First Fire of the Season: What to Check Before Lighting Your Stove
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The recent cold snap across the North and Midlands brought temperatures down to around 1°C in some areas. For many homeowners, that may have meant lighting the stove for the first time since spring.
After several months without use, it is important not to simply load the stove and light it without carrying out a few basic checks. A little preparation can help your stove burn safely, efficiently and reliably throughout autumn and winter.
Has Your Chimney or Flue Been Swept?
Soot, tar and other deposits can build up inside a chimney or flue during regular use. Birds may also build nests during the warmer months, potentially creating a blockage that prevents smoke and gases from escaping properly.
If your chimney has not been swept within the recommended period, arrange for it to be checked and swept by a suitably qualified professional before using your stove regularly. The appropriate frequency will depend on the type of fuel being burned and how often the stove is used.
Check the Stove for Visible Damage
Take a few minutes to inspect the stove before lighting it. Look for cracked firebricks, damaged glass, loose handles or visible deterioration around the stove body and flue connection.
You should also check whether the door closes securely. A damaged or worn door seal can allow too much air into the stove, making it more difficult to control the fire and potentially reducing efficiency.
Visible checks can help identify an obvious problem, but they are not a replacement for professional servicing or inspection. Do not use the stove if you believe it may be damaged or unsafe.
Test Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Every room containing a solid fuel appliance should have a suitable carbon monoxide alarm. Test the alarm before using your stove and check whether its batteries or the alarm itself need replacing.
The alarm should be positioned according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If it sounds while the stove is in use, leave the room, ventilate the property and seek professional assistance.
Make Sure the Air Vents Are Clear
Check that the stove’s air controls move freely and that its ventilation openings have not become blocked. Your stove needs a reliable supply of air to allow the fuel to burn correctly and the flue to draw properly.
Permanent room vents should never be covered to prevent draughts. Blocking ventilation can interfere with combustion and increase the risk of harmful gases entering the room.
Use the Right Fuel
Only use fuel suitable for your particular stove. For a wood-burning stove, this means using clean, dry firewood with a moisture content of 20% or less.
Wet wood produces less heat and creates more smoke, soot and flue deposits. Look for fuel carrying the Ready to Burn certification or use a moisture meter if you season your own firewood.
Multi-fuel stove owners should follow the appliance manufacturer’s instructions when selecting fuel. Household waste, painted timber and treated wood should never be burned.
Is Your Stove Still Performing Properly?
Older stoves can become less efficient as components wear or the appliance begins to deteriorate. You may notice that the stove has become difficult to control, produces less heat or requires more fuel than it previously did.
These problems do not automatically mean the stove needs replacing, but they should not be ignored. A qualified professional can advise whether the appliance requires maintenance or whether replacement should be considered.
Thinking About Upgrading Your Stove?
If your existing stove is old, inefficient or no longer complements your home, Mansfield Fireplace & Stove Centre can help you explore the available replacement options. Modern wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves offer improved efficiency, cleaner combustion and a wide choice of traditional and contemporary designs.
Our experienced team can help you choose a stove suited to your property, heating requirements and preferred style. Visit our Mansfield or Sheffield showroom to view the latest models and discuss professional stove installation.
Visit Our Showrooms for Inspiration
At Mansfield Fireplace & Stove Centre, we serve homeowners across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, South Yorkshire and the Peak District. Helping them find the perfect wood burning stove for their homes.
Our experienced team can talk you through the latest Ecodesign models. Explain the differences between manufacturers. Then help you choose a stove that suits both your property and your lifestyle. Whether you are renovating a country cottage or updating a modern family home. We have a wide range of styles to explore.
Get Ready for the Colder Months
The first cold spell often arrives before homeowners have prepared their stove for winter. Checking the appliance, arranging a chimney sweep and testing your carbon monoxide alarm now can help you enjoy your stove safely throughout the colder months.
If you are considering replacing or upgrading your stove, contact Mansfield Fireplace & Stove Centre or visit one of our showrooms for friendly, practical advice.
Just look through our reviews:
Aug 15, 2026
We went to visit the store at Ponsfords today and saw Matt who was really helpful and happy to explain all the options of the different fires on display and about the full installation process. We would recommend this company to anyone looking to improve their fireplace or media wall.
Jun 20, 2026
My wife and I were very impressed with the service and knowledge of Matt at Mansfield fireplaces at ponsford. We ordered a media wall with fire Matt ‘explained and answered all our questions. And advised us which design would be the best for our lounge and needs. Absolutely would 100% recommend.
Jun 3, 2026
We recently had a media wall installed by Mansfield Fireplaces & Stoves and couldn’t be happier with the whole experience. From start to finish, the team were professional, friendly, and incredibly easy to work with. The installers were always punctual, kept everything clean and tidy throughout, it was clear they really cared about the quality of their work and took pride in getting every detail just right. What impressed us most was how they continuously checked in to ensure we were happy with the progress, which gave us real confidence that we’d chosen the right company. The finished result exceeded our expectations and has completely transformed the space — we absolutely love it. We would highly recommend Mansfield Fireplaces & Stoves to anyone considering a media wall installation. Definitely the right decision for us! Take a look at the pics to see the quality of their work ...
May 31, 2026
We chose Mansfield fireplace and stove centre because we needed a fairly quick turnaround due to carpets being already booked in and they certainly delivered, the installation was caried about by Ross and Jake(father and son team) and they didn’t disappoint nothing was too much trouble. Electrics by Eddie were installed just as requested and finally plastering by Ryan who spent all day none stop on his own which gave our new media wall a perfect finish. Overall the team from Mansfield fireplace and stove centre are very professional and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone wanting that perfect look in there home!
Apr 21, 2026
Amazing just wow !! We visited Mansfield Fireplaces looking for a media wall. We decided on The Mayfair and from the very beginning, the experience was excellent. The staff were welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful in guiding us through the options without any pressure. We were informed that our fitter, Gaz, would come out to measure up, and from that point on, nothing was too much trouble. He took the time to walk us through every detail of the design, including handles, drawers, shelving, and socket placement, ensuring everything was tailored exactly to our preferences. The installation took place over three days, with Gaz leading a team of three, including Kyle the electrician. Throughout the process, they were professional, courteous, and respectful of our home, always cleaning up thoroughly at the end of each day. Once the installation was complete, Ben the painter came in and truly transformed the media wall, bringing everything together beautifully. We were away on holiday for a few days, and when we returned, Gaz came back to add the mirrored backing to the shelves — the perfect finishing touch that gave the whole piece a real “wow factor.” We couldn’t be happier with the end result and are incredibly grateful to the entire team — Gaz, Kyle, and Ben — for their hard work and attention to detail. If you’re considering a media wall, we would highly recommend Mansfield Fireplaces without hesitation.
Mar 17, 2026
If you’re looking for a truly impressive fireplace showroom in Sheffield, this is one that really stands out. Located inside the well-known Ponsford complex, the space feels modern, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed, with a strong focus on showcasing stunning media walls and fireplaces in realistic home-style settings. What immediately catches your eye is the quality of the media wall displays—sleek, contemporary designs with beautifully integrated electric fires that genuinely create a “wow factor.” The showroom also features a strong selection of wood-burning stoves, including high-quality models from respected brands, giving you a great mix of traditional charm and modern efficiency all in one place. The layout makes it easy to visualise how everything would look in your own home, and the knowledgeable staff are always on hand to guide you through options like fuel types, finishes, and installation. It feels less like a shop and more like an inspiration hub for transforming your living space. Overall, this showroom delivers both style and substance—perfect for anyone considering a bespoke media wall, fireplace or high-quality stove, with expert advice to match.
Feb 20, 2026
Absolutely delighted with the work carried out on our fireplace. We had the back of the fire recess re-bricked, and the finish looks fantastic — it’s completely transformed the look of the stove and feels much more solid and professionally done. Josh and Austin were brilliant from start to finish: polite, friendly, and clearly knew exactly what they were doing. They worked solidly all day without any fuss, kept everything tidy as they went, and made sure the area was properly cleaned up before leaving. The attention to detail really shows in the final result, and you can tell they take pride in their workmanship. Would happily recommend them to anyone needing fireplace or stove work — a superb job all round.
Feb 16, 2026
Had our lovely Contura fitted a few days after the snow in Jan by Oli and Martin lovely lads , did a beautiful job the plasterer Marvyn came the day after and again superb job 👏 couldn't even tell he'd been in the Room it was so Clean!!! A bit more communication from the showroom to the fitters would help! Other than that it's a clean 5 Stars from us , I would Highly recommend Mansfield Fireplaces & Stove ...if you think you can get quality and the work done cheaper...then good luck...worth every penny , its not just a log Burner its a beautiful Feature 😍😍😍
Jan 19, 2026
We recently had a fire fitted by Mansfield Fireplaces, and it’s great! The process was very easy, we visited the showroom, chose the fire we’d like, and the team were great in answering any questions. The team arrived on time, tidied up after themselves and left the house ready for us to enjoy. The fire has transformed our dining room and we are so pleased we found Mansfield Fireplaces! Such a great decision we made. Would recommend!
Jan 3, 2026
We had a stove fitted in October and overall had a very positive experience. The builders on site – Monty, Ollie and Martin (from memory) – were absolutely fantastic. When we ran into a few challenges due to the age and architecture of our house, they consulted us there and then, which meant we could make decisions on the spot and adjust the plan. That made a potentially stressful situation feel very manageable. As well as being friendly and courteous, they also had a quick-witted “tradies’” sense of humour, which was well received in our home. All of the other tradesmen involved were great as well and worked to a high standard. The showroom itself was lovely and we were attended to quickly. Harri dealt with us for most of the process and was consistently friendly and polite, which we really appreciated. The only minor downside was some communication issues around the mantle fitting. While the delay was due to a manufacturing issue rather than the fitting company, a bit more communication earlier on could have helped ease the situation. Overall, we’re very happy with the end result and would recommend them for their workmanship, professionalism, and customer service.