Part J - Looking for a way out of the corner I have backed myself into

[Tetrarch]

Hi All,

 

The reno is basically finished. Our Stovax Riva 66 8.1kw Wood Burner was installed in 2021 and only subsequently has the house been completely revamped and made (relatively) airtight with MVHR....

 

I need a final BC sign-off, but I'm thinking that we won't be complient with Part J and that we'll be looking for an open vent in order to comply. Our fireplace is actually an external brick structure affixed to the house and I am extremely loathe to punch a hole anywhere else. Part J says:

 

"Permanently open air vents 1.10 Permanently open air vents should be non-adjustable, sized to admit sufficient air for the purpose intended and positioned where they are unlikely to become blocked. Ventilators should be installed so that building occupants are not provoked into sealing them against draughts or noise. Ventilation openings should not be made in fire-resisting walls other than external walls (although they should not penetrate those parts of external walls shielding LPG tanks). Air vents should not be located within a fireplace recess except on the basis of specialist advice." (bold mine)

 

Where do I go to get this "specialist advice" in order to get the vent placed within the fireplace?  This would very much satisfy the "not provoked" and be the shortest and most direct source of air possible. Is it just a matter of "finding" the right expert?

 

Regards

 

Tet

[JohnMo]

A quick search and the specification of the fire states

"Integrated External Air Connection (room sealed when fitted with external air supply)"

 

So the solution is a external air supply direct to the fire. So there will be a hole through the wall, but only supplying air direct to fire. This is normal for houses with MVHR.

[Nickfromwales]

8.1 kw in a decent home with MVHR is BIG..... you may find it gets you a bit too toasty  Is that 8.1 kw to the room?

[saveasteading]

19 minutes ago, JohnMo said:

only supplying air direct to fire. This is normal for houses with MVHR.

Normal for all houses with or without mvhr. Well worth doing anyway...Good air supply and control, no back draughts.

[ETC]

Can you retrofit a direct air feed. Most stoves I see - especially greater than 5kW are fitted with a direct air feed.

[Tetrarch]

Thanks for the feedback. A direct feed would have been an excellent idea, but I have been in touch with Stovax, unfortunately it is not retrofittable. 

 

And 8.1kw IS big. It's that size because it fits the fireplace, not because the output is required - especially since we have sealed and heated the rest of the house!

 

Regards

 

Tet

[JohnMo]

25 minutes ago, Tetrarch said:

It's that size because it fits the fireplace, not because the output is required

Seems timely to replace with something with a suitable output.

[G and J]

5 hours ago, Tetrarch said:

Thanks for the feedback. A direct feed would have been an excellent idea, but I have been in touch with Stovax, unfortunately it is not retrofittable. 

 

And 8.1kw IS big. It's that size because it fits the fireplace, not because the output is required - especially since we have sealed and heated the rest of the house!

 

Regards

 

Tet

Take lots of pics with it installed.  
 

Then remove it and store it til the autumn.  Then sell it using the pics, that way you’ll get a good price. 
 

In the meantime instal a small one that you will actually be able to use and that won’t conflict with your MVHR, i.e. one with direct air.  
 

Or accept that form trumps function and install a tv in the fire showing a vid of a fire.  

[Nickfromwales]

6 hours ago, Tetrarch said:

Thanks for the feedback. A direct feed would have been an excellent idea, but I have been in touch with Stovax, unfortunately it is not retrofittable. 

 

And 8.1kw IS big. It's that size because it fits the fireplace, not because the output is required - especially since we have sealed and heated the rest of the house!

 

Regards

 

Tet

I think it will become an ornamental item.  lol.