It's Spring...... NOW is the time...

To get your chimney checked and swept !

I know it seems early, but leave it until August and any sweep worth his salt will have a large waiting list. It's best to have your chimney swept in (or just after) Spring ready for the forthcoming winter season. Avoid the man in the van from the Free-ads with no qualifications.  An accredited sweep such as a member of NACS will give you a certificate to show that your chimney has been properly serviced and is safe to use. If it is not, they will give a report stating condition and attention required. This certificate needs to go in your Home Owners Pack.

Also - if considering fitting a new stove ... it's worth getting someone out to survey and price now. Fitters generally only have a 2 > 4 week waiting time at this time of year. The good ones will be booked right up to Christmas for installations come August ! If you need contact numbers for recommended fitters in East Anglia, do let us know and we can forward these on to you.

Also - service your woodburning / multi fuel stove. Any worn or damaged rope seals, coal grates and liner panels should be replaced now. New cast iron parts will require seasoning burns - so it is a good idea to carry out these burns when your stove is not under heavy use.

Sarah-Jane Nash, http://www.naturalheating.co.uk/ , April 2010