TIPS for better burning
If we understand what causes emissions we can make a big difference to local air quality. Speak to a sweep who can really help with advice. A chimney sweep will explain and demonstrate to every solid fuel user what causes the problem and show you how to ‘Get it right’! saving you money, keeping you safer, and help you to minimise unnecessary air pollution.
DO
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Use good fuel in the right appliance.
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Bring the appliance quickly up to operating temperature.
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Have your chimney, flue & appliance regularly serviced and swept before the burning season.
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If you have an open fire or older inefficient stove consider replacing it with a newer more efficient model.
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If you live in a smoke controlled area on burn approved fuels on approved appliances. In Smoke Controlled Areas Wood should only be burnt on a DEFRA Exempt Appliance.
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Remember appliances and fuels like to burn hot to produce less emissions.
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Once the fire is going, brave the cold and go outside to look at the chimney. If after 20 to 30 mins of lighting the fire if there is visible smoke coming from the chimney ask yourself.
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Have you got the fire hot enough?
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Are you using dry fuel or wood ?
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Has the appliance and chimney been inspected and swept in the last twelve months?
DON'T
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Shut the air supply down too early.
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Never burn wet fuels. Wood should be below 20% moisture content with all fuels stored in a dry ventilated space.
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Do not overload your appliance.
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Do not install a stove with a heat output too high for the room you want to heat.
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Never burn treated, painted, scrap wood or plastics etc.
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Do not add fuel to your open fire or log burner and turn down the airflow to let it slowly burn through the night.
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If you have an open fire or older inefficient stove consider replacing it with a newer more efficient model.
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If you live in a smoke controlled area only burn approved fuels on approved appliances. Wood should only be burnt on a DEFRA Exempt Appliance.
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Do not mix fuels i.e. wood and solid fuels Burn one or the other not together.
Preparing the Fire
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Use natural rather than paper and petrol based fire lighters
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Use small, soft wood dry kindling to start your fire
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Try the "top down method " of setting your fire
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Open the airways fully or even set the door slightly ajar to allow plenty of air when initially starting the fire (see manufacturers instructions)
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Do not 'overload' the stove. Leave plenty of space between the pieces of wood for better air flow around the fuel to aid combustion.
Maintaining the Fire
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When refuelling or adding wood to the fire, open the door slowly to prevent smoke spillage back into the room.
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Refuel on a bed hot embers. Use small, pieces of wood dry kindling if necessary
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When refuelling open the appliances air-ways
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If burning wood provide enough combustion air through the secondary and tertiary air ways to maintain a hot and bright fire and never slumber.
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Small "hot fires" are a more efficient use of fuel, saving you money, reducing the risk of a chimney fire and cleaner for the environment .
Burnright- Burn Better
