A guide to getting your stove witner ready

Along with crisp winter mornings and curling up with a mug of hot chocolate in the evenings, firing up a wood burning stove is intrinsic to winter and brings joy, comfort and warmth to your home during the colder months.

Wood burning stoves generally require little upkeep, but there are some key considerations, tips and tricks to ensure your stove runs safely, at maximum efficiency and with minimal emissions.

With a little TLC you can sit back and enjoy the fire knowing it’s working to its full potential, and troubleshooting any problems early is the best way to prevent issues further down the line.

When taken care of correctly and used in the right way, you can enjoy your wood burning stove for many, many years.

1. Stove health check

Giving your stove a yearly MOT can help troubleshoot any issues. Firstly, clean out the firebox and empty the ash pan, then shine a torch inside to check there are no cracks or breakages.

It’s worth opening air inlets and keeping the door ajar for a few hours to allow the stove and chimney to fully air, as good air circulation will ensure the best possible combustion and burn.

2. Deep clean

To clean the glass on your stove window, all you need is a damp cloth – wipe clean and then dry with kitchen roll.

To remove soot from the window, dip the damp cloth into the ash from the fire chamber or ash bucket and rub onto the glass as this will help to lift soot stains easier. Then wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Patches of rust can be removed by gently using a wire brush or steel wool. Wear protective gloves, rub away the dust, then sweep the area clear of dirt with a soft stove brush or shoe brush.

3. Professional chimney sweep

A well-maintained stove and chimney will protect your home against fires and other structural damage. You will know if your chimney needs sweeping if you notice smoke blowing back into the room, a strong tar smell, poor fire draw, or visible soot or tar deposits around the stove or flue.

It’s important to engage a professional chimney sweep once a year as a minimum – either at the beginning or end of ‘stove season’.

Anyone working on your chimney must be in receipt of the integrity test certificate, including fireplace suppliers and/or installers, and once the flue has been swept, an ‘integrity test’ is useful to locate where cracks or faults in the chimney may be present - vital for spotting if dangerous gasses and smoke are able to escape.

Regular cleaning will also clear any obstructions, such as bird or animal nests, leaves and debris, and to ensure your wood burner performs at its optimum.

Typically, a chimney sweep in the UK will range from £50 to £120. The final cost can be influenced by the type of chimney, the location of your property, and factors such as bird’s nest blockages or heavy creosote buildup.

There is no UK-wide law that requires regular sweeping, but many home insurance policies insist on it. Landlords are also obliged to maintain safe heating appliances for tenants, which usually includes regular chimney maintenance.