By Wes Dodd — WD Wood Burner Installations, Poole, Bournemouth & Dorset
Winter is when your wood burner works hardest. With daily use through December, January and February, your stove and chimney are under far more strain than at any other time of year. To keep your fire safe, efficient and trouble-free, a little winter maintenance goes a long way.
As a HETAS-approved installer working across Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Wimborne, Swanage and wider Dorset, I’ve put together this winter guide to help you avoid common problems and get the best performance from your stove.
1) Keep Using Dry, Seasoned or Kiln-Dried Logs
In winter people are tempted to burn whatever they have — even damp wood from the garden. This is one of the biggest causes of:
- Blackened stove glass
- Poor heat output
- Thick smoke and soot
- Dangerous creosote build-up in the chimney
✅ Stick to hardwood logs under 20% moisture — they burn hotter, cleaner and safer.
2) Empty Ash Regularly — But Don’t Remove All of It
Allowing ash to build up too high can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency.
However — removing every bit of ash is also a mistake.
✅ Leave a thin layer (about 1cm) — it helps insulate and improves relighting.
3) Watch for Signs That Your Chimney Needs Attention
During heavy winter use, deposits build up faster. Arrange a sweep if you notice:
- Smoke leaking back into the room
- A strong tar or burnt smell
- Flames struggling to get going
- Glass blackening faster than normal
Even if you had a pre-winter sweep, a mid-season clean can be a smart move for daily users.
4) Check Your Air Vents and Door Seals
Cold weather causes metal and rope seals to dry and shrink.
Poor seals = wasted heat + dirty burn + safety risk.
- Test the door seal by trapping a piece of paper in the closed door — if it pulls out easily, the seal needs replacing.
- Make sure vents move freely and aren’t clogged with ash.
5) Burn Hot Fires — Don’t “Slumber” the Stove All Winter
Running the stove low and slow to “stretch the logs” is a false economy.
Slumbering causes:
- More tar and creosote
- Higher risk of chimney fires
- dirtier glass and flue
✅ Shorter, hotter burns are cleaner, safer and more efficient.
6) Check and Test Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Winter is peak risk season.
- Test the alarm once a month
- Replace the batteries if needed
- Replace the alarm every 7–10 years
This isn’t optional — it’s the law for all wood burner owners in the UK.
Quick Winter Maintenance Checklist
| Task | Why it Matters |
|---|---|
| Use only dry hardwood logs | Cleaner burn, more heat, less soot |
| Empty ash sensibly | Protects airflow & efficiency |
| Monitor flue performance | Early warning of blockages |
| Check seals & vents | Prevents leaks and heat loss |
| Burn hot, not slow | Reduces creosote build-up |
| Test CO alarm | Essential for household safety |
Final Thoughts
Winter is the season when your wood burner earns its keep — and a little care now protects your stove, your chimney and your home. Following the tips above will keep your fire burning hotter, cleaner and safer all season long.
As your local HETAS installer in Poole, Bournemouth and Dorset, I’m here to help with winter checks, chimney sweeping and professional advice whenever you need it.
👉 Contact WD Wood Burner Installations today for safe winter maintenance, servicing and expert support across Dorset.
