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Heat output, efficiency and air-quality — what each gives you and what each costs to run.
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Conversion harder than expected
Old chimney may need lining (£500–£1,200). Hearth may need rebuilding (£200–£800).
Smoke control area regulations
Most UK cities are smoke control areas. New install must be DEFRA-approved stove.
Selling open fire homes
Houses with original open fires are increasingly viewed as missed opportunity. Buyers expect conversion.
Heritage open fire pressure
Listed buildings may need open fire retention. Heritage stove (insert wood burner) sometimes accepted.
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
Convert open fire to wood burnerHETAS install
£1.8k–£4.5k
Open fire setup costIf installing new
£500–£1.5k
Wood burner annual fuel costTypical 5kW domestic
£250–£500
Open fire annual fuel costSame warmth — 3× wood
£500–£1.2k
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Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Fireplaces & Stoves explained
Open fires are nostalgic but inefficient — 80% of heat goes up the chimney. Wood burners capture 75–85% of heat. Most homeowners switching to wood burner see dramatic improvement. Expect £1,800–£4,500 to convert open fire to wood burner.
What Does the Work Involve?
Comparing the two: Open fire: traditional, atmospheric, 20% efficient, heavy wood usage. Wood burner: contained, 75–85% efficient, less wood, cleaner emissions. Conversion involves HETAS install of new stove, possibly chimney lining, hearth and fireplace adjustments.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Convert open fire to wood burner | 1,800 | 4,500 | HETAS install |
| Open fire setup cost | 500 | 1,500 | If installing new |
| Wood burner annual fuel cost | 250 | 500 | Typical 5kW domestic |
| Open fire annual fuel cost | 500 | 1,200 | Same warmth — 3× wood |
| Wood burner heat output (5kW) | 3.75–4.25 kW | — | To room |
| Open fire heat output (5kW equivalent) | 1 kW | — | Rest lost up chimney |
| CO emissions wood burner | Low | — | Ecodesign 2022 |
| CO emissions open fire | High | — | Now banned new install |
How Long Does It Take?
Conversion install: 1–2 days plus survey time.
DIY or Professional?
HETAS-registered engineer for conversion. Open fire decommissioning straightforward but new wood burner requires HETAS.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
HETAS-registered. Most have experience converting old open fires. Get specification: stove model, flue spec, hearth type.
UK Regulations
Ecodesign 2022: prohibits sale and install of new open fires in smoke control areas. Existing open fires can remain but cannot install new. Wood burners must be Ecodesign-compliant.
Common Problems
- Conversion harder than expected: Old chimney may need lining (£500–£1,200). Hearth may need rebuilding (£200–£800).
- Smoke control area regulations: Most UK cities are smoke control areas. New install must be DEFRA-approved stove.
- Selling open fire homes: Houses with original open fires are increasingly viewed as missed opportunity. Buyers expect conversion.
- Heritage open fire pressure: Listed buildings may need open fire retention. Heritage stove (insert wood burner) sometimes accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are open fires so inefficient?
Open hearth — most heat is convection rising up the chimney, not radiating into the room. Only 15–20% reaches the room.
Can I keep my original Victorian open fire?
Yes — keep it for character and atmosphere. Add a wood burner in a different room for actual heating. Or insert wood burner into the Victorian opening (heritage option).
How much heat does a 5kW wood burner give?
~4 kW to the room (85% efficient). Equivalent of a 4-room oil-filled radiator running continuously. Significant heating.
Is my chimney suitable for a wood burner?
Most are. Visit by HETAS engineer confirms. Lining usually needed (£500–£1,200). Some chimneys too narrow for modern stove.
Smoke control area — wood burner allowed?
Yes — DEFRA-approved Ecodesign wood burner. Most modern brands approved. Check before purchase.
Conversion ROI?
£3,500 conversion saving £500–£700/year on heating in heating-intensive UK winter = 5–7 year payback. Plus improved property value 2–4%.
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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