Keep your burner clean
Choose the right appliance and follow the guidance
Always use your open fire or stove in line with the manufacturer and installer’s guidance - find your nearest HETAS installer and retailer.
They can help you choose the right appliance for your space, and give advice on maintenance and using the correct fuel.
Use a professional
Make sure your open fire or stove is installed by a registered/certified installer - find a log burner and wood burning stove installer.
Service your stove and sweep your chimney or stove pipe at least once a year.
Check your ventilation system and carbon-monoxide detector
Make sure that the ventilation system of your wood stove is clean, and has no blockages in order to prevent carbon-monoxide building up.
Make sure a carbon-monoxide detector is fitted and working. Do not cover it up or move its location.
Ventilate your home to clear the air
Periodically opening windows or doors, helps fresh air move the pollutants from inside to outside. Consider using an air purifier to help filter-out particles.
Get your chimney swept each year by a professional
Regular sweeping allows free passage of combustible gasses. It will remove soot, bird nests, cobwebs and any other blockages, as well as creosote, which helps to prevent dangerous chimney fires.
Don’t forget to ask your chimney sweep for your certificate of chimney sweeping – you’ll need this as a record of sweeping, and for fire safety and insurance purposes.
Where is the best place to find a local chimney sweep?
Last updated 13 November 2025