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Convert open fire to wood burner.
What it costs to swap an open fire for a wood burner — flue check, liner, hearth and HETAS install.
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Costs, timelines, pitfalls and the right questions to ask before any chimney sweep starts on open Fire vs Wood Burner Conversion.
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Itemised quotes from up to 3 local chimney sweeps on open Fire vs Wood Burner Conversion — so you can compare like-for-like, not lump sums.
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Chimney too small
Old chimneys narrow. May need rebuild.
Hearth inadequate
Building Regs Part J specifies dimensions. Cheap conversions skip.
Smoke control area
Most UK urban areas. Specify DEFRA-approved Ecodesign stove.
Cost shock
Headline "fire to burner" £1,800 quote. Final £3,500-£4,500 with all extras.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Pre-conversion chimney sweepRequired first
£60–£150
Chimney lining (5m)Stainless steel
£500–£1.2k
Wood burner stove5kW typical
£500–£3k
HETAS install labour1-2 days
£500–£1.2k
Hearth modificationsIf needed
£200–£800
CO alarm + smoke alarmMandatory
£40–£100
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Chimney Sweep explained
Converting open fire to wood burner increases efficiency 70-80% (from 20% open fire). Chimney sweep involved in process. Expect to pay £1,800–£4,500 for UK open fire to wood burner conversion.
What Does the Work Involve?
HETAS engineer surveys. Chimney swept thoroughly. Lined with flexible stainless steel. Hearth ensured adequate dimensions. Wood burner installed in opening. Smoke control test. CO alarm installed.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-conversion chimney sweep | 60 | 150 | Required first |
| Chimney lining (5m) | 500 | 1,200 | Stainless steel |
| Wood burner stove | 500 | 3,000 | 5kW typical |
| HETAS install labour | 500 | 1,200 | 1-2 days |
| Hearth modifications | 200 | 800 | If needed |
| CO alarm + smoke alarm | 40 | 100 | Mandatory |
| Standard conversion total | 1,800 | 4,500 | Complete |
How Long Does It Take?
Conversion: 2-3 days total. Pre-sweep, lining, install.
DIY or Professional?
HETAS-registered engineer only. Combined with NACS sweep.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
HETAS + NACS combined contractor. UK firms commonly offer both services.
UK Regulations
Building Regs Part J. HETAS notification. Ecodesign 2022. Smoke control areas: DEFRA-approved stove. CO alarm mandatory.
Common Problems
- Chimney too small: Old chimneys narrow. May need rebuild.
- Hearth inadequate: Building Regs Part J specifies dimensions. Cheap conversions skip.
- Smoke control area: Most UK urban areas. Specify DEFRA-approved Ecodesign stove.
- Cost shock: Headline "fire to burner" £1,800 quote. Final £3,500-£4,500 with all extras.
Frequently Asked Questions
Efficiency gain?
Open fire: 20% efficient (80% heat up chimney). Wood burner: 75-85%. Massive improvement.
Will my chimney work?
Most do — lining usually needed. Some narrow chimneys need rebuild. Survey first.
Conversion ROI?
£3,500 install saves £500-£700/year heating. 5-7 year payback. Plus property value lift 2-4%.
Smoke control area allowed?
Yes with DEFRA-approved Ecodesign stove. Most modern stoves approved.
How long does wood burner last?
Quality stove (Stovax, Charnwood): 20-30 years. Cheap brands: 10-15.
Hearth Building Regs?
Approved Document Part J. 250mm wider than stove, 300mm in front, 125mm sides. Cheap fits skip.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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