Discounts available on almost all woodburners from us
Our Woodburner “To Do” List
Common Woodburner Problems After Summer
After months of sitting idle, your woodburner might need some TLC before its first autumn fire.
Difficult lighting and poor draw frequently go hand in hand, both pointing to airflow problems that need investigating before you light up.
A damp, musty smell is common after a summer of disuse, especially in unlined or poorly ventilated flues. Less. Check for cracked bricks or flue liners too, as they can develop hairline fractures from heat or general wear.
Check Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm
This is the most important thing to check as you can’t assume it’s working just because it’s there. Start with the expiry date. CO alarms don’t last forever with most having a lifespan of 5 to 10 years, printed on the back or base of the unit. If yours has expired, replace it immediately; an out-of-date alarm can’t be trusted to detect a leak.
Test it weekly using the test button, and swap out batteries at least once a year, or as soon as you hear the low-battery warning chirp.
Positioning matters too. Fit alarms at head height, at least one metre from any fuel-burning appliance, and in every room with a boiler, gas fire, or wood burner.
Test Your First Fire
Before you settle in for cosy nights ahead, give your new stove its first proper trial run. Start with a modest fire and let it burn for 30–60 minutes, giving it the chance to warm up gradually and settle into place.
While it burns, take a few minutes to check the smoke draw. The smoke should be pulled cleanly up the flue, not drifting into the room. Inspect the door and glass seals for any escaping air or smoke, a sign they may need adjusting.
Finally, test that all vents and air controls move freely and actually affect the fire’s intensity when adjusted.
Store Your Logs Correctly
How you store firewood matters just as much as how you season it. Stack logs the wrong way, and even the driest wood can end up damp, mouldy, or full of pests by the time you’re ready to burn it.
Start with airflow. Good circulation around and through your stack keeps moisture from settling in, so avoid packing logs too tightly together.
Next, get your wood raised off the ground. A pallet, rack, or even a few sturdy beams will stop moisture from wicking up out of the soil and keep your logs away from insects and rot. But leave the sides open. Enclosing your woodpile on all sides traps humidity and defeats the purpose of seasoning.
Finally, avoid storing wood in garages or sheds. These enclosed spaces trap moisture, slowing drying considerably.
Get in touch!
If you need advice, get in touch with our team here at Dinghams Direct. We have more than 40 years’ experience and we’re happy to use every bit in helping you select the perfect stove for your home. Call today on 01722697699 or email us at dinghamsfires@gmail.com.
We’re proud to deliver wood burners and multifuel stoves from our new showroom located at Unit 4 Paxton Business Centre, Churchfields, Salisbury, SP2 7YR. We serve Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Dorset including Salisbury, Devizes, Tidworth, Amesbury, Andover, Stockbridge, Winchester, Romsey, Fordingbridge, Blandford, Shaftesbury, Gillingham, Warminster, Trowbridge, and Westbury.
Recommended installers
We can recommend Corgi and Hetas installers in the area.
On site quotes
Our recommended installers can carry out site visits and provide installation prices.
10% discount on collection
For collection, we will be pleased to help load the customer’s vehicle, but can take no responsibility for any breakages occurred in transport.