What Is Hetas?
Author: Martin Forrester
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.
About The Author: Further information about hetas and fireplace
installation can be found at the MK fireplaces website
http://www.mkfireplaces.co.uk. MK Fireplaces are experts at
installing woodburners, multi-fuel fires, gas fires and stoves
and are a hetas registered business.
