Wood burner questions, answered.

Yes. Within our main area, your home survey and written quotation are free, with no obligation to go ahead. Further afield, a survey fee may apply unless you are buying your stove from us.

We visit your home to measure the fireplace opening and check the chimney. We’ll talk through stove sizing and flue options, and look at any hearth requirements or building work that may be needed. Afterwards you’ll receive a written quotation setting out the recommended works and costs.

Not at all. You don’t need to have chosen a stove, hearth or fireplace before getting in touch. We’ll go through the options at your free home survey, taking into account your property, the styles you like and your approximate budget.

We’re based in Wilbarston, near Market Harborough, and mainly cover Market Harborough, South Leicestershire, North Northamptonshire and the surrounding villages, including Kibworth, Great Bowden, Lutterworth, Leicester, Corby, Kettering, Desborough, Rothwell, Uppingham and Oakham. If you’re not sure whether you’re in our area, just ask.

Installation is carried out under a separate contract with Richard Randall Woodburners Limited, alongside any order you place for your stove or hearth. Your written quotation sets out the recommended works and costs clearly before anything goes ahead.

We aim to reply to calls and emails within one working day. During busier periods please bear with us, we will get back to you. You can reach us on 07727 080552 or at info@cosylivingstoves.co.uk.

Multiply your room’s length, width and height in metres to find its volume in cubic metres. Divide that figure by 14 for a room with standard insulation, 10 for an older or draughty room, or 24 for a modern, well insulated new build. The result is the output you need in kW. We’ll confirm the right size at your free home survey.

Not necessarily. The right stove is one matched to your room’s size and ceiling height and to the age and construction of your property, rather than the one with the highest heat output. We’ll recommend a selection of suitable stoves once we’ve worked out the output you need.

A wood burning stove is designed to burn wood only, unless the manufacturer offers an approved conversion. A multi-fuel stove can also burn smokeless fuels that are specifically approved for it. Traditional house coal should never be burned in either. We’ll help you decide which suits the way you plan to use your stove.

We supply and fit stoves from Charnwood, Morsø, Henley and Dunsley, established manufacturers offering traditional and contemporary designs in a range of sizes, outputs, colours and finishes. If you’ve seen another stove you like, let us know and we’ll advise whether it suits your property.

We can supply off-the-shelf granite, slate and glass hearths, or create a raised concrete base finished with a tile of your choice. For something more individual, our local stonemason can template and make a bespoke hearth in granite, slate or Portland stone. Every hearth has to meet minimum size and construction requirements under Building Regulations.

Wood can be a low carbon fuel. The carbon dioxide released when it burns is the same amount the tree absorbed as it grew, so the process is sustainable as long as new trees replace those used. Modern stoves also burn far more efficiently than open fires. Burning dry, locally sourced wood and maintaining your stove keeps emissions down.

It can help. A stove lets you heat the room you’re using rather than relying entirely on your main heating system, and wood fuel is often cheaper than other heating options, although prices vary considerably.

Aim for firewood with a moisture content of 20% or below. A moisture meter lets you check your own logs, and Ready to Burn fuel is already dry enough to use. Wet wood burns poorly, damages your stove and liner, and leaves deposits in the flue.

Blackened glass is usually caused by burning wet wood or running the stove too cool. Most modern stoves have an airwash system that keeps the glass clear when dry fuel burns at the right temperature. If the glass needs cleaning, wait until the stove is completely cool and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

A slight smell and a little haze during the first few fires is normal. It’s the stove paint curing as it heats up for the first time, and it fades after a few small fires. Keep the room well ventilated and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for running in your stove.

No. A wood burning stove should only burn wood, unless the manufacturer provides an approved multi-fuel conversion. Even in a multi-fuel stove, only burn fuels approved for it, never burn traditional house coal, and avoid burning wood and smokeless fuel together, as this can damage the stove and flue liner.

Never burn treated, painted or contaminated timber, household waste, or wet and freshly cut wood. These produce excess smoke, damage your stove and flue, and increase the risk of a chimney fire. Stick to dry, Ready to Burn wood, or fuels approved by your stove manufacturer.