As soon as Autumn starts, Dorking residents know it’s time to turn their attention to their hearths. A fireplace is the heart of a home during winter, but it requires proper preparation to operate safely and efficiently. A seasonal maintenance routine is the best way to prevent chimney fires and maximise the heat output.
At Burns & Mason Fireplaces Ltd, our fireplace installers are the most knowledgeable among fireplace showrooms in Surrey and Greater London. We can advise on all our wood burning stoves, gas fireplaces, products, suppliers and the best solution for your home.
Here, we provide some top tips for preparing your home for winter, including:
A key part of winter preparation is booking an annual sweep. Soot and creosote can build up inside your flue, so it’s recommended that wood burning stoves be swept at least once a year, twice if the stove is your primary heat source. A professional sweep removes soot, and during the cleaning, they check for bird nests and debris that could lead to dangerous blockages.
A DIY inspection of your stove’s components can be helpful before the first frost of the season. Check the firebricks for significant cracks and ensure the baffle plate is sitting correctly. The rope seal on the stove door should also be checked. If the seal has flattened, air can enter the firebox, causing logs to burn too fast, making heating more expensive.
Our fireplace installers are happy to advise on other checks to keep your fireplace in Dorking or the surrounding areas in top condition. As one of the premier fireplace showrooms for Surrey, we can answer any questions about gas fireplaces and wood burning stoves.
If your current fireplace is underperforming, it may be time to consult expert fireplace installers about an upgrade. Modern stoves are engineered to burn cleaner and hotter than older models, meaning you use fewer logs to achieve the same temperature. Visiting local fireplace showrooms in the autumn, such as ours, allows you to see the latest technology and book an installation before the peak winter rush begins. We welcome clients in Dorking, across Surrey and Greater London, providing wood burning stoves and gas fireplaces.
