As winter is just around the corner, it’s time to prepare your log fire for those cosy nights indoors with your loved ones. If you haven’t used your log fire for a while, there are a few things you need to do in preparation for winter, so you can get it up and running without any issues. Here are some of the key tasks you need to undertake to ensure your log fire is ready to roar as the cold nights set in.
Clean it
First and foremost, if you’ve left your fireplace unattended for a while now, you will need to clean it out. Start by removing any ash and debris from previous fires and give the ash pan a thorough clean. You should also check that there’s no blocked ash in and around the fireplace to ensure that your fire will burn true when you come to set it this winter.
Inspect the chimney
Conduct a visual inspection of your chimney and look for any soot build-up or visible damage that you can identify. Specifically, look for the damper that controls airflow in and out of your chimney, as this will influence how well smoke can escape from the fireplace. If you notice any issues with your chimney, you can call a certified chimney sweep to come and take a look. They can assist you with things like creosote build-up and are able to replace cracked or missing flue tiles.
Although you don’t necessarily need to hire a chimney sweep every year, it is a good idea if you light your fire regularly. While you can certainly clean your chimney yourself, if you get it wrong, you’re going to have a lot of mess on your hands, so it might be worth calling in the professionals.
Order your fuel
Now that your fireplace is clean and ready to go, it’s time to order your fuel. At Homefire, we have multiple fuel sources that you can turn to for your winter fire. For instance, a crate of kiln-dried firewood is an excellent way to order your fuel in bulk and ensures you have your stock ready for the entire season. Our kiln-dried firewood is dried to a moisture content of 20% or less, ensuring that it burns true and long throughout the night.
Alternatively, you might consider our Shimada heat logs, which is a next-generation fuel source that provide an attractive flame and sustained heat output. Whichever fuel source you decide upon, make sure you have somewhere to store your firewood that keeps it dry and protected from the elements.
Add the finishing touches
Last but not least, make sure you have all the tools and equipment that you need to light your fire this winter. Whether you use matches or a special lighter, you need to have something to hand that will help you get things started.
You will also need tools to control and maintain your fire, so make sure they are at hand close to the fireplace. From a safety perspective, consider adding a fire screen to protect the fireplace. This will protect your carpet from flying embers and is a great safety addition to any home fireplace.
Are you looking to get your fire started nice and quickly this winter? Consider our handy firepit bundle that comprises kiln-dried logs, heat logs, and Twizlers. It will help you get your fire up and running in no time at all and will ensure you and your family can sit back and relax in front of your favourite movies without stressing about kickstarting your fire.
