Check the fireplace before the heating season

July 30, 2026

Kontrollera kaminen innan eldning - checklista

Before the heating season

Checklist for your stove before you start burning

As the first chilly evenings approach, it's comforting to have a wood-burning stove ready for use. Go through this simple checklist before you start burning regularly for the season.

Check that the chimney has been swept

Check when the chimney sweeping and fire protection inspection were last carried out and verify that the next scheduled date has not passed. You can find this date on your latest inspection report from the chimney sweep.

Clear out old ash

Empty the ash pan and clean the firebox. However, a thin layer of ash can be left as insulation against the bottom of the stove when you start burning.

Check doors and sealing strips

Ensure the door closes properly and that the seals are intact. Leaky doors can affect both combustion and safety.

Test the draft in the chimney

Open the damper and hold a lit match or lighter just inside the open firebox. The flame should clearly be drawn towards the chimney. If it instead flickers out towards the room, the draft may be poor and should be checked before you start burning.

Check dampers and air vents

Ensure that dampers, fresh air vents, and controls can be opened and closed without problems.

Check the smoke detector

Test that the smoke detector works and change the battery if necessary. You can also test the smoke detector's function with the smoke from a recently extinguished match. Also, check that fire extinguishers and fire blankets are easily accessible.

Start with smaller fires

If the stove and chimney have been unused for a long time, it may be wise to start carefully with smaller fires during the first few burns.

Use only dry wood

Damp wood provides less heat, more smoke, and an increased amount of buildup in the chimney. Wood should normally have a moisture content below 20 percent.

Store wood in a dry and airy place

Protect the wood from rain and ground moisture, but avoid enclosing it completely. Good ventilation helps the wood stay dry.

Do you have enough wood for the autumn?

Please order well in advance before demand and delivery times increase during the colder part of the year.

Order Swedish birch firewood

If you are unsure about the chimney, draft, or fireplace, you should contact a chimney sweep or another authorized professional before you start burning.

Vedkillen

Check the fireplace before the heating season

Checklist for your stove before you start burning

Do you have enough wood for the autumn?

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