Extending the Life of Your Wood-Burning Stove: A Comprehensive Guide

A wood-burning stove can be a valuable addition to any home, offering both warmth and a touch of character. However, to ensure it continues to function efficiently and lasts for many years, regular maintenance and care are essential. At New Forest Fires, we have made a guide offering some advice on how to look after your wood-burning stove.

1.  Regular Checks and Basic Cleaning: It is recommended to inspect your stove every time you use it. You don't need to be zealous about clearing out the ashes. A bed of ash not only retains heat for longer but helps insulate the firebox to achieve high burn temperatures. The exception is for burning smokeless fuel in a multifuel stove. Then it's important to keep the grate clear to ensure adequate air movement. This is because of the different ways wood and smokeless fuels burn. If your stove doesn't have a purpose-built ashpan - most pure woodburners don't - you'll need to clear them out manually. While special ash vacuums are available, a metal pan and brush usually suffice.

2.  Glass Door Maintenance: Over time, the glass door might get tarnished with soot. Don't be alarmed. Condensation will often burn off once the stove reaches a high temperature. Once the stove has cooled, a damp newspaper or cloth dabbed in the stove's ashes can be used to gently clean the glass and remove any residue. Alternatively, there are specific glass cleaners for wood burners available in the market. Always allow the stove to cool properly before you begin any cleaning. Trying to clean hot glass can damage it.

3.  Ensure Seals Are Intact: The door seals are vital for the stove's proper function. They can wear out over time. An easy way to check their efficacy is by placing a piece of paper in the door and trying to pull it out. If it slides out without resistance, you might need to replace the seal.

4.  Attend to the Flue and Chimney: Ensuring a clear flue and chimney is crucial. This helps avert chimney fires and promotes better combustion. It is generally advisable to have chimneys connected to wood burners swept at least once a year. Using a reputable chimney sweep is recommended.

5.  Manage the Ash Pan: If your stove has an ash pan, remember to empty it regularly. Excessive ash accumulation can hinder the stove's airflow, reducing its efficiency.

6.  Look after the Exterior: While the stove's interior is vital, the exterior also needs attention. A simple wipe-down with a soft cloth can keep dust and dirt at bay. This is largely discretionary. Most good stove bodies are extremely robust and can withstand a lot of wear, creosote and even rust with little to no effect on its structural integrity, and most can be returned to very good condition with an abrasive rub-down and fresh coat of aerosol paint. But it's generally good practice to try to keep up your stove's appearance.

7.  Use Suitable Wood: The kind of wood you burn plays a role in your stove's longevity. Opt for dry, seasoned wood. Fresh or damp wood might result in problematic and potentially dangerous tar deposits in the stove and chimney, but will also significantly reduce your enjoyment of your stove. Wet wood is hard to burn; using it, you'll struggle to keep the stove going and it will smoke relentlessly. The glass will wear a brown film, occasionally burning through to sepia, and you'll get a miserably tepid heat from your stove that will make you wonder why you got one in the first place. Using unseasoned logs is like driving with your feet hard down on the brake and accelerator at the same time. Don't do it.

You can purchase good quality logs for your wood burner at New Forest Fires.  Visit our showroom in Hordle or text on 07359 306323

8.  Yearly Professional Inspection: It is not a bad idea to have a professional, usually a reliable chimney sweep, look over your stove annually. They can provide a comprehensive inspection and address any parts that might need replacement.