Installing a wood burner can elevate the ambience in any room; it effortlessly adds charm and warmth to your home. It’s also a great investment with a few general maintenance tips it can heat your home for years. Here are some tips from the team here at Humphrey & Crockett, for keeping your new stove in the best condition.
Use The Right Type of Wood
Did you know the type of wood you burn can impact your stove? In general, hardwoods such as ash, maple and oak are good choices because they burn for longer and produce more heat, saving you from repeatedly having to place more wood inside. Secondly, it can reduce the amount of creosote produced.
Avoid using painted or treated wood, as it can create dangerous fumes. Certain wood is not worth burning as it produces a weak flame and can also produce excess creosote and soot, which builds up in your chimney. Wood that’s green or wet is also best avoided.
Give It a Clean
Keep your wood burner stove looking great and performing well by cleaning the glass. Ash and soot can build up, which doesn’t look appealing. Leaving it longer to develop a thick layer can make it more annoying to get rid of. Use a damp rag or paper towel to clean it or buy a specialised solution to tackle the job. Ensure that the stove is properly switched off and cool before cleaning it. Maintain the exterior of the stove as well by giving it a wipe-down like any piece of furniture.
Clean Out the Ash Pan
Excessive amounts of hot ash can reach the side grate and eventually distort it. Build-up can also affect the airflow and the efficiency of your wood burner. Like most appliances, keeping your stove clean and debris-free can help it run smoother and live longer. Try to empty the ashpan daily or every other day, depending on how much you use it; make sure it’s cooled down before handling.
Get the Chimney Cleaned
The chimney is a significant component in maintaining a healthy wood-burning stove. Check it from time to time and try to clean it at least once a year. We offer professional chimney-sweeping services utilising the latest technology combined with traditional methods, so you don’t have to get your hands dirty. Creosote can become a fire hazard if left to sit in your chimney which is why annual cleaning is vital. Chimney maintenance also improves the efficiency of your wood burner.
Our expert team has the tools and experience to keep your chimney performing at its best. We can perform both chimney camera inspections and tamar power sweeping to ensure we capture any obstructions.
Regular Inspections
Check the door seal and look out for any signs of wear and tear. The door seal is an essential component, but over time, it can become worn out, which causes air leaks, affecting the stove’s efficiency. This leads to you needing to burn more wood for the same results. If you’re not sure, call in an expert to double-check if any repairs are needed.
Follow Guidelines
When installing wood burning stoves, a manual is handed over and it’s the perfect time to ask questions. Also double-check the manufacturer’s instructions before you use it for the first time. Avoid overfiring; burning wood at a temperature too high for the type of stove can cause damages that will need urgent repairs.
Investing in a wood-burning stove is a wise decision; they look great, add cosiness, and can be more affordable to run compared to other types of heating system. With some regular cleaning, maintenance and spot-checking, you will increase the lifespan of your stove and avoid costly repairs so it can be enjoyed for years.
For more information on our services, or if you’re looking for further expert advice on your wood burning stove, get in touch with Humphrey & Crockett today.
