HETAS HOT TIP OF THE WEEK Refuelling Your Fire Without Repercussions

With conflicting information available on what you should and shouldn’t do when refuelling your heating appliance, different stove manufacturers will offer varying advice. Whilst it’s important to of course follow your manufacturer’s instructions, Bruce Allen, CEO of leading solid fuel and biomass organisations HETAS and Woodsure, has compiled a handy step-by-step guide to help you refuel the right way, without any safety repercussions …

All wood burning appliances are different and, as a result, will come with varying guidance. It’s extremely important to follow this, however we want to make sure you do so safely. As a rule of thumb, the first step should be to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your appliance. Further to this, the following steps can help to keep you and your family safe when refuelling your fire… 

1. Only refuel when you notice you are down to glowing embers
2. Ensure you have everything you need nearby, including gloves, a poker and the new fuel
3. Open the door a small amount to allow the pressure to adjust. Pause, then continue to open the door slowly
4. Add your fuel, avoiding overloading
5. Leave space for air circulation
6. Close the door
7. Allow the fuel to burn on high for how long? before adjusting to desired level

 It’s important to note, that you shouldn’t detect any significant smoke coming back into your room when you refuel it. Always read the manufacturers re-fuel advise. If you do have smoke in the room from your appliance, it’s important to contact your HETAS registered installer or chimney sweep for advice on how to resolve this.

For tips and advice on making the most of your solid fuel appliance, visit hetas.co.uk.