Reports by the British Retail Consortium show a pretty bleak profit for the average high street retailer this Christmas, whilst reports on internet sellers actually show growth!

It is tempting for all of us (during this credit crunch) to push for more discount and to look for the cheapest buying option.  However, buying a Fireplace or Stoves is not generally a simple purchase, although it is easy to find internet shops that will sell them to you must be aware that advice about the product before you purchase is vital.  You need to know that the Fireplace/ Fires/Stoves is suitable for your property (believe me it is a lot more complicated than you probably realise) and advice, fitting and good aftercare service is essential throughout your purchase. If you want to ensure peace of mind and good aftercare you should purchase your products through the Independent Fireplace Retailer.  In addition you will be showing support for your local business during a difficult time for them!

The National Fireplace Assosiation recently released this article:

Many internet retailers fail to point out to their purchasers that the installation of their new wood-burning stove is governed by the Building Regulations. To paraphrase Approved Document J of the Building Regulations 2002, purchasers of solid fuel stoves (those burning wood fuels or coal based fuels) must either apply to their local authority building inspectorate for a Building Notice or use a registered member of a ‘Competent Persons’ scheme for solid fuels. The only competent persons scheme for solid fuel is run by HETAS, a not-for-profit company which approves solid fuel appliances and fuels as well as operating this ‘Competent Person’s’ scheme in England and Wales. The HETAS’ web site as at www.hetas.co.uk.

With little or no information received by purchasers from internet stove sellers, many try to install these stoves themselves unaware of the Building Regulation requirements or the possible danger of fire or carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning if these products are not installed properly. The National Fireplace Association, which is the trade body for the wider fireplace industry (fires, fireplaces and stoves powered by all types of fuel), would like to see each stove accompanied by a sheet spelling out the purchaser’s duty to have the stove installed safely in line with both the Building Regulations and the manufacturer’s instructions.