Heating a fireplace correctly
A correctly heated fireplace produces more heat, fewer fine particles and less soot in the flue. This guide covers choosing wood, lighting the fire and safety, which prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
You will need
- Dry firewood with a moisture content below 20%
- Kindling and birch bark or firelighters
- A wood moisture meter
- A metal ash bucket with a lid
- A carbon monoxide alarm
Steps
Use dry wood
Burn only dry, clean wood with a moisture content below 20%. Wet wood smokes, produces little heat and covers the flue in soot.
Check the dampers
Light from the top
Load the right amount
Add wood at the right time
Only close the damper once the embers are out
Handle the ash safely
Have the chimney swept
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