9 June 2010

Removing an old wood heater

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We have an old wood heater in our new house which we want to rip out. Its probably from about 1970 and its fully set into the fire-place (which is quite solid and seems to be structural).

I know that sometimes you can get rebates and things for pulling out old wood heaters – does anyone know about this? I suspect the fact there is already ducted gas heating in the place might mean we wouldn’t be eligible but its worth a shot.

Anyone got any suggestions about how to rip it out?

Thanks

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amit choudhary3:43 pm 14 Jan 21

Hi can you please share details of the trade person i am looking to remove my wood heater. Thanks

Thanks for the feedback everyone – I really hanker after pulling it out and putting a decent new one in but its in a weird spot and really inconvenient for the room.

Wood heater replacement program (was talking about this very thing yesterday):

http://www.environment.act.gov.au/actsmart/your_household/wood_heater_replacement_rebate

To be eligible, though, the wood heater must be the “main source of heating” for the house – there’s an assessment of that before the Gubbit ponies up anything. As you’ve said you have ducted gas heating, I don’t like your chances.

Keep the old wood heater – or replace it with a modern wood heater. I have a Nectre which does a great job. You’ll thank yourself in a few years time.

I had a gos log fire installed in an old govvie fireplace with chimney. Didnt require extra fluing because the fireplace and chimney was larger than usual. That chimney wasnt supporting.

I have had another place where the chimney was supporting though. The chimney was central to the house.

Good question. I have an ex-Govvie with an old disused fireplace. I asked a builder some time ago about replacing it. They told me the chimney is a supporting structure in most ex-Govvies and that generally means a long steel beam has to be installed to ensure the roof is adequately supported. I’d be interested to hear from others if this is really the case.

You can’t get the rebate if you already have gas heating.

We had a chimney sweep guy all set to rip ours out, but have put it off for now, as it is too cold. He charges only around 200.00 to remove it, but does not fix the hole in the ceiling (does fix the roof for you.) It will be more if your house is double storey.

I got his name by asking at the BBQ/heating shop in fyshwick. Let us know if you find someone good.

Captain RAAF2:48 pm 09 Jun 10

They can be worth good money, if they are somewhat attractive and of course serviceable.

I’ve never removed one fitted to a fireplace but I would think they are just slotted into the cavity. The only thing holding it there may be the flue but in order to fit it they must have been able to access it.

Drag it out, whack an ad on Allhomes classifieds and it will be gone in a week, two at worst.

No, I don’t want it. I just picked one up that you can easily fit, like ten or twelve cats in!

wood heater + 1970 = asbestos

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