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Can a Wood Burning Stove Be Installed in Any Room?

Wood burning stoves have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years as more people look for ways to reduce their energy bills and get maximum use out of renewable resources like wood. With their comforting glow and ability to efficiently heat up a space, it’s no wonder many homeowners consider installing a wood burner. But can they be installed safely in any room? 

Here are some key factors to consider when deciding where to locate the appliance when installing a wood burning stove.

Safety Considerations

While wood stoves give off a cosy heat, they also pose some safety risks that need to be properly addressed during installation. All wood burners should be installed by a qualified professional like Island Pellet Stoves to ensure they meet fire safety standards. Some of the main precautions include:

  • Adequate clearance from combustible surfaces. There must be sufficient non-combustible space around and above the stove to prevent fires. HETAS guidelines state a minimum of 36 inches clearance is required.
  • Proper ventilation. Effective ventilation is crucial so gases and smoke can escape safely through the chimney. Rooms must have enough air flow to feed the fire and avoid a buildup of carbon monoxide.
  • Non-flammable hearth. A wood stove should be placed on a non-flammable and heat-resistant hearth made of stone, metal, or glass. This prevents heat damage to the floor underneath. 
  • Distance from staircases. It’s best to avoid installing wood burners near stairwells where smoke and fire could spread quickly to the upper floors.

Assessing the Room

While wood stoves can be installed in many rooms, some are safer choices than others. Here are some room-specific factors to weigh up:

Kitchen

Many homeowners opt to install wood burners in the kitchen where they can benefit from the heat while cooking. However, the amount of combustible materials and oil vapours means extra safety steps need to be taken. Powerful extractor fans are essential.

Living Rooms

Spacious living rooms are ideal for wood stoves as the open plan design allows for good ventilation flow. Make sure to leave adequate clearance from furniture and consider placing it on a non-flammable plinth.

Bedrooms

Wood stoves are inadvisable for bedrooms. The risks of fire while sleeping mean this room type should be avoided, especially for children’s bedrooms.

Bathrooms

The damp, humid conditions in bathrooms make them unsuitable for wood burner installation. The moisture can damage the stove and cause operational issues with the chimney draft.

Conservatory

With careful planning and installation by a specialist, it is possible to safely incorporate a wood burning stove into a conservatory. However, the risks are greater than in a regular room, so caution is advised before making this addition. It’s recommended that you seek professional advice before installation.

Following the appropriate fire safety guidelines and using a certified installer, like us, is key to ensuring your wood burning stove can be safely incorporated into your home, no matter which room you choose. 

Their cosy heat and eco-friendly credentials make wood burners a welcome addition—with proper precautions taken.