HETAS is a recognized government body for the approval of solid fuel domestic heating appliances, fuels and services such as fireplaces, gas fires, and stoves. As of 1st April 2002 it is a criminal offence if you do not inform your local building control or use a hetas engineer for your stove installation. Additional legislation in effect from 1st June, 2007 means you are also required to produce a certificate of compliance for solid fuel installations that have been carried out in your property as part of the Home Information Pack.

Registered installers have been trained and assessed in safety and good practice. Hetas is the only scheme of its type specializing in solid fuels and wood biomass. The official body works in approving products covering boilers, cookers, open fires, stoves and room heaters.

There are many 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.

*The provision of 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.

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

Remember, before you think about getting a new fireplace or gas fire installed make sure you check that the company you are using is a hetas registered installer at http://www.hetas.co.uk. If you do not you could be increasing the risk of your appliance producing carbon monoxide which can be potentially fatal.

If you use an experienced hetas installer you can expect to receive a certificate of compliance, and by using a hetas approved company you will not be required to involve your local building control. This is a great help in demonstrating that the job was carried out by a competent individual working for a hetas registered business. It also means that you do not have to pay the significant fee for compliance that you would have to pay if you went directly through the local authority.

Hetas is an independent body and offers an independent verification process. This gives you peace of mind as a consumer when you are choosing a company for fireplace installation.

Further information about hetas and fireplace installation can be found at the MK fireplaces website http://www.mkfireplaces.co.uk.