Wakefords Fireplaces and Stoves

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Beat the Rush: Get Your Flue and Chimney Checked and Swept

As the summer days slowly begin to fade, thoughts of a cosy, crackling fireplace become more and more appealing. However, before you indulge in the warmth and comfort of your fireplace this autumn and winter, it’s important to get your flue and chimney checked and swept in the late summer.

Why Late Summer?

While it might seem counterintuitive to address your chimney during the summer, it’s actually the best time to do so. Here’s why.

Avoid the Rush

By autumn, chimney sweeps are in high demand as homeowners across the country realise the importance of a clean and functional chimney as the temperatures drop. Booking your chimney inspection and cleaning in the late summer ensures you beat the rush. This means you’re more likely to secure an appointment that suits your schedule.

Address Bird Nests

Late summer is also the perfect time to check for bird nests in your chimney. Many birds, including swifts, sparrows, and starlings, nest in chimneys during the spring and early summer. By late summer, the young birds have fledged, leaving behind nests that can obstruct airflow and create fire hazards. Having your chimney inspected in late summer allows for the safe removal of these nests before they cause problems.

Why Are Chimney Inspections and Sweeps Important?

There are many reasons why chimney inspections and sweeps are important, including:

Fire Safety

A chimney that isn’t checked can become a fire hazard. Creosote, a highly flammable substance, builds up in the flue over time. If ignited, it can lead to a chimney fire that can rapidly spread throughout your home. Regular chimney sweeping removes this dangerous buildup, ensuring your fireplace is safe to use.

Improved Efficiency

A clean chimney simply functions more efficiently. When your flue is clogged with soot and debris, it can’t force out smoke and gases properly. This can lead to poor ventilation, smoke backing up into your home, and even dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. A clean chimney ensures your fireplace operates just as it should.

Prolonged Lifespan

Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your chimney and fireplace. When you address issues ASAP, you prevent minor problems from becoming major repairs. This can save you a significant amount of money in the long run!

Protecting Your Investment

For many homeowners, a fireplace is a valuable feature that adds to the charm and value of their property. Regular chimney maintenance protects this investment and ensures it remains a functional and beautiful addition to your home, and can increase the value of your property if you decide to sell.

Takeaway

As summer comes to a close and the promise of cooler weather is on the horizon, it’s time to think about your fireplace. Don’t wait until the first chill of autumn to address your chimney’s maintenance needs. Beat the rush, schedule your chimney inspection in late summer, and rest easy knowing your fireplace is safe, efficient, and ready to provide warmth and comfort when you need it most.

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The Benefits of Installing a Wood-Burning Stove

If you’re considering installing a new heating solution in your home, you might want to take a closer look at wood-burning stoves. These stoves offer so many benefits from lower heating costs to a cosy ambience. In this blog, we will run through the top benefits of installing a wood-burning stove.

Lower Heating Costs

Wood-burning stoves are much more cost effective than traditional gas or electric heating systems, which we know is a huge benefit right now! Wood is a renewable resource, so you can save a significant amount of money on your heating bills.

Energy Efficient

Wood-burning stoves are incredibly efficient unlike traditional open fireplaces, which can lose up to 90% of their heat up the chimney. This means you can heat up your home using much less fuel than you would with any other type of heating system.

Cosy Ambience

There’s nothing quite like the warm, cosy ambience of a wood-burning stove in your home. The crackling fire, the smell of burning wood and the radiant heat all combine to create a comforting and inviting atmosphere. Wood-burning stoves are incredible in winter and will make you dream of being home all day long!

Independence

With a wood-burning stove, you aren’t reliant on outside energy sources. You can heat your home using a renewable resource that you have access to right in your back garden. It’s a great way to keep track of energy costs when you don’t have to think about the heating bill!

Environmental Sustainability

As wood is a renewable resource, using a wood-burning stove is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. When properly burned, wood produces no net increase in carbon dioxide emissions, making it a much more eco-friendly heating option than fossil fuels.

Wakefords offers a wide selection of wood-burning stoves to choose from at our showroom. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to find a wood-burning stove that fits your style and budget. Contact us now to arrange a visit to our showroom where we can help you choose the perfect stove for you.

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Top Trends in Fireplace and Stove Design for 2023

As the world of interior design continues to evolve and adapt, so does the world of fireplace and stove design. If you’re planning on upgrading your fireplace or stove in 2023, you might be interested in some of the latest trends in this field. Here are some of the top trends in fireplace and stove design that you need to know this year.

Minimalism

One of the biggest trends in interior design right now is minimalism, and this trend is making its way to fireplaces and stoves. Simple, sleek designs with clean lines and minimal ornamentation are becoming increasingly popular. Styles like limestone and marble fireplaces with clean lines and simple shapes are sure to fit in with any décor scheme.

Natural Materials

Another trend circulating homes in recent years is the use of natural materials in home décor. You can expect to see more fireplaces and stoves made of materials like stone, brick, and wood. By choosing a wood or natural stone fireplace, you can hop right on this trend in 2023.

Traditional

Going the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the more traditional fireplaces which can you’re your home a classic and homely feel. Adding a cast iron fireplace to your home is a great way of bringing together contemporary and traditional design. These fireplaces are ornate and exquisite making them perfect for adding a touch of elegance.

Customisation

Many homeowners are looking for ways to personalise their living spaces, and fireplaces and stoves are no exception. You can find fireplaces with customisable options like interchangeable mantels or the ability to choose your own colours and finishes to match the style of your home.

Environmental Sustainability

As people become more environmentally conscious, they’re looking for ways to make their homes more eco-friendly. Look for fireplaces and stoves that are designed to be more energy-efficient and produce fewer emissions like wood-burning fires.

Outdoor Fireplaces

With more people spending time outdoors, outdoor fireplaces are becoming more and more popular. When searching for an outdoor fireplace or stove, look for ones that are designed to be weather-resistant and used all year round.

Whether you’re looking for a simple and sleek minimalist design or a high-tech fireplace to match your smart home, there’s sure to be a fireplace trend that suits you in 2023. If you’re looking for a

brand-new fireplace, stove, or fire for your home, come visit our showroom where we can help you choose the best one for you.

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How to Clean and Maintain Your Fireplace, Stove, or Log Burner

Fireplaces, stoves, and log burners are a great addition to any home. They provide a focus to your room as well as warmth and ambience during the colder months. However, as with any heating appliance, it’s important to keep it clean and well-maintained so it operates safely and efficiently. Therefore, we’ve pulled together some tips for cleaning and maintaining your fireplace, stove, or log burner.

Clean the Interior

First of all, if you have a wood-burning stove or a fireplace, it’s important to clean the ash out on a regular basis. A build-up of ash can cause your fireplace or stove to operate less efficiently which can reduce the amount of heat it produces. To clean out the ash, make sure it is completely cool. You should clean the interior regularly with a brush or vacuum designed for that purpose. This will help prevent the build-up of creosote, a flammable substance that can cause chimney fires.

Check the Chimney

Your chimney should be inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney sweep at least once a year. A dirty or clogged chimney can lead to a dangerous build-up of creosote which can cause a chimney fire. During the inspection, the chimney sweep will look for any damage to the chimney such as cracks or missing mortar which could allow smoke and gasses to escape into your home.

Inspect the Flue

The flue is the opening at the top of the chimney that allows smoke and gases to escape. It’s important to make sure it is clear of obstructions such as leaves, bird’s nests, or debris. If the flue is clogged, smoke and gasses can back up into your home which can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Check the Seals

The seals on your stove or fireplace help to prevent smoke and gasses from escaping into your home. It’s important to regularly check the seals to ensure they’re in good condition and replace them if necessary. If the seals are damaged or worn, smoke and gasses can escape into your home which reduces the efficiency of the fireplace and increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

By following these simple tips and investing in regular cleaning and maintenance, you can enjoy the warmth and ambience of your fireplace, stove, or log burner for years to come.

If you’re looking for a fireplace or stove for your home, contact us now to arrange a visit to our showroom where we can help you choose the perfect heating solution for you.

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The Benefits of Having a Fireplace or Stove in Your Home

If you’re considering having a fireplace or stove in your home, you’re onto a great idea. Not only do they add a rustic touch to your living space, but they also come with so many benefits that you may not have even thought of. In this blog, we’ll look at all the benefits of adding a fireplace or stove to your home.

Warmth & Ambience

First of all, one of the most obvious benefits is the warmth it provides you. During the chilly winters, a fireplace or a stove can give off the perfect amount of heat to keep you and your family comfortable. Not to mention, they also create a beautiful ambience that can’t be replicated by any other heating source in your home.

Cost Savings

Having a fireplace or stove can also save you money on your energy bills, which we all know is essential right now. By using wood as a fuel source, you can reduce your reliance on electricity or gas – which is pretty pricey, especially in the colder months!

Eco-Friendliness

Having a fireplace or a stove has more of a positive impact on the environment than other heating methods. Unlike fossil fuels, wood is a renewable source that produces little pollution when burned. This means you can enjoy the warmth of your fireplace without worrying about the planet. You can find the best fireplaces for the environment here!

Aesthetic Appeal

We can’t forget about the aesthetic benefits when it comes to fireplaces and stoves for your home. Adding one of these heating sources to your house can instantly create a focal point in any room which adds charm and character. Not to mention, they provide a wonderful, cosy environment for nights in with loved ones or friends.

Added Value

Lastly, having a fireplace or stove in your home can actually increase its value for when you come to sell. Many homebuyers see them as a desirable feature and are willing to pay more for a property that has one. So, not only can you enjoy the many benefits whilst you’re living there, but you can also reap the rewards when it’s time to sell.

Backup Heat Source

In the event of a power outage, your fireplace or stove can provide a reliable source of heat to keep your home warm and comfortable which can be especially important during the colder months. By having this backup heat (and light!) source, you can ensure your family is comfortable no matter what happens.

Takeaway

In conclusion, a fireplace or a stove can bring so much to your home. Whether it’s warmth, cost savings, eco-friendliness, aesthetic appeal, or added value, installing one in your home today is a great choice. At Wakefords, we have a range of fireplaces and stoves available for you to view in-store and online. We have the knowledge and experience to ensure you get the right product for your home every time.