What is HETAS? - Why do We Need It? MKFireplaces Explains.

Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, January 21, 2010 --(PR.com)-- If you are thinking about installing a solid fuel fire in England and Wales, there are only two routes to legally install a domestic solid fuel, wood or biomass burning appliance. You can either:

Use a registered installer who can self certify that the work he does complies with the relevant Building Regulations;

or

Apply to your local authority building control department for a building notice, and pays the appropriate fee (possibly up to £300).

It is generally much simpler and cheaper to use a HETAS registered installer who will leave you with a Certificate of Compliance as a record of the job and certifies that it complies with Building Regulations. A copy of the certificate is forwarded to HETAS who notify the local authority on you behalf. Is of great help in demonstrating that the job was carried out by a competent individual, working for a HETAS Registered Business such as MKFireplaces.

There are many other reasons why you should use a HETAS registered installer:

All registered installers are fully trained and assessed to a competent standard.
HETAS is the only recognized competent persons scheme to specialize in solid fuels and wood burning.
HETAS provides information for consumers on approved appliances, fuels and equipment to suit your needs and in compliance with Building Regulations and safety standards.
HETAS provide an available list of installers, flue specialists and maintenance companies to maintain your installation long term.
Technical information, guidelines and regulations for registered installers to follow.
Covers a range of installations including solid mineral, wood, chimney lining and hot water systems.
Any issues regarding health and safety or compliance can be referred to HETAS.
Use a HETAS registered installer if you want a good quality, safe and compliant job.

After installation you should still regularly maintain your solid fuel or wood burning appliance and have it checked annually by a registered HETAS engineer. MKFireplaces can provide annual maintenance service and chimney sweep service at very competitive rates.

When it comes to moving house you may also need to ensure your fire installation(s) is(are) HETAS compliant:

The information will be available to Solicitors in any home selling process and in future may be used in the proposed Home Information Pack (HIP). Failure to notify the Local Authority (slight variations in process exist between England & Wales and Scotland), can be an offence resulting in action being taken against Householders or the installer.

The three tick logo of HETAS is the approval mark that you should look for in solid fuel domestic heating products and services.

Further information about HETAS and fireplace installation can be found at the MKFireplaces website http://www.mkfireplaces.co.uk/hetas.html. MK Fireplaces are experts at installing woodburners, multi-fuel fires, gas fires and stoves and are a HETAS registered business.

MKFireplaces have over 15 years experience as fireplace consultants and are also Gas Safe Registered. They offer a free site survey to clients within a 20 mile radius of Milton Keynes. www.mkfireplaces.co.uk

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