As the weather starts to cool down, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your Burley wood-burning stove and flue for winter use. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Clean the inside of the stove and flue
This is the most important step in ensuring that your Burley stove operates safely and efficiently. Use a brush and vacuum cleaner to remove any debris from the firebox, ash pan, and flue. You may also want to hire a professional chimney sweep to clean your stove and flue if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.
2. Inspect the stove and flue for damage
Look for any cracks in the firebricks, or other damage to the stove. If you find any damage, it’s important to have it repaired before using the stove again. Spare parts can be obtained from your Burley stockists.
3. Use the right type of wood
Not all wood is created equal when it comes to burning in a wood stove. Choose dry, seasoned wood that is free of knots and bark. Avoid using wet or green wood, as it can produce creosote, a flammable substance that can build up in the flue and cause a fire. To check the moisture content of the wood, use the supplied moisture meter. The wood should have a moisture content of 15% or less. Each model has a maximum weight of wood per hour and this should not be exceeded for efficient and clean operation. For more information see our blog post about The Best Wood to Burn in Your Burley Stove
4. Start a small fire
When you first start using your wood burning stove after a long period, it’s important to start with a small fire. This will help to prevent the buildup of creosote.
5. Tend the fire
Once the fire is started, you’ll need to tend it regularly. Add more wood as needed again to the correct weight per hour for the stove model.
6. Extinguish the fire
When you’re finished using the stove, it’s important to extinguish the fire completely. Allow the fire to burn down to ash and then close the air lever. Don’t leave the stove smouldering or you will have a smoke-filled room in the morning.
Additional Tips
- Make sure that you have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of an emergency.
- It’s a good idea to have your stove inspected by a professional every year. This will help to catch any potential problems before they cause a fire.
Hiring a Chimney Sweep
If you’re not comfortable cleaning your stove and flue yourself, or if you’re not sure how to do it properly, it’s a good idea to hire a professional chimney sweep. A chimney sweep will be able to clean your stove and flue thoroughly, and they will also be able to inspect your stove for any damage.
When hiring a chimney sweep, be sure to get recommendations from friends or family, or check with HETAS or one of the main chimney sweep competency schemes. You should also ask the chimney sweep for their qualifications and experience.
Safety Precautions
- Always wear safety glasses when cleaning your stove and flue.
- Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners when cleaning the outside of your stove or flue pipe.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your Burley wood-burning stove and flue are in good working order and ready for winter use.
