5 essential checks before using your woodburner this autumn
As the cold weather approaches, here’s what you need to know before lighting your wood burning stove for the first time this season
Image: Morso 3112 stove
If you own a wood burning stove, you may be happy to see the colder months heading our way, just as an excuse to throw a few logs on the fire for the first time this autumn and get cosy indoors.
However, if your woodburner has been out of action over the summer, it’s worth taking a few moments to pay it some due diligence and check that it’s safe and ready to use for winter with these tips from the experts at Mendip Stoves.
1. Check the stove’s condition
Check all the glass, door and ashpan seals to ensure they are in good condition and not coming away.
2. Sweep the chimney
Have the chimney swept to clear any bird’s nests or other obstructions that might have happened over the summer
Image: Arada Ecoburn Plus 5 Widescreen
3. Choose logs carefully
Make sure you get good quality logs, with a low moisture content.
Image: Mendip Woodland stove
4. Check the fire bricks
Check all the bricks in the stove to ensure none are crumbling away – small cracks should not be a problem.
Image: Arada i600 Slimline
5. Avoid moisture build-up
At the end of winter, leave the door open a crack so that moisture does not build up over the summer months.
Have you lit your woodburner for the first time this year yet? Tweet us @goodhomesmag or post a comment on our Facebook page. Or, tag us in your own cosy home photos on Instagram, using the hashtag #ThisGoodHome.