How Long Does It Take to Replace a Wood Burner in Auckland?
If you're considering replacing an old wood burner, you may be surprised by how quickly the actual installation can be completed.
For a typical straightforward replacement, the physical installation work usually takes around half a day.
The overall process from choosing your new wood burner to having it installed takes longer, however, because the appliance needs to be available and the required consent process needs to be completed.
As a general guide, Dr Flue typically works towards an installation date around three weeks from purchase.
Typical Replacement Timeline
There are three main timeframes to consider when planning your replacement.
Wood Burner Availability — Approximately 1 to 5 Weeks
Availability depends on the wood burner you choose and the manufacturer.
Some models may be available quickly, while others may have a manufacturing or supply lead time of up to approximately five weeks.
This is worth considering when choosing your new fire, particularly if you want it installed before a particular date.
Consent Process — Approximately 15 to 21 Days
The consent process will typically take approximately 15–21 days.
This can normally be progressing while the wood burner and installation are being organised, rather than simply adding another three weeks onto the project.
Installation — Approximately Half a Day
Once everything is ready, a straightforward replacement wood burner installation will typically require around half a day's work onsite.
This generally includes removing the existing wood burner and flue, preparing the installation and installing the new wood burner with its new flue system.
Around Three Weeks From Purchase Is Typical
For many replacement installations, a useful expectation is:
Purchase your new wood burner → approximately three weeks → installation.
This isn't a guaranteed timeframe for every property or appliance, but it is a good indication of what a typical replacement can look like.
The biggest variables tend to be the availability of the chosen wood burner and the consent processing time.
If a particular model has a longer manufacturing lead time, the installation date may need to be scheduled accordingly.
What Happens on Installation Day?
For a standard replacement, our installers will generally:
Protect the surrounding work area
Remove the existing wood burner
Remove the existing flue system
Check and prepare the installation position
Install the new wood burner
Install a complete new flue system
Complete the required roof and flashing work
Check the finished installation
Clean the work area
Because most replacement fires remain in approximately the same area of the home, the onsite work can often be completed efficiently.
Can the Existing Flue Be Reused?
No.
When Dr Flue replaces a wood burner, the old flue isn't reused with the new appliance.
The replacement wood burner is installed with a new compliant flue system appropriate for the new fire and installation.
This means you're replacing the complete heating system rather than putting a new wood burner underneath an ageing flue.
What Could Make the Installation Take Longer?
While approximately half a day is typical, some properties require additional work.
This could include changes to the hearth, unusual roof or flashing requirements, difficult roof access, high ceilings, relocating the wood burner or other site-specific requirements.
These are exactly the sorts of things we want to identify before installation day.
Plan Your Replacement Before Winter
If you know your existing wood burner is approaching replacement, organising it earlier gives you more choice.
You'll have more flexibility around the wood burner you want, manufacturer lead times and your preferred installation date rather than waiting until the fire is urgently needed.
For a typical replacement, allow around three weeks from purchase to installation, with the actual onsite replacement work generally taking around half a day.
Ready to Replace Your Wood Burner?
Dr Flue can help you select the right replacement wood burner, organise the required process and complete the new fire and flue installation.
Book a consultation with Dr Flue and we can start planning your replacement installation.