke test should then be carried out to establish whether there is any major fault that can cause products of combustion to leak through the chimney walls. The general condition of the chimney in terms of structural stability should also be checked, as well as making sure it is wind and water tight.
Carrying out these checks should identify the repair work that is needed and more often than not, it is also necessary to have the chimney fitted with a new liner, which should improve both performance and safety. There are many factory made refining systems available and it is important to make sure that the correct flue size is fitted to suit the appliance or fire that will be used. Many of the same installation requirements as for new chimneys also apply.
Visit http://www.countystoves.co.uk/ for independent advice.
It is therefore very wise to have any old chimney you are using checked for its condition and particularly if you are planning to re-open an old chimney after many years of not being used. The check is best done by a chimney specialist and would start with the chimney being swept to make sure it is clear of obstructions such as dislodged masonry or bird's nests. A smoke test should then be carried out to establish whether there is any major fault that can cause products of combustion to leak through the chimney walls. The general condition of the chimney in terms of structural stability should also be checked, as well as making sure it is wind and water tight.
Carrying out these checks should identify the repair work that is needed and more often than not, it is also necessary to have the chimney fitted with a new liner, which should improve both performance and safety. There are many factory made refining systems available and it is important to make sure that the correct flue size is fitted to suit the appliance or fire that will be used. Many of the same installation requirements as for new chimneys also apply.
Visit http://www.countystoves.co.uk/ for independent advice.
Stove Installation
If you are relining your chimney whether that be with flexible liner, pumice, or concrete liners or if you are building a new chimney (including building a new chimney using twin wall insulated flue pipe) then this is classed as "Building work" and you must notify building control before work starts.
In any case there may well be local planning restrictions convering chimney work and new chimneys that you have to follow.
Such work has to be done under the guidance of a building inspector or by an installer who is a member of a "Competant Person Scheme" such as Hetas.
In any case there may well be local planning restrictions convering chimney work and new chimneys that you have to follow.
Such work has to be done under the guidance of a building inspector or by an installer who is a member of a "Competant Person Scheme" such as Hetas.
Approved Document J of the Building Regulations
The 2002 edition of Approved Document J of The Building Regulations stipulates that any work that affects an existing chimney (ie fitting a new stove or liner) or creating a new chimney now comes under building control.
An existing chimney or a new flue or chimney installation must be given a visual inspection to check that it is in good order, clear of obstructions and is of a suitable size and type for the appliance you plan to install. It may be necessary to sweep the flue (which should always be done anyway before fitting a stove or lining a chimney) and also, if necessary, to do a smoke test to check for gas tightness.
An existing chimney or a new flue or chimney installation must be given a visual inspection to check that it is in good order, clear of obstructions and is of a suitable size and type for the appliance you plan to install. It may be necessary to sweep the flue (which should always be done anyway before fitting a stove or lining a chimney) and also, if necessary, to do a smoke test to check for gas tightness.
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