As the evenings begin to draw in, many homeowners start thinking about lighting their stove for the first time in months. A little preparation now can help you avoid problems later, when the colder weather arrives and chimney sweeps become much busier.
Here are our five top tips for getting your stove and chimney ready for another safe, enjoyable burning season.
1. Have Your Chimney Swept Before You Need It
One of the biggest mistakes we see is people waiting until the first cold weekend of autumn before booking a chimney sweep. By then, many chimney sweeps are fully booked, and you may have to wait several weeks for an appointment.
At Johnny the Sweep, every chimney sweep follows the same thorough process. As fully insured, NVQ-qualified members of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps, we don't just remove soot. Every visit includes a systematic inspection of your appliance and flue, looking for issues such as blockages, birds' nests, excessive soot deposits and anything else that could affect the safe operation of your stove.
You'll also receive a chimney sweeping certificate together with a report detailing any observations or recommendations, giving you confidence that your appliance is ready for the season ahead.
2. Check Your Fuel Supply
Good fuel makes all the difference.
We always recommend using properly seasoned or kiln-dried logs. Wet wood produces more smoke, creates more soot and tar deposits, and reduces the efficiency of your stove.
One inexpensive item every stove owner should have is a moisture meter. These are widely available and allow you to test your own logs before burning them. Ideally, your firewood should have a moisture content of between 10% and 20%. Burning wood within this range helps your stove perform efficiently while reducing deposits inside the chimney.
While you're preparing for winter, it's also worth stocking up on kindling and natural firelighters so you're not searching for supplies when the colder weather arrives.
3. Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are an essential part of every home with a solid fuel appliance.
Most people remember to press the test button, but many forget that the alarms themselves have a limited lifespan. The sensors inside gradually become less effective over time, even if the batteries are replaced regularly.
Most carbon monoxide alarms have a working life of around 7 to 10 years, and many have an expiry date printed on the side or back of the unit. Before the heating season begins, make sure your alarms are still within their service life as well as operating correctly.
4. Give Your Stove Some TLC
Summer is the perfect time to give your stove a quick health check.
Look for worn door rope seals, cracked fire bricks, damaged glass or any other signs of wear. Catching these small issues early often prevents bigger problems later in the season.
When we sweep your chimney, we're also happy to inspect these components and let you know if anything needs attention. Replacing worn rope seals or damaged fire bricks before winter helps keep your stove operating safely and efficiently throughout the season.
5. Light Your First Fire the Right Way
If it's been several months since your stove was last used, don't be surprised if the first fire behaves slightly differently.
A little smoke entering the room during lighting doesn't necessarily mean there's a fault with your chimney. During warmer weather, cold air can sometimes sit inside the flue and temporarily prevent the chimney from drawing properly.
One method we regularly recommend is the Swiss fire lighting method (sometimes called the top-down fire). This technique helps establish a warm, stable chimney draw more quickly and can significantly reduce smoke entering the room during lighting. There are plenty of excellent demonstrations available online if you'd like to see how it works.
If your chimney has already been swept and checked by us before the season starts, there's every chance your chimney is perfectly sound. However, if you're still experiencing persistent problems after trying the correct lighting method, we'd be happy to help investigate further.
Get Ready Before Everyone Else
A little preparation in late summer can save a lot of frustration once the colder weather arrives.
Booking your chimney sweep early, checking your fuel, making sure your alarms are in date and giving your stove a quick inspection will help ensure you're ready for the first cold evening of the year.
If you'd like us to prepare your stove for the season ahead, Johnny the Sweep will carry out a thorough chimney sweep, inspect your appliance, provide a sweeping certificate and report, and let you know if we spot anything that needs attention before winter arrives.