NaturalHeating.com - Wood Burning & Multi Fuel Stoves

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 f...

There comes a point in time where (as part of general maintenance) you will need to renew the rope seals on the door of your stove behind the glass and where the door meets the stove body. These ropes are made of glass fibre. Some people - such as myself - may find they have an allergic type reaction to handling the rope and it can make your skin itchy. Wearing gloves is therefore advisable in these cases. When old rope is coming away it should be replaced with new rope of the same diameter. It is essential not to use too thick a rope as this could put too much pressure on door hinges. It is also important not too use too thin a rope, or you may not get a gas tight seal. If in doubt, ask the original stove supplier which diameter of rope you require for your stove model.... or take in the entire door to a stove shop. Most stove doors are easily removable. If you can remove the door, it will be much easier to replace the rope if the door is on top of a flat surface. For t...