LifecanbetoffIf you’re one of the approximate 1.5million homes that use wood for fuel, you may need to start thinking about getting your fireplace winter ready.
Wood burning stoves and open fires have risen in popularity over recent years.
I’m lucky enough to have an open fire and whilst it throws out the heat on those chilly winter days, making sure it’s maintained is incredibly important. Not just for your health, but for the environment too.
As we’re only just getting over a 30 degrees heatwave, you’re probably not thinking about lighting your fire for winter. But, now is the perfect time to get your fireplace winter ready before the busy season. Preparation now will mean you can get that fire going as soon as that first chill day hits!
Choose the right fuel
Whether you have a multi-fuel or wood burning stove/open fire, choosing the right product to burn is essential. The recent announcement from Defra (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) means that there are certain restrictions on burning wet wood and coal.
Wet wood is considered as having a moisture content between 40-60% and is dependent on how recently the tree was felled. Burning wet wood gives off more smoke and pollution than dry wood. Seasoned wood normally has a moisture content of around 30% and kiln-dried wood less than 20% moisture.
You can check the moisture content of the wood you’re buying by simply asking your supplier. The lower the moisture content of your wood, the hotter it will burn and the less pollutants it will give off.
*White Horse Energy, for example, sells wood that has the Ready to Burn certification mark. Get 5% off your first order using code lifecanbetoff at checkout with White Horse Energy. I earn a small commission for each sale made using my referral code and link.
The Ready to Burn certification mark is available to wood log suppliers who can demonstrate to Woodsure that their logs have a moisture content below 20%. The scheme has the backing of Defra, HETAS and the Stove Industry Alliance and is focused on both pre-packed wood fuel and crates less than 2m3.
White Horse Energy sells firewood UK wide in crates or by the box and also has a great range of natural firelighters and kindling too. Get everything you need to set you up for the season ahead. Or perhaps for that firepit/wood-fired BBQ during the summer.
Do not burn glossy paper or treated wood in your wood burner or stove as these give off pollutants and will cause a residue on your stove making it less efficient.
Get your chimney swept
To ensure your fire performs at its best, you should get it professionally swept at least annually. The National Association of Chimney Sweeps recommends that if you burn wood or coal, you should get a sweep quarterly, but this of course also depends on the frequency of use.
Depending on where you live and the type of fire you have, it will cost around £60 to have your chimney swept professionally.
Trust me, you’ll want to get this done. The alternative is a visit from the fire brigade who do not look like they do in calendars and will not care if they make a mess – they will be there to put out a fire, not care about your cream carpet! A chimney sweep however, will clean the soot, debris such as birds nests and wood burning residue from your flue and chimney and keep it as tidy as possible in your home.
Get this done in the late summer before it gets busy. If you have crud falling from your chimney – it needs to be swept!
Did you know there are around 7,000 chimney fires in England each year – don’t be one of them. They are easily preventable and will save you a lot of money and hassle than the alternative!
Check your stove or fireplace
It’s worth giving your stove or fireplace a once-over. Clear it of debris and ash from the last burn.
In a wood burner, check the rope seal and clean and check the glass front for damage.
In an open fire, check for cracks in the lining. Your chimney sweep should be able to recommend who can fix any cracks using appropriate cement.
Check grates for cracks or damage.
Cleaning your fireplace out after each use will help your fire burn more efficiently. Get rid of old ash and debris after each use – just remember to make sure it is completely cold before doing so.
Are you winter ready?
Get yourself ready for winter now. It may be scorching outside now, but preparation is key!
Peace out!
Jangles x
*This post contains an affiliate link and I earn a small fee for each purchase made using my link, but statements are my own.
We only have a gas fire but plan to put a real fire or wood burner in when we decorate so this is really useful, thank you.
You won’t regret the decision to put in a woodburner – they are so lovely to have and really heat up a room. Of course a bit more maintenance required over a gas fire, but you can’t beat that authentic fire smell.