There’s nothing like a crackling fire to take the edge off a cold evening. But a poorly installed stove could be hiding a danger you can’t see, smell or hear — carbon monoxide.
At UK Stove Installers, safety isn’t optional. If a stove isn’t fitted correctly, your cosy living room could become a silent trap.
What Is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a by-product of fuel that hasn’t burned completely. It’s:
- Odourless
- Colourless
- Tasteless
And it’s deadly.
Mild exposure causes headaches, fatigue, and nausea. Prolonged exposure can lead to confusion, unconsciousness, and in worst cases, death. Because symptoms resemble the flu, many people don’t realise they’ve been exposed until it’s too late.
How Improper Stove Installation Leads to Carbon Monoxide Leaks
There’s more than one way for stove installation to go wrong — and every mistake increases the chance of CO leaking into your home.
1. Blocked or Inadequate Flue Liners
A flue liner that hasn’t been installed correctly, or becomes blocked over time, prevents CO from exiting the property. Instead, it’s pushed back into your living space.
2. Poor Seals and Gaps in Pipework
Even a small leak in the stove pipe joints can be enough to release dangerous gases — especially in modern, well-insulated homes.
3. Lack of Ventilation
Your stove needs a steady air supply to burn cleanly. Without it, combustion becomes incomplete — and that’s when CO production ramps up.
4. Unqualified Fitters
Sadly, there are still installers out there taking shortcuts. No HETAS certification, no proper documentation, no real knowledge of the safety regulations. Don’t risk it.
Warning Signs Something Isn’t Right
CO itself won’t announce its presence, but the stove and your surroundings might. Keep an eye out for:
- Black stains around the flue pipe or stove edges
- Excess condensation on nearby windows
- A yellow or lazy flame instead of a crisp blue one
- Unusual smells during operation (while CO has no smell, poor combustion can produce other fumes)
And most importantly, how you feel. If you’re experiencing persistent headaches, dizziness or nausea — especially when the stove is running — switch it off and get out.
What Makes a Safe Stove Installation?
Here’s what a proper, safe installation looks like:
- Correctly sized and fitted flue liner
- Fully sealed joints with zero leakage
- Compliant chamber construction
- Accurate hearth dimensions and clearance
- A carbon monoxide alarm installed in the same room
At UK Stove Installers, we provide this as standard. We don’t mess around when it comes to gas safety — every job is carried out by a HETAS-certified professional, with full documentation and testing on completion.
Maintenance: Don’t Fit It and Forget It
Even with the best installation, your stove needs regular care. We recommend:
- Annual chimney sweeping
- Periodic inspections of pipework, joints and fire chamber
- Monthly CO alarm checks
- Servicing every 1–2 years, depending on usage
This isn’t box-ticking. It’s what keeps your home safe year after year.
Summary
Carbon monoxide doesn’t offer second chances. A stove that looks perfect on the outside could still pose a real threat if it’s been installed carelessly. But it’s entirely preventable — with proper installation, regular maintenance, and a working alarm, you can enjoy all the benefits of a wood-burning stove without any of the risks.
Book With Confidence
We don’t just install stoves — we install peace of mind. If you’re unsure whether your existing setup is safe, or you’re planning a new installation, speak to us today.
👉 Get in touch now to book a quote or ask a question. No pushy sales — just professional, qualified guidance.