Taking care of your fireplace after it has been installed:
- Break in your new fireplace by initially lighting three or four small fires, using the correct fuel.
- Use a fireguard at all times, if you have children, elderly or inform people nearby
- Never leave an open fire unattened, without an effective spark guard in position.
- When your fire is in operation, keep combustibles away from all hot surfaces.
- For safe and efficient operation, your fireplace should be regularly maintained.
- Get your chimney professionally swept at frequent intervals, with rods and brushes.
- Fit an approved smoke alarm in your home.
Taking care of your Solid Fuel Fire:
- Never start your fire with liquid fire starters
- Aim for a gradual build-up of heat and smoke.
- Don't overload your fire - if you do, burning coals or logs could roll out.
- Never use wet or green wood.
- Keep the base of the fireplace free of excessive ash accumulation.
- Adding a handful of salt to your fire occasionally will help prevent the build up of soot, whilst also adding colour to your fire.
Taking care of your Gas Fire:
- Make sure that your fan, motors, burners and circulating air passageways are kept clean.
- Coal or log effects should not be packed together too tightly.
- If the flame goes out, wait before attempting to relight the fire. Check your manufacturers' instructions - but many recommend waiting five minutes.
Indications of a malfunction or that a service is required, include:
- Pilot light outages
- Booming noises on ignition
- Delayed start up
- Excessive build up of soot or corrosion
- A gas smell or a sharp ordour. Call your Gas supplier immediately