The price of oil has risen, pushing up heating costs with it! That is, unless you opt for wood heating, which is what many insurance policyholders have done, in 2005, around 25% of homes had a wood heating system (insert, enclosed fireplace, wood stove, etc) compared with 15% the previous year.
The price of oil has risen, pushing up heating costs with it! That is, unless you opt for wood heating, which is what many insurance policyholders have done, in 2005, around 25% of homes had a wood heating system (insert, enclosed fireplace, wood stove, etc) compared with 15% the previous year.
However, a badly fitted or poorly maintained insert or stove can have serious consequences: total destruction of the home, the need to urgently replace contents and furnishings, and so on.
Unfortunately, Aviva has noted a resurgence in the number of fire-related claims attributable to this problem. It is now the largest cause of residential fires, together with electrical appliances: 40% of serious fires (causing more than €80,000 of damage) are linked to poorly installed inserts.
The risk resulting from deficiencies in heating units of this type is greater because they can reach temperatures of up to 600°C, compared with 150°C for a traditional open fireplace.
Aviva is reaching out to its customers to raise their awareness of this risk and advise them on preventive measures of proven effectiveness: minimum rules to be applied when fitting a new wood heating system, precautions to take each time it is used and guidelines for regular maintenance of the equipment.
A telephone helpline is also available to all Aviva policyholders should they have any doubts regarding the safety of their heating system and for any questions regarding its use.
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Press contacts:
Michel Louchard tel. +33 (0)1 7662 7375 michel_louchard@aviva.fr
Sophie Le Blévec tel. +33 (0)1 7662 5786 sophie_leblevec@aviva.fr