Efficiency First and Foremost 
All newly manufactured stoves have to comply with Ecodesign efficiency and emissions regulations. The clearSkies label shows models that exceed the regulations, with clearSkies level 5 the highest. Stoves also have energy efficiency labels ranging from A++ to G.

Smoke Control Areas
In a smoke control area, you must have a DEFRA-exempt wood burner – look for the ‘DEFRA approved’ logo. ClearSkies accreditations 4 and 5 are suitable for use in smoke control areas. Always discuss these requirements with the manufacturer or retailer. 

What Size to Buy?
“Before purchasing a stove, verify the heat requirement for its intended location,” says Declan Kingsley-Walsh, managing director at Morsø UK. “To calculate the heating demand of a specific space, work out the volume of the room in cubic metres and divide by 14.” Stove capacities vary from 3kw to 15kw. 

Storing Your Wood
Think about where you will store your log supplies. Some stoves have a small, built-in log storage section, and you may have space near your stove or fireplace for a basket or other container. Logs must be kept in a dry and well-ventilated area, and ‘wet’ wood must be dried for at least two years. 

Comply with Regulations 
New installations must comply with building regulations regarding the flue, the hearth and the distance from combustibles. A ‘Competent Person’ installer can certify it for you. They will do a smoke test to check your chimney is sound. You must have a carbon monoxide detector in the room, and consider a fireguard to keep pets and young children safe. 

Regular maintenance
A stove can take time to light, needs to be fed with fuel and the ash has to be cleaned regularly – a removable ash pan helps with this. Polish the exterior with a lint-free cloth or a clean shoe brush, says Jon Butterworth, director of Arada Stoves. “For the interior, dip a damp cloth in the wood ash and use it to clean the glass door, then vacuum away any soot or remaining ash. When the stove isn’t being used in the summer, remove the throat plate and leave the air inlets open to prevent rust.” Budget for having the chimney cleaned at least once a year.