6 Wood-Burning Stove Safety Tips

We all want to curl up in front of crackling flames with a good book or favourite film. 

Though, to fully enjoy the ambience of a wood-burning stove, it must also be a safe experience. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to ensure this. 

In this article, we’ll take you through how to improve the safety of your wood-burning stove so you can relax completely. 

Here are the key things to remember when owning and taking care of a wood-burning stove: 

• Install professionally: Safety starts at the beginning. This means only employing an experienced, accredited company to install your wood-burning stove. An expert will ensure that all safety measures are taken into account throughout the job, thanks to deploying only trained engineers who will use proper industry equipment and techniques to ensure a safe final result. 

• Inspect annually: An annual inspection is recommended for stove owners. A professional will visit your property and carry out this thorough inspection, looking out for creosote build-up and any developing problems. This way, you can keep on top of potential issues and nip them in the bud before they impact safety. Of course, if you suspect something is wrong before your annual inspection, don’t hesitate to call out an expert. 

• Ventilate properly: A ventilation system is very important to ensure that gases and fumes do not build up inside your home, and instead escape outside. Consult with your chosen stove installer to see what options you have for ventilation to help determine the best location. To keep tabs on ventilation and to protect your safety, install a carbon monoxide alarm nearby too. 

• Clean regularly: Wood-burning stoves can result in an accumulation of soot and creosote, which can impede the effectiveness of the stove, also leading to smoke back-up. If you use the stove on a regular basis, it’s wise to clean it every couple of weeks or months. A visual inspection will show if there is a build-up of ash or soot. If you also have a chimney or pipe attached to your wood-burning stove, get a professional to clean this at least once a year. Check with your fireplace specialist or manufacturer to get a better understanding of a suitable cleaning schedule. 

• Burn safely: Building the fire itself should be done safely. Ensure the damper is open for airflow beforehand. Never burn items that are not recommended by the stove manufacturer to burn, such as bits of rubbish, as this could result in a fire getting out of hand. Also, don’t overdo it on the wood or fuel, and feed in a little at a time. Always supervise children and animals around fires. Consider fireguards or closing the door of the stove for extra protection. For full safety advice and instructions, consult with your stove installer and/or stove manufacturer. 

• Maintain equipment thoroughly: Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are a must for any home, but especially for those that have a wood-burning stove. These pieces of equipment are only useful, however, if they are regularly tested so make sure you put reminders in your calendar. Also, consider getting a fire extinguisher for your home too, for an added layer of safety. 

Want to know more? Just chat to our team. 

Looking for a wood-burning stove for your home or business? Here at Enviro-Flame, we’re the leading supplier and installer of fireplaces and stoves across London. With an impressive showroom waiting to inspire you, it’s easy to get your dream stove with help from our team. We also provide regular chimney cleaning services. Discover more by contacting us today.