Stoves, using and having the right one for your home

Stove maintenance and safety If you choose the right stove for your home should be fairly straightforward. But there are a few steps you should take to keep it efficient and safe.

To keep your stove in good working order, the Stoves Industry recommends that you have your chimney swept at the beginning and the end of the winter to avoid a build-up of soot, which could damage the chimney and stove when not in use.

From a safety point of view, blocked chimneys can also cause deadly carbon monoxide. One sweep should cost no more than £60 and this will be money very well spent. It’s also worth getting a carbon monoxide alarm to alert you to the presence of the dangerous gas in your home.

Burn the correct wood

Wet or unseasoned logs will leave more sooty deposits and could increase the number of sweeps you need, so it’s best to use seasoned (Minimum 2 years drying) or kiln-dried wood to cut down on maintenance.

If you have a pellet stove, you will also need to have a yearly service, as the stove has electrical working parts. It’s also a very good idea to clean out the ash from the ash pan and to clean the glass regularly. Keep in mind, though, that leaving a layer of ash can help to start a wood fire and keep it burning. When cleaning out the stove, it’s worth keeping an eye out for any cracks, distortions, breaks in the seals, holes or rust. These can all affect the stove’s performance and safety. Depending on how long you’ve had the stove, getting the affected part repaired or replaced if there are any problems may be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.

Safety measures

Carbon monoxide detectors only cost around £15-20 and monitor whether any carbon monoxide, which is tasteless and odourless and highly poisonous, is being expelled. It’s also worth installing a smoke alarm in the room where the stove will be fitted.

Talk to an expert?

If you require assistance with a new stove or want your existing one serviced please make contact and one of our fully qualified fitters will be pleased to help.

http://www.kent-stoves.com/contact