Checking your stove in time for winter

Winter is now with us and a wood burning stove will heat your homes to the maximum.

The trouble is with our busy lifestyles we tend not to check what is important to us until it goes wrong. Here are some very easy ways to ensure your stove is giving you maximum efficiency.

Check Your Door Seal for Leakage

Your wood stove door should fit tightly to keep the heat of the fire concentrated inside. To check it, you can lay a five pound note across the door gasket lengthwise and then close the door with the note still in it. If you can pull your money out with a quick tug, your door is too loose and you will want to tighten the latch described in your manufacturer’s instruction manual. If your gasket shows signs of wear or damage, you will need to replace it immediately.

Check the Interior of the Stove for Signs of Warping

Some warping of the metal in a wood-burning unit is to be expected, and it will often have no effect on the overall operation of the stove. But if the internal steel parts of a wood stove become warped, that can cause the unit to perform below specification. For this reason, any interior part that can be replaced should be replaced if it shows signs of bending or warping.

Cut Your Firewood in a Variety of Sizes

Packing a wood stove fully and efficiently requires wood slices that come in different sizes. A good assortment should include cross-sectional cuts of three, four, five, and six inches, and there should be some variety in the lengths as well so you will be able to fill all of the available space in your burning chamber.

Need some help?

If you require assistance with your existing stove or thinking of installing a new appliance please do contact us. Our qualified fitters are here to help.