The Ultimate Guide to Wood Burning Stoves
The Ultimate Guide to Wood Burning Stoves: Maximising Efficiency & Minimising Emissions There are few things in life more comforting and mesmerising than the long, lazy flames and crackling sound of a freshly lit wood fire, however, there is some confusion surrounding the impact of wood burning stoves on the environment and the efficiency and sustainability of firewood as a fuel source. With the cost-of-living crisis and spiralling energy prices ever growing issues, it is important for Brits to be fully aware of different heating options available to them. Contrary to popular opinion, when used and maintained correctly, a wood burner can provide an efficient, cost effective and sustainable domestic heating solution. Likewise, firewood is a highly efficient and low-carbon energy source. By understanding and following best practice and making the right choices when it comes to wood burners and fuel, stove owners can ensure the best possible performance from their appliance. In this comprehensive guide to wood-burning stoves, the aptly named Phil Wood of Swedish manufacturer, Contura, highlights the benefits of log burners, provides important tips to help minimise emissions and dispels some of the common misconceptions surrounding the use of wood vs. fossil fuels. Phil says: “With ongoing high gas prices it is understandable that there is concern in many households about how to heat their homes this autumn-winter. It is important to be aware of alternative heating methods that can help save money on energy bills in the longer-term and allows the consumer to take back some control of their fuel supply. “Wood burners that meet government regulations are a completely viable option for homeowners. Whether looking to upgrade an old stove, replace an open fireplace or even switch to wood as the main energy source, installing a stove will heat a home more efficiently than an open fire, will help save on gas bills and will significantly reduce particulate emissions.” Why is wood a good fuel option? “Unlike coal or natural gas, wood is a low-carbon fuel. This means that burning wood results in a relatively small net release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which is then re-absorbed when new trees grow. This effectively balances out the combustion of bioenergy. “As such, when changing from smokeless or mineral fuels to burning wood, this contributes to a reduction in carbon emissions. “Unlike fossil fuels such as coal, crude oil and natural gas, wood is a renewable energy source. A renewable resource is defined as a natural resource which can be replenished to replace the portion depleted by usage. “Wood is renewable in that a tree cut for fuel will naturally be replaced by a younger tree that grows or is planted in its place. However, it is also important to consider the concept of sustainable forest management; both locally and worldwide… “Most firewood is produced from thinning the forest to provide space, nutrition and light for thicker, more established trees to prosper. Localised coppicing helps to ensure ‘low fuel miles’ as wood is transported to areas nearby, within a 30 to 100 mile radius, rather than sourced from forests abroad.” How efficient is a wood burning stove? “Using firewood contributes to fuel independence as it can nearly always be sourced locally, within a 30-100-mile radius, which means it extremely efficient in fuel miles terms and those purchasing firewood are also supporting the local economy. “In the case of rural properties that do not necessarily want to heat all spaces at all times, local space heating using firewood is the most efficient heating solution. “Just two logs per hour are required to keep a wood burner going, whilst eight logs are needed to burn for an hour in an open fire. “Similarly, a wood burning stove is 60 per cent more efficient at heating the home as heat transfer is convected into the room rather than being lost up the chimney in the case of conventional open fireplaces.” How can I minimise my wood burning stove emissions? “Investing in a modern, clean burning Ecodesign stove can reduce emissions by up to 90% compared to a traditional open fire for example. “Ecodesign stoves have been engineered to burn wood more completely. The targeted introduction of combustion air at higher levels in the firebox of the stoves reignites the combustion particles before they can leave the stove. This technology reduces particulate emissions by 90 percent compared to an open fire or 80 percent compared to a stove of 5-10 years old. It can also lead to significant reductions in Carbon Monoxide, Nitrous Oxides and Organic Gaseous Carbon compounds (OGCs). “If you have an open fireplace or an out of date wood burner, consider replacing these with a wood burning stove that meets the Ecodesign regulations. To optimise efficiency, it is important to choose a size of stove to suit the room size you want to heat. “The stove should be cleaned out regularly to remove excess ash, soot and debris, as this will ensure a more efficient burn and minimise smoke. Get your stove serviced by a professional chimney sweep once a year, as this will troubleshoot any issues and ensure the stove is working at its best year-round. “To minimise emissions, it is also crucial that you burn the right fuel, learn to light the fire correctly and refuel the stove at the right time. More on these points to follow…” How do I choose the best firewood? “Purchase the best seasoned, dry or kiln-dried wood that you can afford from a recommended supplier. “You can be sure of the wood’s quality and origin by buying from accredited British suppliers. The UK’s woodfuel accreditation scheme, Woodsure, issues a ‘Ready to Burn‘ certification mark to wood suppliers that can demonstrate that their logs have an optimum moisture content between 12 and 20 per cent. Look out for this label for your quality guarantee. “Using kiln-dried wood or wood with a moisture content below 20 per cent will generate the correct heat and the correct flame, ensuring maximum efficiency
Easy installation and app control with Mendip’s Woodland Electric Stove
Enjoy easy installation and effortless app control with Mendip’s Woodland Electric Stove with a logstore base. A wood-burning stove brings a cosy focal point feature to the heart of the home and while these traditional heat sources are ideally suited to all kinds of property, there will be certain boxes to tick when it comes to installation. Combining the charm and character of a wood burner with the ease of installation of an electric fire, the Woodland Ilektro Electric Stove from Mendip, available either as a stand-alone stove or with an optional log-store base unit, is the perfect solution for those who want the classic look of a wood burner but an easy-to-use heat source that offers instant warmth at the touch of a button. The Woodland Ilektro Electric from Mendip is designed for homeowners who love the look and feel of a traditional wood burner but want a low maintenance, clean, easy to fit and simple to use electric fire. Inspired by the award-winning Woodland Wood burning Stove, the A+ rated Woodland Electric is crafted and styled with the same aesthetics for a timeless stove design. It has a large glass door, generously sized fire chamber and realistic log effect, with optional space to store real logs below for that super authentic feel. It’s operated by remote control or via the Ilektro app on a smartphone or tablet, allowing users to turn the fire on and off as well as change the flame settings, speed and bed colours without leaving the comfort of the sofa or even from another room. With an impressive 2kW heat output, the steel and cast-iron Woodland Ilektro Electric will instantly warm up any space and with programmable timers and a minimum room temperature setting, users will benefit from cosy and comfortable surroundings any time of the day. Simply plug into a standard UK socket then sit back and relax. There’s also the chance to personalise the stove with the choice of a black, silver or flush handle, while the Logstore Base enhances the traditional wood burner effect. “Our Woodland Wood burning Stove has always been immensely popular,” says Chris Baines, Managing Director of Eurostove, “and our Ilektro electric fires range is also a hit with customers, so we thought, why not combine the two for the best of both worlds. Easy to install and with convenient app control, homeowners can now benefit from the traditional look of a wood burning stove but with the minimal maintenance of an A+ rated energy efficient electric fire.” Mendip’s Woodland Ilektro Electric Stove with Logstore Base is priced £1,127. Subscribe to Fireplace Specialist Magazine today
Everything you need to know about new log burner laws in Scotland
Wondering just how the updated stove burner legislation in Scotland impacts you? In this article, Adam Oldfield, Director of the award-winning stove and fireplace retailer StovesAreUs, is here to tell us everything we need to know. Since the 1st of April 2024, some households in Scotland have been banned from using wood burners in their homes. This new legislation has been met with mixed responses from homeowners, with some praising the law, claiming it has environmental benefits, and others criticising it, with concerns over how it will impact those living in more rural areas. However, it’s important to note that this newly introduced legislation does not impact all Scottish households, and many across the country are still free to use their log burners. To help you get a full understanding of just how this law impacts you, I’ve put together a full lowdown on everything Scots need to know about the changes in the legislation, from who it impacts to alternative heating solutions. What are the changes in the laws relating to log burners? The law changes brought in on the 1st of April under the New Build Heat Standard (NBHS) prohibit people living in new builds from using wood-burning stoves and other “direct emission heating systems” as their primary heating source. This means that not only are new wood burning stoves prohibited from new builds, but other wood burning heaters too, such as fireplaces. It’s worth noting however that there are some exemptions taken into account with this law. The NHBS legislation doesn’t apply to those converting or extending a property which was built under a warrant applied for before the law came into practice on the 1st of April 2024. Log burners are also permitted in new builds if they are being installed as the building’s emergency heating system, or if they were installed with the sole purpose of frost protection. Who is impacted by these new laws? As already mentioned, this new legislation only applies to new buildings with building warrants which were applied for after the 1st of April 2024. This means that those who already had a wood burning stove or fireplace before this date and those living in properties which were constructed under a warrant which was applied for before the 1st of April this year won’t be impacted by this new law. Why are these laws being introduced? The legislation has been introduced in a bid to combat climate change. According to the Scottish Government, homes account for 13% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions, which is why the government has been looking for ways to help and encourage households across the country to reduce their carbon emissions. However, the new legislation has been criticised by many for how it will impact those living in rural areas. Many households in remote areas of Scotland rely on wood burning heating solutions during power cuts, which can be relatively common in bad weather in some areas. Many also feel that there are more effective ways for the government to help households reduce carbon emissions and believe the negatives of these new laws outweigh the benefits. The potential good news for those who do rely on these forms of heating is that the Scottish government intend to review this legislation after the backlash it has faced (BBC News). While we cannot speculate when this review may happen, especially with a general election on the way, many rural homeowners will no doubt want this evaluation to be high up the next government’s agenda. Wood burning stove alternatives If you are impacted by these new laws, or even if you want to future-proof your home in case this legislation expands to include more building types in the future, there are a number of alternatives for you to consider. Fortunately, there are many stylish and practical heating options available on the market. Electric stoves and fireplaces are popular choices amongst those looking for the aesthetic appeal of a wood burner without being impacted by these new laws. They are also a good choice for new builds, which are often built without chimneys, plus they are an efficient heating solution. For those living in rural areas often impacted by power outages, bioethanol stoves can be a good option. Like electric stoves and fireplaces, they don’t require a chimney or flue. But unlike these heating solutions, they run on clean bioethanol fuel, meaning they don’t rely on electricity. They also create beautiful clean burning flames and are relatively low-maintenance, making them a popular choice amongst many homeowners. The new legislation in Scotland may feel confusing to navigate, but hopefully we’ve helped you understand these changes and given you some inspiration for your next heating solution with our wood burner alternatives. For more information on all the latest heating solution news, make sure to check out the rest of the articles at Fireplace Specialist Magazine.
Compact stoves that will always find room
Europe’s leading wood burning stove manufacturer, Contura, launches the all-new 100 series of compact wood burning stoves, including the freestanding 110 and 130 models and the i1 cassette insert. The three new stoves in Contura’s newest cubic-style range are compact, robust, and reliable. With a timeless design that will elevate the interior of every home, the Contura 110, i1 or 130 will breathe new life into an existing fireplace or create a striking new feature in any living space. With energy prices still high and no let up from the squeeze of the cost-of-living crisis on the horizon, a modern, Ecodesign wood-burning stove can provide an efficient, cost-effective and sustainable heating solution for the home. These new Contura stoves are designed and constructed using the latest stove technology, boasting efficient, clean and state of the art combustion that can significantly reduce heating costs, whilst maximising heat output and minimising particulate emissions. The Contura 110 sits on legs and can be fitted into an existing fireplace with little modification or construction work required. The more modern, freestanding 130, available with or without an integrated log box to safely store firewood, can be placed anywhere in a room. For the ultimate in contemporary, custom-designed statement centrepieces, the i1 insert can be integrated into a chimney breast or a purpose-built recess. Whether for the living room, kitchen, dining room, bedroom, or even a garden room or conservatory, the new Contura 100 stoves are ideal for anyone looking to add a feature or upgrade or restore an existing fireplace. And with a compact design, they also provide a viable solution for those more compromised on space. Available in black, all 100 series stoves have cast iron doors. The Contura 130 comes with the option of being mounted on top of an open log store compartment for easy access to your wood fuel. The log store can also be hidden by a soft-close door for those that enjoy the convenience of the built-in log box but prefer not to have their logs on display. “An even more compact iteration of our award winning 200 series, but no less versatile or elegant, this new Contura stove family is ideal for those with smaller properties or tighter fireplaces,” says Phil Wood, Contura Country Manager for the UK and Ireland. “There is certainly nothing small about the warmth and impact these stoves will create in any living space. As our most affordable stoves yet, and meeting all the necessary sustainability requirements, the 100 collection can help homeowners keep both heating bills and emissions low. We believe these stylish wood burners will be a popular choice in the UK, especially in cottages and terraced properties.” Features, specifications, availability & pricing: Contura 110 Contura 130 Contura i1 Positioning Freestanding model sits on integrated feet Can sit directly on hearth or mounted on an integrated wood compartment Cassette insert for wall/chimney breast. Available with 3 or 4-sided frame Log box No Yes (optional) – open or closed log store No Materials Cast iron & steel Cast iron & steel Cast iron & steel Dimensions 565(h) 390(w) 355(d) 545(h) 465(w) 375(d) 550(h) 480(w) 350(d) Net Weight 63kg 75g 68kg System efficiency class A+ A+ A+ Combustion efficiency 80%+ 80%+ 80%+ Maximum log length 30cm 30cm 30cm Heat capacity up to 120m2 up to 120m2 up to 120m2 Heat output 5kw 5kw 5kw Price £1,295 £1,595 (£1,920 with log box) £1,495 All Contura stoves meet Ecodesign regulations and are Defra Clean Air Act exempt, which means they are approved for use in Smoke Control Areas. Contura stoves offer style combined with outstanding performance, maximum efficiency, practicality and ease of use. With 80% heating efficiency compared to only 20% of traditional open fireplaces, and thanks to 3-9kW heat output, Contura stoves can heat spaces of up to 150m². Further benefits include powerful convection and clean burning systems, ensuring less wood is used, working to save the environment as well as customers’ money. For more information, please visit: www.contura.eu Subscribe to Fireplace Specialist Magazine to keep up-to-date with all the latest news, information and advice from within the industry.
The stylish inset Beltane woodburning stove from Eurostove
Update an existing fireplace with a stylish inset Beltane woodburning stove from Eurostove. With the great British summer doing its thing and currently bringing more wind and rain than sunshine, it’s the perfect time to update or add to the home’s heating system for chilly evenings and the autumn/winter seasons ahead. Beltane Stoves from Eurostove combine durability and advanced engineering with modern combustion technology to create woodburning stoves that are easy to light and adjust. The inset design is sleek and stylish and can be seamlessly integrated into an existing fireplace or nestled within a chimney breast for a focal point fire that will transform any living space into a cosy snug. The Beltane Holford inset woodburning stove is powerful and affordable with a simple and elegant aesthetic that features innovative air wash technology to keep the glass clean for an uninterrupted view of the flickering flames within. This versatile inset woodburning stove fits neatly into a 16inch British fireplace, ideal for updating an existing scheme. A+ rated for energy efficiency, it’s both cost-effective and sustainable and with an impressive 4-6kW heat output, it’s ideal for all living room sizes. The easy-to-use air controls give full control over the heat output and combustion process while the choice of a three or four-sided frame allows for easy adaptation to any style. Beltane Stoves’ Holford inset woodburning stove is also Defra approved for use in smoke control areas as well as Ecodesign compliant, meeting the stringent regulations for emissions and efficiency. For those who prefer their fire built in at eye level, the Holford inset woodburner is also available as a landscape design. The Holford Landscape comes as standard with a four-sided frame and looks stunning with a log store below. It has a heat output of 4-7kW and also features easy-to-use air controls with vermiculite lining and cast-iron grate for outstanding performance and durability. It’s also A+ rated, Defra approved and Ecodesign compliant. “Inset stoves are a great option for anyone looking to upgrade from an open fireplace to a heat source that offers greater heat efficiency and value for money,” says Chris Baines, Managing Director of Eurostove. “They are easy to operate and control too, as the closed inserts maintain air flow and heat for a steady and efficient wood combustion, burning wood more slowly without the need for frequent attention.” Beltane Stoves’ Holford 3-sided inset woodburning stove is currently priced from £985.50 (until 30 September 2024). The Holford Landscape inset woodburning stove is priced £1,395. Subscribe to Fireplace Specialist Magazine today.
Top Media Wall Trends
As many homeowners look for ways to modernise and refresh their interiors, the demand for luxury electric fires with a media wall is continually rising. Advancements in technology mean that customers are now able to enjoy a range of state-of-the-art features. With so many inspiring installations emerging, we spoke to Andy Hitchman, Managing Director of Solution Fires, who shares an insight into some of the latest industry trends. Endless Media Wall Customisation Options The Solution Fires range of modern electric fires features ultra-realistic flame effects in a variety of interchangeable colours, a choice of flame speeds, and even crackling fire audio. Building on these endless customisation options, our customers are getting more and more creative with their media wall designs. Adding a Rustic Twist Homeowners wishing to maintain a traditional, rustic element in their living space can still benefit from the amazing features of an electric fire. Adding a wooden beam is a great way to introduce character and charm to a media wall installation. If your customers opt for a simple media wall with no shelving or storage, a wooden beam can offer a place to display ornaments or trinkets. Check out this range of Geocast Beams from Capital Fireplaces, a clever alternative to real wood and available in a variety of finishes. Photo credit: @ourkingsley, Solution Fire supplied by @heatlandstovesltd Top tip: for the ultimate authentic flame display, the Solution Fires LUX range allows customers the choice of decorating their electric fire with premium real wood fuel beds. Log-Filled Alcoves Creating an attractive log store in a purpose-built alcove can provide a stunning addition to a media wall. Having real logs stacked next to an electric fire can really enhance its visual impact, especially if your customer is opting for the premium real wood log fuel bed. Almost completely effortless, yet incredibly effective, as pictured below Photo credit: @midlandsmooth Bringing Ambience to the Bedroom We have seen some amazing living room transformations featuring media wall masterpieces, but the newest trend is all about the bedroom. Recently, we have seen more and more customers installing ambience-evoking centrepieces in the bedroom, creating a cosy and relaxing environment like the image below. Photo credit: @robertson_smith_kitchens An Array of Lighting Options Equipped with visually stunning LED itronic technology, Solution Fires provide one of the most realistic and versatile flame effects on the market. With the Solution Fires’ LUX range, users can choose between seven stunning preset options, ranging from quirky cool blue tones such as ‘Ice’, to traditional flame colours like ‘Blaze’. By downloading the Solution App, customers can access further colour customisation options in addition to multiple other features and functions. Lighting options that seamlessly integrate into the fires are available as optional extras to purchase. Creating a harmonious ambience between fire and media wall, the popular ‘Scene Lighting Kit’ is a simple and effective visual element that proves very popular with customers and enhances the overall effect of the installation. Explore the full list of LUX fire features here. Photo credit: @firesandstoves For more information, please visit www.solutionfires.co.uk View our article ‘The Perfect Solution for Media Walls’ from Solution Fires here.
Introducing Specflex 2.0: The Ultimate Flexible Chimney Liner
Specflue is thrilled to announce the launch of Specflex 2.0, their latest flexible flue liner. Designed for versatility and durability, Specflex 2.0 is the perfect solution for those needing a reliable and high-quality liner for their chimneys. Whether you’re using gas, oil, wood, or multi-fuel applications, this flexible flue liner has you covered. Why Choose Specflex 2.0? Specflex 2.0 is a twin-skin flexible chimney liner that excels in performance and quality. It is specifically designed to line existing flues or masonry chimneys, providing an efficient and safe solution. Here’s why it stands out: High-Grade Materials Wide Range of Applications Size Options Made in the UK Long-Term Warranty Technical Specifications Specflex 2.0 meets rigorous industry standards, ensuring safety and performance: Get in Touch For more information about Specflex 2.0, pricing, and installation guidelines, contact Specflue, whose team of experts is ready to assist you with all your chimney lining needs. Email: sales@specflue.com Tel: 0333 999 7974 Web: https://www.specflue.com/ Check out the Specflue Bespoke Fireplace Specialist Online Domestic Product Magazine here, Featuring Twin Wall Systems, Flexible Flue Liners, Flue Pipes, Exodraft Fans, Gainsborough Collection, Termatech Stoves and much more! To stay up-to-date with Fireplace Specialist Magazine, subscribe to our magazine for FREE.
Sweeps To Share Expertise in USA
Two prominent UK sweeps are set to share their expertise with an international audience. David Sudworth and Josh Firkins will travel to Colorado to address a two-day conference. The 2024 Midtown Chimney Sweeps Convention will see sweeps from right across the USA converge on Denver for a series of talks. David, owner and founder of Mr Soot Chimney Sweep and HETAS approved training centre, will lead a presentation on training, recruitment and business. The following day, Josh, of H Firkins & Sons, will share his expertise of chimney sweeping and flue integrity testing. Josh is a sixth generation sweep and recently opened a HETAS training centre in Milton Keynes. They were invited to Denver by Byron Schramm, owner and founder of Midtown Chimney Sweep franchise. David explained: “Byron visited our training centre in Wigan before Christmas. During his visit, I introduced him to Josh, who I have personally learnt a lot from, and he helped give Byron a different perspective on UK sweeping. “Byron was bowled over with the warm welcome he received in the UK, and wanted us to go to America to teach sweeps out there all about our systems and processes. “It’s an incredibly exciting opportunity and one we are both looking forward to.” Josh said: “I’ve never been to America so it will be fascinating on a number of levels. “As I understand it, US sweeps do a lot more inspection work than we do here in the UK, as their homes are timber-framed. “However, in recent years, we in the UK are doing an increasing amount of inspections as homeowners become more educated on the advantages of thorough checks of their flue systems. “While in the US, we also hope to get a bit of sightseeing done as we’ll be in the Rocky Mountains area. It’s certainly the trip of a lifetime.” Want to find out what else has been happening over at Mr Soot? View their spring update here.
The Mendip Woodland gas, electric or wood-burning stoves from Eurostove
Mix and match with 3 versions of the Mendip Woodland Large stove – Made in Britain Manufactured in Somerset, this British-designed stove, with all the qualities needed for today’s modern living, is now available in a larger design, perfect for open-plan schemes and spacious living areas. The Woodland Large has something for everyone, with 3 different iterations, Electric, Gas and a traditional wood-burning offer. The new Woodland Large DC wood burner is a powerful 7kW stove with higher legs and a deep chamber for a spacious feel. Its large glass viewing window and clean-lined look make it ideal for both contemporary and classic interiors. The Mendip Woodland Gas fire The Woodland Gas fire, inspired by the wood-burning version, is perfect for smoke-free locations and features easy-to-use controls and a realistic log effect. The programmable handset allows complete control over the stove. The Mendip Woodland electric fire The Woodland Electric brings all the convenience of an electric fire into a statement piece for your living areas, or even bedroom. This 570mm wide 2kW stove is fully programmable, enabling users to set a specific heat requirement at a specific time, so no more coming home to a cold house after work or a trip away. The flames can be selected in multiple colours to create a different ambience at various times of the day. So why not have one of each! About Mendip Stoves Mendip Stoves, a manufacturer of modern wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves, opened its brand-new factory in Somerset in January 2023. The Mendip range is also designed in Britain, ensuring that the stoves are beautifully built by experienced craftsmen using cutting-edge technology. Mendip stoves are manufactured to exceed British standards with demand for quality at every stage. From its heavy-duty steel body to the ergonomically designed door handle, every detail has been meticulously considered. The Woodland Large wood burner costs from £2,287. The gas version is from £2,412 and the Electric from £980. Contact Eurostove today on 01934 750 500, or visit their website: www.eurostove.co.uk View Eurostove’s new iléktro electric fires here.
Spring Update from Mr Soot: HETAS Refreshers and New Developments
Here is the latest update from Mr Soot, including HETAS Refreshers and New Developments from within the industry. NEW: Practical Training Rigs We’re delighted to launch our practical HETAS installer course at Mr Soot Training Centre. Following feedback from candidates, we’ve had a new practical training rig constructed where you can: ✅ Install a flexible chimney liner and twin wall insulated system ✅ Connect it to a live appliance ✅ Undertake full commissioning including Type 2 smoke testing, a flue draught reading and a spillage test ✅ And finally… light the appliance you’ve actually installed yourself! We have also installed a live open fire rig, to give installers and sweeps an insight into how they are constructed and potential trouble-shooting remedies. The flue systems for each rig were supplied by Flue & Ducting – and candidates will be able to use both their flexible flue liners and twin wall insulated systems on our H003 & H006 courses. From Black Tie to Black Hands! Well done to Gary Walker, who is celebrating a year in business as a chimney sweep soon. Gary was on our first H011 sweeping course and swapped black-tie dinners for black hands when he decided to change careers. A marketing high-flyer, Yorkshire-based Gary knows a thing or two about branding, with his company Swept quickly establishing itself. Listen to his full interview on our founder David’s very own Trade Entrepreneur podcast. Beat The ‘Silly Season’ Rush… Are you due for a HETAS refresher this year? Don’t wait until silly season – we have dates available for the H003R and H006R in July. Remember, you can take your HETAS refresher up to six months before renewal. And securing your place is easy with us as you can reserve and pay online! CCTV & Integrity Testing Course Our next additional chimney training course CCTV & Integrity Testing is taking place on July 4th. Led by 6th generation chimney sweep Josh Firkins, the one-day programme covers: Places are still available for just £130 plus VAT. Book online at https://mr-soot.com/product/cctv-integrity-testing/ Welcome to Flue & Ducting, Wohler and Recoheat Three major brands have joined our popular Mr Soot Affiliates Programme. Flue & Ducting, Wohler and Recoheat products are now available in our HETAS-approved training centre for candidates to use and try out. As a centre, we want to have the latest products available for the benefit of our candidates. So if your company is interested in joining our Affiliates Programme, please drop us a line at https://mr-soot.com/partner-with-us-mr-soot-affiliates-programme/ And Finally… It seems energy saving gadgets for fireplaces were around long before stove fans! This fascinating advert from ‘Do It Yourself’ magazine in 1963 shows the ‘Magni Reflector’. Sat above an open fire, it was said to throw back heat into the room, reduce draughts and keep your feet warm. Internet searches reveal very little about the Magni Reflector. Have you ever seen one? Did they actually work well? Let us know! For more information, visit the Mr Soot website here. Want to keep up-to-date with all the latest happenings within the industry? Subscribe to Fireplace Specialist Magazine today. Find our past articles from Mr Soot here.