We share some top tips for stove care from a local expert
Starting from scratch….
Whether you’ve just moved into a new home or inherited a woodburning stove, the advice is pretty similar. Get it checked out by an expert before you start burning!
We asked local HETAS approved fitter Nick Oldfield from Stove & Flue Scotland, what his top tips would be for people with a new woodburner.
1 – Check for any documents or records for installation and servicing. You might get lucky and have a record but unfortunately, it’s unlikely.
2 – Arrange for a local Chimney Sweep that specialises in stove servicing and maintenance to come and give the appliance a thorough check. Check that they are HETAS approved.
3 – If you have some knowledge, there are a few things that you can check over yourself. Check that the interior grate and bricks are in good condition and not cracked or broken. The door rope should form a tight seal with the stove. If in doubt, get the sweep to check it out.
Installing a New Woodburning Stove
” Stoves can be fitted pretty much anywhere these days. Existing fireplaces can be remodelled and chimneys lined. Or you can have insulated flue systems to locate stoves in the majority of places in a house.”
Nick tells us that a good thing to do is to decide what type of fuel you’d like to burn before selecting your stove. The Clear Skies Act is making solid fuel cleaner to use with approved appliances. If you’re going down the woodfuel route, remember that your fuel needs to be kept dry and factor in storage into your plans.
Do a little research and look for a company that are HETAS or Oftec approved. This means that your installation can be certified. The HETAS website has a great feature which allows you to type in your postcode and find a local installation company and chimney sweep.
Figure our your budget in advance and consider the size of stove you will need for your room/space and how you’ll be using it.
Keep Your Appliance Maintained
Once your new stove has been fitted, or your existing stove checked and serviced, it’s vitally important to keep it well maintained.
Get your chimney swept once a year. This is vital to prevent clogging up of the flue with soot, ash, tar and any foreign objects from above! Poorly maintained flues and chimneys are one of the leading causes of house fires here in the UK.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using your stove. Keep the temperature under control and ensure you’re using the right type of fuel.
Our heat logs and briquettes can be used on most woodburning appliances. All of our products that carry the Woodsure Ready To Burn logo can be used in smokeless zones where a DEFRA approved appliance is fitted.
Want more info about smokeless zones? Read our blog post.
Find Your Perfect Fuel
With the most comprehensive range of high quality briquettes in the UK, we’re confident that we can find the right fuel for your needs.
Before you start to shop or get in touch, here are a few things to consider:
- What size is your stove or appliance?
- How many hours a day do you light the fire?
- Do you like to keep it in overnight?
- Are you running a back boiler or radiators?
Now try our Fuel Finder feature for your perfect match! Remember, you don’t have to stick to just one product. Try our add-on feature or Mix Your Own pallet. You can also check out our ready-mixed pallets.
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Beech Nestro – back in stock Wed 9th Oct.£5.58 – £547.00 -
Complete Selection Pallet£149.00
