Wood Burner & Multi Fuel Stove Maintenance
Servicing is an important part of keeping your stove running efficiently and safely but many stove owners do not understand the responsibility they have.
Many extended stove warranties also stipulate regular maintenance by a HETAs registered installer, such as Intelligent Chimney Solutions.
Multi Fuel & Wood Burning Stove Services
We recommend you to have your stove serviced at least once a year, usually at the beginning or end of the heating season. The end of the heating season, in the Spring time is usually best should you unknowingly need replacement parts. Many people leave the servicing to the last minute and then have to wait weeks for hard to source parts, not good when being hit by a cold spell.
Chimney Sweeping
Chimney sweeping is also an essential part of stove maintenance and should be carried out one to two times per year, depending on use, to prevent the build up of soot and other debris which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning in your home as well as the risk of chimney fires.
Make sure your chimney sweep gives you a certificate of compliance too, you may need this for house insurance in the event of a house fire.
Burn the Correct Fuel
One of the easiest ways to ensure longevity of your stove is to burn the correct fuel.
Any wood you burn in a wood burning stove should be seasoned, that is wood that has been left to dry out to reduce the moisture content. (Below 20% moisture content is recommended) Seasoned wood usually feels lighter than unseasoned and may start to show signs of splitting on the ends.
Burning wood with high moisture content will not only produce a lot of excess smoke, but will also cause a premature build up of deposits that will reduce the efficiency of your stove as well as causing potential damage to your stove and flue liner.
If you are burning other fuels such as coal, only DEFRA approved smokeless coal should be used. This way, if you are in a smoke control zone you are not breaking any laws.
In Summary
Regular maintenance of your multi-fuel or wood burning stove will ensure its longevity, efficiency and more importantly, its safety.
If you are looking to book a HETAs approved installer to service your stove or sweep your chimney, and live in Norfolk, contact Intelligent Chimney Solutions Ltd by calling 01485 601477 or email intelligentchimneysolutionsltd@gmail.com
