To keep your chimney operating safely and efficiently, we recommend having it swept at least once a year.

If you live in a thatched property, most insurance companies require chimneys to be swept at least twice a year. We advise checking your policy details to ensure you remain compliant with your insurer’s requirements.

As part of our customer care, we’ll send you a friendly reminder by email or post when your next annual sweep is due—so you never miss an appointment.

To help us carry out the sweep safely and efficiently, please take a moment to follow these simple steps before we arrive:

- Extinguish all fires at least 24 hours in advance to ensure the appliance is completely cool.
- Clear the area around your fireplace or stove—please remove any ornaments, furniture, or delicate items nearby.
- Empty the stove or grate of any ash before the appointment.
- Let us know in advance where the best place is to park, especially if space is limited.
- Keep children and pets out of the room during the sweep for their safety, as we use power tools and sharp equipment.

For a lined flue, a standard sweep typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Unlined stoves and open fires may take longer, depending on the height and accessibility of the flue.

Inglenook fireplaces are more complex and can take 2 hours or more to sweep thoroughly.

Our goal is always to complete the work safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard—no matter how straightforward or complex the setup.

Keep your stove looking its best with this simple, effective method:

- Dampen a piece of kitchen roll and dip it into the wood ash from your fire.
- Gently wipe the glass in a circular motion until the residue is removed.
- Use a clean, dry piece of kitchen roll to buff away any remaining smears.

For tougher stains or stubborn buildup, we stock a range of specialist glass cleaning gels and sprays in our showroom —perfect for restoring clarity to your stove glass

In England and Wales, it is a legal requirement that all solid fuel installations have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted in the same room as the appliance.

The alarm must be:

- Permanently installed
- Equipped with a self-test function
- Able to give an audible alert if the battery or detector cell develops a fault

We always fit a carbon monoxide alarm when installing your new stove to keep you safe.

If you need one for an existing appliance, we also stock alarms available for purchase in our showroom.

Remember: Test your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms regularly, and check their expiry dates to ensure they are working properly.

For the best performance and safety, we recommend using Ready to Burn certified smokeless coal and kiln-dried logs. These fuels burn efficiently and cleanly, helping to protect your appliance and flue system.

When using logs, make sure they are well-seasoned with a moisture content below 20%. You can check the moisture content with a moisture meter, available to purchase from our showroom.

Eco-pellets are another excellent option—clean-burning, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

Using the wrong type of fuel or burning wood with high moisture content can lead to a dangerous build-up of tar in your flue, significantly increasing the risk of chimney fires.

A chimney cowl is a stainless steel cap fitted to the top of a chimney pot. It improves airflow and helps prevent common issues such as downdrafts and birds nesting in your flue.

If you're experiencing problems with smoke blowing back into your home or birds getting into the chimney, a cowl may be the ideal solution.

Think you might need one?
Simply email us with a brief description of the issue and, if possible, include a few photos of your chimney pot. Our team will be happy to advise you on the best option.

A flue liner is a stainless steel tube installed inside your chimney, connecting to the back or top of your stove.

Having a lined flue:

- Significantly improves your stove’s efficiency
- Reduces the risk of chimney fires
- Is often a requirement to maintain your stove’s warranty

Our flue liners come with a 10 to 35 year warranty for your peace of mind.

The output and size of your stove should be carefully matched to the space you want to heat. Factors such as room size, air source, and location all influence the ideal appliance size.

Correctly sizing your stove ensures greater efficiency, better heating performance, and cost savings. We always recommend having this calculated and advised by one of our qualified HETAS registered installers to guarantee the best results.

As of 1st January 2022, new Ecodesign Regulations came into effect across the UK. These regulations set stricter standards for minimum efficiency and maximum emissions for all solid fuel stoves.

Only stoves that have been tested and certified to meet these new requirements can now be legally sold and installed.

If you're considering a new stove, it's important to ensure it's Ecodesign Ready—not only to comply with the law but also to benefit from cleaner, more efficient heating.

Need advice? We're here to help you choose a compliant appliance that suits your home and lifestyle.

Visit us in Churchstow, Devon

Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 – 16:00

Saturday: 10:00 – 13:00

Sunday & Monday: Closed

Feel free to drop in during opening hours or contact us to book an appointment.

HETAS stands for Heating Equipment and Testing Approval Scheme. It is a non-profit organisation and the leading training and governing body for multi-fuel installers and chimney sweeps in the UK.

A HETAS Registered Professional can self-certify their work, helping you avoid costly and time-consuming Building Notice applications with your local Building Control Department.

Our installers and chimney sweeps are HETAS registered and regularly update their training to stay current with the latest regulations and safety standards.

To learn more about HETAS and their role in the industry, click here.

HETAS offer some really helpful guides and tips for customers and new wood burner users. Follow the links below for more information  - 

Lighting a fire 

Before you purchase

After you purchase

Protect yourself from CO