Looking after your wood burner

Use this helpful checklist to find out if maintenance is needed.

Fire

Learning to burn smoke free is just one part of the Warmer Cheaper home heating equation. Another is making sure your wood burner is kept in good condition. Use this helpful checklist to find out if maintenance is needed. There will be some maintenance you can do yourself and some things you may need a professional for.

When should I check?

  • Each year before you start using your wood burner regularly in winter.
  • If you have noticed a change in how much fuel it is using or how much heat it is producing.
  • If, when getting it going, lots of smoke is coming into the room (this is not normal).
  • If you have recently moved in and don’t know how it has been used previously.

Checklist for wood burner maintenance:

This checklist is a handy tool to help you do a quick systems check of your wood burner and flue.

Click on either YES or NO and if any further attention is required instructions will appear.

Wood burner firebox

1. Glass on the door starting to look black?
Yes No
Yes

A black door, black inside lining of the firebox or a black raincap/top of the flue (above your roof) are signs of not burning well and a build up of soot has occurred as a result.

No

Great, next question.

2. Inside lining of the firebox black?
Yes No
Yes

The wood burner may not have been used well previously, and needs some maintenance.

No

Great, next question.

3. Any firebricks missing or cracked?
Yes No
Yes

It is ok if some firebricks are cracked. It is not ok if there are large pieces or entire fire bricks missing. These need to be replaced. The firebricks lining the inside of your wood burner help to retain the heat. This helps you to get a hot fire burning quickly. Without them, heat is quickly lost and it is difficult to get your wood burning well quickly.

No

Great, next question.

4. Door not shutting tightly? (should be able to hold a piece of paper firmly and the door handle should need to be squeezed a bit to close)
Yes No
Yes

If your door does not close well, the door seal may need replacing.

No

Great, next question.

5. Door glass loose?
Yes No
Yes

If your door is loose it won’t be forming a good seal. The door glass rope needs replacing.

No

Great, next question.

6. Is the baffle (a plate that sits inside the top of the firebox) loose, not in place or not there at all?
Yes No
Yes

A broken baffle plate means the heat will go straight up the chimney and not into your home.

No

Great, next question.

Flue system (if visible)

1. When you tap the flue, does it make a dull thud sound? The opposite is a ‘ring’ sound.
Yes No
Yes

A dull ring test means it’s overdue for a chimney sweeping.

No

Great, next question.

2. Are there any signs of soot (creosote) leaking from the joints?
Yes No
Yes

Signs of soot means it's overdue for a chimney sweeping.

No

Great, next question.

3. Is the back seam of the flue showing any signs of rust?
Yes No
Yes

If sections of the flue aren't in good condition it will affect your ability to burn well and be costing you money and precious warmth over time. The back seam may be affected by rain damage if the chimney flashing on your roof is in need of repair. It’s a good idea to get it checked.

No

Great, next question.

4. Is the rain cap missing? Do not get on your roof to check your rain cap, take a photo and zoom in on it if you can’t see it well.
Yes No
Yes

Your rain cap will need to be replaced.

No

Great, next question.

5. Are the rain cap and flue system clean?
Yes No
No

The wood burner may not have been used well previously, and needs some maintenance.

Yes

Great, next question.

6. Do you see signs of soot (creosote) build up?
Yes No
Yes

Signs of soot means it's overdue for a chimney sweeping.

No

Great, next question.

What causes soot/creosote build up in my wood burner or flue?

  • Green unseasoned wood can have high content of sap, which creates smoke and soot build up.

  • Treated/processed timber usually has tanalising, which contains very corrosive acids.

  • Shiny, coloured paper, plastics and other rubbish will all create smoke, soot build up and may be corrosive to your firebox or flue.

  • Drift wood (from sea beaches); contains salts which can be corrosive under high temperatures and can damage metal and cast iron.

  • Coal and carbonettes can burn hotter than wood and may damage some fireboxes. In Canterbury, most readily available coal (coal with a sulphur content of more than 1%) is not to be used on sites less than 2ha or on any site in a Clean Air Zone.

How to ensure less maintenance

If you use good burning technique and good, dry wood, your wood burner will need less maintenance. Near clear glass on the door, a white/grey colour of the firebricks inside the firebox and no discolouration at the top of your flue are all signs of a clean burning fire.

Next steps