If you’ve been looking at wood heaters for sale, you’re on the verge of making a fantastic investment. Wood fireplaces in Melbourne are very common, allowing households to keep warm during cold winter nights as well as adding ambiance. But understandably, you have to know what you’re doing if you’re lighting a fire in your home. No one likes being in a smoky room or having ash flying around everywhere, or worse, having the house catching fire.Regardless of whether you have an old or modern wood fireplace, you need to ensure that your fireplace burns cleanly whenever you use it. Here are some tips to help you correctly use and maintain your wood burning heater.
1. Move Any Combustible Materials Away
Before you even think about starting a fire, make sure that any combustible materials such as carpets, furniture and drapes are kept well away from your fireplace when a fire is burning. Place a guard in front of your fireplace to protect your children and pets.
2. Use the Right Type of Wood
Hardwoods burn hotter and cleaner than softwoods do.Only burn well-seasoned hardwoods such as:
- Oak
- Maple
- Almond wood
- Birch
- Fruitwood
3. Stop Ash from Building Up
Don’t allow ash to build up in your wood burning fireplace, especially during the times of the year when it’s not being used.However, you should leave a one-inch layer of ash inside your fireplace during burning season to protect the fireplace’s floor and to make it easier to maintain fires. Make sure that ash doesn’t build up to the grate, as this will impede airflow and cause the grate to deteriorate quicker.
4. Watch Out for Smoke
There should not be any smoke inside your house when using your fireplace. Make your fire as hot as possible as fast as you can to decrease the smoke.If your fireplace is smoking, this is likely because your fireplace has an incorrect flue design or a build-up of creosote. Once the fire is burning correctly, the flue should be letting the smoke escape.
5. Have Your Chimney Cleaned
Hire a chimney sweep to inspect and clean your wood burning fireplace at least once a year. If you use yourfireplace daily or if there is any creosote and soot build-up, get a chimney sweep to come more regularly. The chimney sweep should inspect your chimney cowl. This is important, as the sides of the cowl can allow smoke to escape. If the sides get blocked, the air quality of your home will diminish. Having an unblocked cowl is also important for preventing birds, rain and debrisfrom getting into your chimney.
6. Install Heat-Proof Glass Doors
Your family’s safety is the most important aspect to consider when using a fireplace. While you’re looking at wood heaters for sale, you can further ensure everyone’s safety by choosing to get heat-proof glass installed on your modern wood fireplace. Heat-proof glass helps to contain burning materials such as dust particles and embers.
7. Have a Stainless Steel Liner Installed
Many of the chimneys that are connected to wood fireplaces in Melbourne are lined with a stainless steel liner, ensuring maximum fire safety.
