Prepare Your Wood Burning Stove For Winter | Burning Inspirations
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Now that the colder weather is really hitting us, you’re probably getting ready to dust off the wood-burning stove and get it fired up for winter if you haven’t already. If you haven’t used your wood-burning stove in a while, you might find it takes a bit of work to get it set up and ready to go before you can fully enjoy those cosy night by the fire. Here are some tasks you need to consider completing when preparing your wood-burning stove for winter use.

 

Clean the stove

If you haven’t given your wood-burning stove a good clean for some months, it’s best to start preparing your wood-burning stove for winter by giving it a thorough cleanout. Remove any ash or old debris that you have in your stove and fully empty the ash pan. Give the glass a wash over with a wet cloth to ensure you get a good view of your lovely flames. Give the entire stove a rub down with a damp cloth to remove any ash residue or dust that might have built up since your last use so that your wood-burning stove is spotless. Take a look at the door seal to make sure there isn’t any blocked ash and use a soft-bristled brush to sweep out the corners.

 

Check the chimney

If you haven’t used your wood-burning stove for a while, you probably don’t know what condition your chimney is in. When preparing your wood-burning stove for winter, you’ll want to make sure the structure of your chimney is sound and make sure there are no blockages. Make sure to check the brickwork in your chimney for any cracks in the mortar or lose bricks as this can cause serious fires. Also check for any dead birds or remains of nests in the chimney, as blockages can cause problems with ventilation. You can always get a professional to do this for you if you’re concerned about what you might find there, and if birds nesting in your chimney is a common problem for you, it’s probably best to get a grid fixed to block their access in future.

 

Sweep the chimney

Another important part of preparing your wood-burning stove for winter is to get your chimney swept before you use it. You can either do this yourself or hire someone else to do it. If you sweep your own chimney, make sure to use the correct size brush. A brush too small won’t be effective and a brush too big can cause damage. Also, make sure that you have enough chimney rods so that you can reach the entire length of your chimney. Because of how messy soot and creosote can be, make sure to protect your flooring and furniture in the vicinity of stove. If you’re unsure, get a professional to do this for you, as creosote can catch fire from any sparks and become a danger.

 

Stock up on wood

It’s always a good idea to make sure you’re fully stocked up on wood when you’re preparing your wood-burning stove for winter. Once the cold weather sets in you’re not going to want to run out and source some more, especially if the weather is causing the roads to be bad and you’re relying on it being delivered. It’s always recommended to add on an extra 20% of wood to your regular winter wood order to cover any shortfall. This way you’re prepared for any freak weather you might get and you’re not stuck without a means to heat your home if the worst happens.

 

Enjoy your fire

Now that you’ve finished preparing your wood-burning stove for winter, you’re ready to get a fire roaring and enjoy those inviting evenings in front of the fire with a drink!

 

Wood burning stoves from burning inspirations

At Burning Inspirations, we have the most stylish, cost-effective and eco-friendly stoves so that you can make your home beautiful as well as warm. If you’re interested in buying a wood-burning stove, contact Burning Inspirations for information and advice. If you would like to view the different styles of fireplaces and stoves available come and visit our showroom in Milton Keynes. Complete our online form for more information or call us for on 01908 507027.