The UK’s love affair with log burning stoves isn’t set to fizzle any time soon, and it’s no wonder – they look good, they’re effective, and they save you money on your energy bills. For many, they’re a no brainer!
However, anyone looking to have one of these cosy heat-givers installed in their homes must do their homework first, and that includes committing to the precautions to take to keep your log burner operating safely.
In this article, we’ll be sharing our top 5 log burner safety tips, so that you can stay confident while you heat your home.
Keep things ventilated
Building a safe fire within your log burner relies on good ventilation, not only around the log burner itself, but also in the room your log burner lives in. A fire needs oxygen in order to burn effectively, so use the vents on your log burner as instructed, and consult your installer as to whether your room needs extra ventilation to allow for the oxygen your log burner will need.
Safely start your fire
It’s essential to use natural firelighters to safely ignite a fire in your log burner. These are made from dried and compressed wood shavings, which seek to avoid a build up of creosote in your log burner. You should never start a fire in a log burner with gasoline or charcoal, or with materials such as wrapping paper.
Regular cleaning
Once your logs have burned, you’re left with ash at the bottom of your log burner; ideally, you should clear this out before every burning session. It’s also essential to keep your chimney swept, as failing to do so can have serious consequences to your health, so ensure that this is done at least twice a year.
Know your firewood
It’s not a case of ‘any old wood will do’ for your log burner; it needs to be the right kind of firewood. You should only use high quality wood that has been well seasoned. If it’s damp or unseasoned, not only will the wood be hard to light, but it could also cause excessive smoke and creosote build up, which isn’t good news for safety or for health.
Involve the professionals
When it comes to the safety of the installation and maintenance of your log burner, you should never take a DIY approach. Talk to professionals who can advise you on the right kind of log burner for your home, what wood to burn within it, and how you can keep it safely maintained. The warmth and energy efficiency will be worth it!
Interested in a log burning stove for your house?
There are so many reasons to invest in a log burning stove for your house, and if you’re in the Surrey area, there’s no better place to turn to than Wakefords. We can help you choose the perfect log burning stove for you – and we can even help you with a stunning surround!
Our expert advice on keeping your log burning stove safe and efficient is second to none, and we pride ourselves on keeping homes across Surrey warm and cosy when the weather turns chilly.