FAQ - Before Purchasing a Fireplace

Choosing the right model of slow combustion closed system fireplaces Fuel for slow combustion closed system fireplaces Installation of the slow combustion closed system fireplaces

You should never choose a stove solely for it looks and design – there are many other considerations that you need to take into account. To get the most out of your stove, it is important that the stove’s output capacity matches your actual heating needs. If the stove is too powerful, the air supply will be limited, which in turn gives a poorer combustion and results in more soot accumulation in the stove and chimney. In other words, both fuel and stove are used inefficiently. The following are important:

How do you determine what size stove you need?

There are several ways to do this. A very rough guideline is to first, calculate the square metreage of the area to be heated, with assuming a standard ceiling height of 2,7metres.

If your area is partly insulated, or not very tight, then divide your square metres by 10, to get to the kW heating capacity of the correct stove.

If your area is average in insulation, then divide your square metres by 13, to get to the kW heating capacity of the correct stove.

If your area is well insulated, for instance double brick insulated brick walls and double glazing and insulated roof, then divide your square metres by 20, to get to the kW heating capacity of the correct stove.

This is a starting point for you.

Again, please keep in mind that this is a very rough guideline because it does not take into account what part of the country you reside. Heating requirements in Mesina will vary from Sutherland.

That is why you should discuss this with your Dovre Dealer in much more detail. Every home is a little different and because of the variation in floor plans from home to home, heat will flow differently thus affecting comfort levels. And, not everyone wants a Dovre stove for primary heat. Many choose to have their stove a secondary source of heat, and for the aesthetics that a wood fire brings to the hearth.

Holiday home or permanent residence?

In most cases, heating needs are less for holiday homes. For permanent residence, stove size depends on individual needs.

Primary or secondary heating?

If the stove is to be used as the main source of heat in the home, you should choose one that matches the size of your house – preferably a convection stove, since these distribute heat optimally. If the stove is only to be used as a secondary source of heat, on the other hand, e.g. to heat up a living room, then a smaller stove is the right choice.

Home insulation

Houses vary enormously in how well they are insulated, and if your house is poorly insulated, you should choose a slightly bigger stove.

Dovre’s stoves are designed around your particular fuel needs, and therefore you are not restricted to a particular type of fuel. Hard wood and anthracite are suitable if the stove is intended as the main source of heat, for example, or if it is going to be used as a supplement to other forms of heating. If you only want to create a cozy atmosphere, wood or gas is the obvious choice. The most common types of fuel are briefly described below:

Wood is an economical and environment-friendly resource. Even if you have to buy the wood, e.g. from a forester, it is still cheaper that burning oil and gas or electric heating. You have to make up the fire more often with wood that with other types of fuel, of course, but wood gives quicker and more pleasant warmth.

Anthracite are a good supplementary fuel if, for example, you want to keep the fire in all night.

Anthracite and similar oil-based products are suitable for use in stoves with a cast iron grate. This fuel has an extremely high calorific value, and is perfect if you only want to make up the fire less often. Use a Dovre coal insert for the built-in fireplace.

L.P. Gas is convenient to use and gives a uniform heating throughout the heating period.

A well-functioning chimney is crucial to a successful installation. In principle, the chimney acts as the stove’s motor. If it does not have the right draught, the stove will not function optimally. Modern stoves make greater demands on, for example, draught and chimney conditions, than older stoves which use traditional burning principles

All stoves must be installed in accordance with building regulations. For stoves installed in single-family homes, semi-detached, terraced houses, summer houses, etc. the rules and regulations of the small home apply. You, your technical consultant or builder, are responsible for ensuring that the regulations are complied with. It is therefore a good idea to get in touch with the local council, who can tell you all you need to know.

Space requirements

Today all Dovre stoves are characterized as closed fireplaces with the regulations that applies.

Chimney connection

Dovre stoves can be connected to chimneys where other solid fuel closed fireplaces, e.g. another wood stove is also connected, provided that each appliance uses its own flue pipe.

Draught

The Chimney’s draught is created by the difference between the high temperature inside the chimney and the colder temperature outside.

A good draught is obtained:
* When there is a big difference between the inside and outside temperatures
* In clear weather
* When the chimney has the right height

Poor draught results:
* When the temperature difference is too small, e.g. due to a poorly insulated chimney
* When the outside temperature is too high, e.g. in summer
* If the chimney is not high enough, so that it is sheltered by tall trees or rooftops. In
such cases, there is a big danger of return smoke
* When false air gets into the chimney, e.g. through cracks in the joints

Connecting the stove to the chimney does not require authorizations, but if you want help, talk to your dealer about it. Dovre stoves can be connected to either brick or steel chimneys.

Brick chimney

Most Dovre stoves can be connected from the top or back. A flue sleeve is bricked into the wall and the flue inserted into this and sealed using ceramic packing cord. The advantage of a top connection is that you also get the extra heat given off by the flue gasses in the stove pipe.

Steel chimney

As previously mentioned, Dovre stoves can be connected from the top or back, but with a steel chimney, the connection is mostly from the top.

Talk to your dealer about steel chimneys and installation.

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