Different fires, fuels and appliances all work and perform in different ways. However, there are certain things you can do that will help you get the best results from whatever you’re using.

Follow these simple steps and you’ll be warm and cosy in no time.

Open fires

Lighting

1. Place 2 firelighters and sufficient kindling to cover the fire bed.
2. Place a layer of fuel on top.
3. Light the firelighters, ensuring that your boiler damper (if fitted) is closed, and your draft regulator is open.
4. When the fire is well lit, add more fuel and adjust the draught until you have your required burning rate.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) recommends using a fireguard with any open fire, especially if children, the elderly or pets are around.

De-ashing

Regular and careful de-ashing of your fire pan will significantly improve fuel economy.

1. If the ash pan is full, empty it before de-ashing your appliance. Never let ash build up until it touches the underside of the fire bars.

2. It’s important that you de-ash gently to avoid breaking the burning briquettes. Drawing a thin poker gently from the back to the front of each fire bar should be enough.

3. Remove the ash pan and contents quickly from the room. An ash pan "Tippy" comes in useful for this.

4. Replace the ash pan and make sure your pit door is placed back securely.

Refuelling

1. Before refuelling increase the level of your draught to help your fire get going again

2. Reduce draught to your desired burning rate once the fire is fully going again.

Slumbering

1. Refuel to capacity and position your banking plate if fitted

2. Close down any air controls

3. When you want to start your fire again, de-ash to uncover the still-burning briquettes. Remove the banking plate, open any air controls and add new fuel.

Multi-fuel stoves and room heaters

Lighting

1. Remove the ash pit door to maximise the through the draft.

2. Place 2 firelighters on a layer of fuel. Cover with kindling wood and position more fuel around them.

3. Light the firelighters and put more fuel over them.

4. When the fire is going well, replace the ash pit door (leaving it open can cause damage) and set your thermostat to the required level.

De-ashing

Regular and careful de-ashing of your fire pan will significantly improve fuel economy.

1. If the ash pan is full, empty it before de-ashing your appliance. Never let ash build up until it touches the underside of the fire bars.

2. Remove the ash pan and contents quickly from the room. An ash pan "Tippy" comes in useful for this.

3. Replace the ash pan and make sure your pit door is placed back securely.

4. De-ashing should always be done according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Refuelling

1. Don’t let the firebed get too low before refuelling as this can lead to a build-up of clinker above the grate.

2. Before you refuel, clear ash from the grate by gently using a poker or mechanical de-ashing system.

3. Make sure your ash pan is emptied regularly. Never let ash build up so it touches the underside of the fire bars.

4. Open the thermostat fully before adding fuel to the firebox.

5. Refuel the fire to the required level.

6. Ensure appliance and ash pit doors are properly closed.

7. Leave the thermostat open for about 15 minutes to allow the fire to get going again, then set it to your required level.

Slumbering

1. Get your fire ready by turning up the thermostat for 20 minutes. Do not de-ash the fire bed.

2. Refuel to your required level, then turn down the thermostat to a low level immediately afterwards and make sure all doors are securely shut.

4. Although our fuels can slumber for long periods, we recommend that you raise your appliance to full output for at least half an hour, twice a day.

5. To recover your fire from slumbering, gently de-ash the firebed and turn the thermostat up before to re-fuelling.