The months of July and August can be a great time to buy a new fire…
When temperatures climb, as they are expected to do this week, fires are the last thing on most people’s minds, which is exactly why July and August can be the sweet spot to shop for a new heating appliance. Below are seven reasons why an off-season purchase may pay off.
1. Off-season prices can be lower
Retailers may be clearing last winter’s stock and making room for autumn launches, so while it’s certainly not guaranteed, sale discounts can be more common now than in the winter.
2. Wider Selection and Less Sold-Out Items
As demand is low, you can usually pick your preferred stove or fire, desired output and door style straight from stock instead of being faced with possible wait times, which can be more common in winter, when demand spikes.
3. Installers have more date options
HETAS-registered fitters often refer to June–August as their quiet(er) season, for obvious reasons. This can mean that once you’ve found your perfect fire, getting it fitted will often be much quicker with more date options available than in the autumn and winter.
4. Chimney sweeping can be arranged quicker (and maybe cheaper)
Not all chimney sweeps lower their prices in summer, which is understandable if they’re busy all year round. But some may do. Booking one in is often much easier in the summer. You may want to consider having a chimney sweep before installing a new fire. Be guided by a professional.
5. Fine Weather – Stress-free Installation
Installing a new fire is less hassle in the summer. Fitters will make numerous trips through your front door during the job. Although the dry weather significantly reduces the risk of muddy footprints, it’s not always possible to prevent some mud from ending up in your home, given the amount of work being done. Exterior chimney work is also easier, and often safer, on a dry, mild day than during winter’s wet, windy, or icy conditions.
6. Break-in time before you need it
By having your fire fitted in the summer, you have plenty of time to get used to it and iron out any teething issues before you start relying on it.
7. A head start on preparing fuel
This is relevant to new stove owners. During the summer, you can start to collect firewood in time for the winter. While hardwoods like oak can take up to two years to season, wood like ash and birch can be seasoned in as little as 6 months. Even if you don’t plan to burn your freshly sourced firewood this winter, the summer is a great time to collect wood and store it away. Woodlands are easier to navigate, and you’re less likely to come home with sodden, muddy wood.
Most people tend to search for wood when it gets colder, around October or November. But collecting wood in the summer means you could enjoy rich pickings before everyone else starts their search come autumn. Peace of mind is an advantage for many who are collecting wood at this time of the year, too. There is no urgent rush, and of course, you can combine your wood collection adventures with a number of leisurely visits to various woodlands over the summer. Perfect if you have young children who are bored in the summer holidays and you want a fun but cost-free outing.
Act now
If you’re considering a fire, now is the perfect time. While most won’t be thinking of fires just yet, use this to your advantage and enjoy a more relaxing buying experience.
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