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IMG_5851.HEIC

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY CHIMNEY CLEANED?

 

At least once a year. Chimney sweeps usually advise that chimneys ought to be cleaned after a period of prolonged disuse (over the summer for example). Many also advise that chimneys should be cleaned before the end of the heating season to ensure that the chimney is clear of animal nests and prepared for the subsequent idle period.

 

If a chimney is used very often, it might be necessary to sweep it more often. A professional chimney sweep would be able to advise the optimum cleaning schedule for your chimney.

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WHAT DOES THE SWEEP PROCESS INVOLVE?

 

  • Prepare the working area

  • Remove and clean internal components

  • Conduct pre sweep inspection

  • Sweep Flue Liner from Top to Bottom

  • Clean Flue Pipe / Breast Plate

  • Check Door and Rope Seals

  • Clean Stove 

  • CO Monitor Check

  • Smoke Evacuation Check

  • Bag and dispose of Soot removed

  • Provide a HETAS Certificate

  • Advise On Fuels

  • Make Recommendations

  • Leave Working Area Tidy

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HARD WOOD OR SOFT WOOD?

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Do you know the difference between hardwood and softwood? Hardwoods are any broad-leafed, deciduous trees, such as Beech and Elm, while softwoods are conifers including Cedar and Fir.

 

When it comes to burning wood in stoves, hardwood is better than softwood as it burns slower. The density of softwood is also around half that of hardwood, which results in it burning twice as fast – meaning you’ll need twice as much!

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IS DRY WOOD ALWAYS THE BEST WOOD?

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No matter what type of wood you choose for your wood burning stove, it is important that the wood is dried before you burn. Wood that hasn’t been dried wastes much of the energy created while burning in removing water from the log and producing steam.

 

Fresh wood contains a high amount of water of between 65-90%, depending on the species. We recommend that wood is seasoned for at least a year, or preferably two before burning.

 

You can dry out your own wood in a wood store or, if you don’t have the facilities, ensure you buy seasoned wood from your supplier. The best kiln dried wood has a moisture content of less than 20%.

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WHICH WOOD SPECIES IS BEST FOR MY FIRE?

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While all woods burn better when seasoned, in general the best woods for burning in your wood stove are the ones you are most likely to come across. Here are our recommendations:

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  • Apple – Burns slowly with a small flame size and produces a pleasant scent.

  • Ash – Considered the best wood for burning; it produces a steady flame and strong heat output.

  • Beech – Burns similar to Ash.

  • Birch – Produces a strong heat output but can burn quite quickly.

  • Hawthorn – A traditional firewood with a slow burn and strong heat output.

  • Horse chestnut – This wood is burnt well in wood stoves as it can spit. It produces a good flame and strong heat output.

  • Oak – The density of the wood produces a small flame and very slow burn.

  • Robinia – A good burning wood with a slow burn and strong heat output. Can produce an acrid smoke but if using a stove this of course is not a problem.

  • Thorn – A steady flame and very strong heat output without producing excess smoke.

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