1. Before purchasing a wood burning stove decide what fuels you to want burn. Find out if you live in a smoke control zone otherwise you could be limited to burning smokeless fuels. Many makes of wood stove nowadays are 'smoke exempt 'models which means you can burn wood in a smoke control zone.
2. Only burn dry seasoned wood. Ensure its moisture content is under 20% .You can check with a decent moisture meter which costs about £30. Burning seasoned wood gives off a lot more heat than wet wood because you not wasting energy turning moisture into steam.
3. Clean your stove with a dry cloth not a wet one otherwise it shall leave white marks.
4. Smokeless coal needs a supply of fresh air coming from underneath it so always remember to empty the pan.
5. Wood burns well on a bed of ash.
6. Always have your chimney swept at least once a year. Unswept neglected chimneys could have a chimney fires or give you carbon monoxide poisoning !
7. A stove thermometer is a great way to monitor the efficiency of your wood burner. It tells you when the stove is running most efficiently or if you have an issues with over heating. The thermometer can be attached to the stove flue pipe or can positioned on top on the stove.
8. When you first use your new stove you need to begin the process of ' burning in' this ensures your cast iron stove doesn't crack due to thermal shock. Start by lighting a small fire and gradually increase it with each firing. This ensures years of enjoyable hassle free stove use.
9. A solid fuel installation removes old polluted air from a room and draws in fresh air from the outside. This means a room is better ventilated with a stove installation. Condensation and dust levels can be reduced due to the constant air changes. Medical research suggest that solid fuel heating could reduce the risk of asthma, hayfever and eczema.
10. Have a fast burn period for about twenty minutes for every twelve hours the stove is alight this helps to clear the flue. This is especially important for stove that happen to be oversized.
11. During the summer months when your stove is not in use leave the door open. Remove the exhaust diversion system if your stove has one, and spray a releasing on any moving components.
12. ESSENTIAL ADVICE - I put more emphasis on this point than any others. Get your wood burner fitted in the spring or summer time when there is less of a waiting list ! We have too much work during the autumn rush. Allot of stove company’s charge rip off prices during the busy periods.