September is here, the evenings are starting to get cooler, and for many of us that means the wood-burning stove will soon be back in regular use.
Before you light your stove for the first time after summer, it's worth spending a little time making sure everything is ready for the months ahead.
1. Check when your chimney was last swept
If your chimney or flue hasn't been swept recently, now is a good time to arrange it.
Regular sweeping helps remove soot and deposits that have accumulated and gives you an opportunity to identify any issues before your stove is being used regularly again.
2. Have a look at your stove
Before lighting your first fire, give your stove a quick inspection.
Check the door closes properly, look at the condition of the rope seals and firebricks, and make sure the air controls are moving freely.
If anything looks damaged or you're unsure about its condition, it's better to have it checked before the colder weather arrives.
3. Check your carbon monoxide alarm
A carbon monoxide alarm is an important safety measure in any home with a wood-burning appliance.
Check that yours is working correctly and replace the batteries or alarm when required according to the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Have your firewood ready
There's nothing worse than the first properly cold evening arriving and discovering you've only got a handful of logs left.
Getting your firewood organised early means you're ready when temperatures start to fall rather than trying to stock up at the last minute.
At Miller Biofuels, we supply kiln dried hardwood and softwood firewood, with different options available depending on how you use your stove and how much storage space you have.
5. Make sure you've got somewhere dry to store it
Good firewood can quickly deteriorate if it's stored badly.
Keep your logs protected from rain while allowing plenty of airflow around them. Avoid putting freshly delivered logs into a damp, completely enclosed space.
If you're stocking up for autumn and winter, it's worth checking your log store before your delivery arrives.
6. Don't forget the kindling
Logs aren't much use if you can't get the fire started!
Make sure you've got dry kindling and firelighters ready alongside your main supply of firewood. Keeping everything dry makes lighting your stove much easier.
Ready for the colder weather?
September is a great time to get organised before the colder weather properly arrives.
Whether you prefer hardwood for a longer lasting fire or softwood for a quick, bright heat, Miller Biofuels can help you get stocked up for the season ahead.
We deliver kiln-dried firewood across Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, Glasgow and surrounding areas.
Miller Biofuels Ltd
📞 01505 842389
✉️ enquiries@millerbiofuels.co.uk