Looking After your Fire and Chimney

By keeping your fire as efficient as possible you will save fuel and money. Select the fuel which best suits the appliance (for more information Click here to view our guide to solid fuels). A fuel for open fires may not be suitable for closed appliances such as boilers and cookers. Use only the fuel recommended for the appliance.
To test for air leaks, i.e. poor sealing, have the fire well alight, close the air control and pass a lighted taper around the deal between the appliance edges and the surround and hearth. Also check around the ashpit cover and in roomheaters around the firedoor. If the taper flame is drawn inwards, the sealing at that point requires attention. With roomheaters, make sure cracked or broken glass in the fire door is replaced as soon as possible.
Safety Checks
Never block vents and make sure your house is properly ventilated, chimneys and flues are kept clear and regularly cleaned. Carbon monoxide can be given off by any appliance which burns fossil fuel such as coal, gas or oil. It is colourless, odourless and has no taste. A danger sign in solid fuel appliances is if they burn slowly or go out, or if fumes are coming into the room. If you buy a carbon monoxide detector make sure it has a kite mark (BS7860) but never rely entirely on such a device. With proper ventilation, regular maintenance and the right fuel, solid fuel appliances will give years of efficient and cost effective heating and trouble free service.
Cleaning the Chimney.
To protect and heat your home safely, ensure your chimney is swept at least once a year if you are burning smokeless fuel, more frequently for non-smokeless fuels. Always use the services of a professional who belongs to the National Association of Chimney Sweeps. All NACS members are full insured and work strictly to a Code of Practice and BS6461.
There helpline telephone number is 0800 833 464 or click here to visit the NACS website

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