Fireplaces / Stoves in Hitchin, Hertfordshire (2)

If you have, or are planning on having, your TV mounted above your fireplace you’ll want to consider the impact and damage that the heat can have on your television. After all, heat and electronic devices don’t often play well together.

The reality is that heat will rise from your fireplace, and positioning a TV above that heat can cause problems. That said, most TVs can operate in temperatures of up to 37°C – though it’s important to factor in the heat that the TV generates itself.

As a general rule, however, we would recommend avoiding installing a TV above a fireplace where at all possible.

Ways to protect your TV from fireplace heat

Here are some of the ways you can help protect your TV against fireplace heat:

• A thick fire surround or mantelpiece can offer some shelter from the flow of hot air directly above the fire

• Consider a smaller fireplace to allow more space between the fire and your TV

• Electric fires often have an ‘effect-only’ feature that shows a flame without the heat

• Placing the TV higher up the wall will reduce the amount of heat it receives

One important point worth noting is that there’s a chance that installing a TV close to a fireplace could invalidate its warranty. Check if your TV instructions specifically warn against placing too close to your fire, if so then any heat-related damage won’t be covered.

Want to move a wall-mounted TV?

If you’re now thinking it’s time to move your TV from above the fireplace, or you want to install a wall-mounted TV for the first time – you’re in the right place. Use our quick and easy online search to find reliable TV wall mounting experts in your area.

There is currently no official requirement to have permission to install a wood burning stove in the UK – as long as the work is carried out by a qualified tradesperson, such as a HETAS installer. As long as your installer is qualified, they’ll be able to certify the works themselves and issue a certificate of compliance.

Often you’ll find many reputable gas fireplace installers and boiler stove installers who install wood burning stoves are also HETAS-registered installers.

If you decide to install the stove yourself, or hire a non-HETAS installer, then you’ll need to inform your local building control department before you start any work on the installation. This isn’t the same as applying for planning permission, but it is a required step so that the local authority can inspect the installation once it’s done to make sure it meets all the necessary Building Regulations.

Process for fitting a wood burning stove (DIY or non-HETAS installer)

1. Notify your local building control department that you will be installing a wood burning stove

2. Carry out the installation in line with all relevant Building Regulations

3. Complete a notice plate to record all the details of your stove, hearth, chimney and flue – this should be placed by your hearth, electric meter or water stopcock

4. Inform your local council that the work has been completed so they can arrange an inspection

If you live in a listed building, you may need to apply for full planning permission so always check with your local council before starting any work.

Wood burning stove ideas

To help you choose the perfect wood burning stove for your home, we’ve put together a guide of wood burning stove ideas.

Find a boiler stove installer

If you already know what you want, or you’d like to chat about your project with a local expert, use our quick and easy online search to find the best boiler stove installers near you.

For homes that don’t already have a fireplace, installing one is often a popular home improvement project for many homeowners in the UK. Whether it’s an electric fireplace, a wood burning stove, or an outdoor fireplace, you might find that a fireplace adds a special touch to your home.

Reasons to install a fireplace

1. They add style and atmosphere to your home both in terms of the look and feel, as well as providing a natural source of heat that creates a relaxing atmosphere.

2. A fireplace can add value to your property if done well as it’s a feature that many buyers find attractive and are willing to pay more for.

3. You can potentially heat your home more efficiently, depending on the type of fireplace you install – speak to your local fireplace installers to check the energy efficiency level and environmental impact of the different options available.

4. Modern fireplaces are safe and secure – When properly installed (by a HETAS installer) and well-maintained, modern fireplaces will meet high safety standards to give you peace of mind that you and your home are safe.

5. It could be more affordable than you think – The cost of some fireplace installations can be pretty low, making them an affordable improvement to your home.

Opening up a fireplace

Many older properties have fireplaces that have been sealed up or blocked off, but that could be opened up so that you can start using them again. If you’d like to find out more, read our guide on how to open up a fireplace.

Ready to hire a local fireplace installer?

If you’re eager to install a new fireplace in your home, we can help you find the best gas fireplace installer, boiler stove installer, or other skilled tradesperson for the job. Use our quick and easy online search to find and contact local fireplace installers in your area. Or request a quote and we’ll do the legwork for you by reaching out to recommended tradespeople in Hitchin.

Yes, adding a fireplace to your home can often increase the value of the property. As long as it’s a fireplace that is properly installed and chosen to fit with the overall look and feel of the rest of the house, it can be a superb addition that adds value.

Tips for choosing the right fireplace

When choosing a new fireplace for your home, you want to make sure it adds to the property and fits in well – so that potential buyers see it as a feature not a burden. Here are our top tips for choosing a fireplace:

• Decide on where you want the fireplace to go and measure the room and the space available – this will help you choose the right size fireplace

• Consider the style of your home and choose a fireplace that matches the feel of the property

• Understand the options available – if you already have a chimney then a wood burning fireplace might be a good option, if not then an electric or ventless gas fireplace might be a better choice

• Factor in the running costs – Each type of fireplace has a different energy efficiently and also varying running costs, so it’s important to understand what type of fireplace would be most suitable for you and your home

• Outdoor fireplaces are a strong selling point – If your property has a garden then an outdoor fireplace or fire pit can be an excellent choice to add appeal to your outdoor space

Need professional advice?

It often helps to have a quick chat with a local fireplace expert to to understand what options are available and how much they cost. If you’re ready to reach out to local fireplace installers, we can help you find the best tradespeople in your area with our quick and easy online search – or request a quote and we’ll get multiple local fireplace installers to contact you directly.