Be Prepared: When Your Fire Becomes A LIFELINE… 5 Things You MUST Do
Jun 23, 2020
Be Prepared: When Your Fire Becomes A LIFELINE… 5 Things You MUST Do
Fireplaces have many functions, from being pieces of history to a simple ‘nice to have’ accessory.
But at certain times, they can also prove to be a lifeline.
During a power cut, fireplaces can provide a main source of heating. It gives a sense of security as an independent heat source.
And for people who are on their own for long periods of time, it can be almost like a companion.
Stove and fireplace usage could rise above normal levels over the next few months, given world events. But is your appliance ready to rise to the challenge?
The key to having a consistent and effective supply of heat from your fireplace depends on one person – you.
Here’s 5 ways YOU can ensure your appliance is in the best shape possible.
Book A Chimney Sweep NOW
I really can’t stress enough the importance of getting your appliance swept at this point.
Even if it was done a few months ago, a chimney can get blocked or become faulty quite quickly. Over 12 months and it definitely needs a sweep.
Even if you have the best appliance, the best fuels and the best burning practices, they are all pointless unless the chimney is working. So make that appointment today!
Make Sure Your Stove/Fireplace is Serviced
An appliance won’t work properly if it hasn’t been serviced. Air channels get blocked, efficiency can decrease and performance can be hampered.
Make sure all bricks, rope seals etc are in good order, as these all help make for a well-functioning appliance.
It’s better to get a professional to look at these, and many sweeps do this as part of their checks anyway.
Use Appropriate, Quality Fuels
Good fireplaces and chimneys need good fuels – plain and simple.
Only use dry wood with a moisture content below 20% – double check with a moisture meter.
If you are using coals, it is always better to choose Approved Smokeless Fuel which is dry. If the coals come out of the bag wet, put them in a box to dry out before putting on the fire.
Do NOT burn anything like household rubbish, treated wood, plastics and so on. These will cause pollution, damage your appliance and can potentially cause a chimney fire.
Don’t Slumber/Burn Overnight
It’s very tempting to try to ‘keep the fire in’ if you’re using it over a prolonged period of time. But this is actually a very bad idea.
First and foremost, as a consumer, it is actually a waste of money. You will get next to no heat, yet you will still use fuel.
But it will also cause a massive amount of pollution – increasing the risk of aggravating respiratory illnesses – and potentially cause a chimney fire.
The best way is to simply light a new fire each time you want to use it. Burn your fuels hot (a stove pipe thermometer will help) and, that way, you will get the best from your fireplace.
Check Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm
It’s really important that you not only have a Carbon Monoxide alarm, but that it is also working and positioned in the correct place.
I see so many alarms which are on sideboards, on the floor, in drawers, behind televisions and so on.
Generally speaking, alarms should be in a fixed position on a wall or ceiling, but please always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on this as they may slightly vary from one brand to another.
Remember…
This is only a brief guide. There are many more things which may be relevant to you, but that advice can only be given by a professional, registered sweep when they are in your property, doing their checks.
Real fires can be a lifeline in certain situations, but if you neglect to have them swept and serviced, they can also be deadly.
Stay safe, stay warm – get it swept!
So here we go again. Another lockdown. Back to where we were in March. Well, not exactly. There are some quite big differences, and they’re actually good news for sweeps, stove fitters and their customers. Because unlike in March, when the government’s advice was much misunderstood – prompting many sweeps and installers to down tools – they have been more forthright this time. They have now spelt out, in black and white, that people ARE able to work in other people’s homes. Crystal clear. End of.
SIA Ecodesign Ready Scheme is a new scheme to increase environmental benefits of wood burning stoves. Air Quality is extremley important and Eco Design Ready Stoves reduce emissions by 90% Ecodesign is a European programme to lower emissions and the new regulation will come into force in the UK in 2022. The Ecodesign Ready scheme is supported by DEFRA. The SIA Ecodesign Ready label will set the standard for the most environmentally friendly stoves available today. For more information you can visit Stove Industry Alliance
There’s nothing more frustrating than not being able to use a fireplace when you want. But imagine having to go without it from winter until the following autumn. That’s the position you could find yourself in if birds decide to nest in your chimney. Historically, the nesting season in the UK usually starts around March time. However, over recent years, jackdaws and starlings have started nesting much earlier – sometimes as early as January. They’re also getting more territorial, often returning to the same location year after year. And once they start building a nest, it is protected by law. Under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence to destroy an active bird’s nest without good reason. Simply wanting to use your fire isn’t a good enough reason, and any professional sweep will not break the law. The truth is, that if your chimney isn’t properly protected and you get caught out, then you simply have to be patient.
DIY is set to skyrocket in the next few months as more people spend time at home. But there’s some jobs you really should leave to the experts. Among them are fitting your own solid fuel woodburner/open fire or sweeping your chimney. Why? Well put simply they both are highly skilled trades which take years to master.
You can have a chimney pretty much anywhere these days thanks to twin wall insulated systems. These factory-made flues negate the need to build an expensive, brick chimney and are quicker to install. However, they aren’t without their issues if they’re not operated or installed correctly.