Don’t Spark Your First Winter Fire Without Reading this Post!

If you’ve so far managed to hold off on the first fire of the season then the howling winds and bitter cold of the last few days probably have you just about ready to treat yourself – it’s time for the first winter fire.

Don’t be too eager though, as there are some important safety steps which you’ll need to take before firing up, as over the summer the lack of use could have seen your chimney fill with potentially dangerous debris. The following list of tasks is absolutely essential if you want to keep your home safe this winter…

Get Your Chimney Swept The idea of a chimney sweep may conjure up images of a Dickensian Britain, but although methods used today may be very different, the job itself remains as important as ever. Here at Real Flame we can provide chimney sweeping and testing services, and it is highly recommended that this crucial task is carried out not just when you first have your fireplace installed, but on a yearly basis.

Have the Flue Inspected

While your chimney sweep is there they should also be able to provide an inspection of the structure and flue lining, ensuring that everything is still doing the job that it was built to do. Since fires are, by their very nature, a potential hazard if not tended properly, this inspection is absolutely crucial, and can provide much-needed winter peace of mind.

If you have a gas fireplace, inspection will be different but still essential. In this case, you’ll need a certified professional to service the pilot light, and also check features such as the igniter and glass casing for any damage or potential issues.

Use the Right Wood With a wood burning fire it’s also essential that you don’t let your eagerness tempt you into using the wrong wood! For a fireplace fire you should ideally be using dry, dense wood which has been stored away for at least 6 months – so definitely not damp branches foraged from the local forest. Make sure that you have a log supply ready before you start.

Although this may seem like a lot to get through, you’ll certainly find that it’s more than worth the hassle once the fire is roaring. If you want something with a little less work involved then you may find that you love the benefits of the fantastic indoor and outdoor EcoSmart fires in London, which operate using bio-ethanol fuels.

We are very happy to be able to provide these, as well as a range of other fireplace options, for our customers – to appreciate them in your own home, simply get in touch today – online or at 0207 731 5025. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter for more news and updates.