The smart way to keep your stove serviced and your chimney swept every year!
The Importance of Maintenance
The Heating Equipment Testing and Approvals Scheme, or HETAS, is a national organisation set up to ensure consumer safety. The scheme covers the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible use of biomass and other solid fuels.
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HETAS recommends a wood stove appliance be serviced and a chimney swept by a competent person in order to minimise the risk of chimney fire and to maintain safe operating conditions.
When should I have my chimney swept?
Chimneys should be swept at once to twice a year (dependent on use), when burning wood or bituminous house coal and at least once a year when burning smokeless fuels.
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The best times to have your chimney swept are just before the start of the heating season and after your stove has not been used over a prolonged period. When sweeping twice a year, the second time should be after the peak of the main heating season.
Why do I need my stove servicing?
Your appliance should regularly be checked to ensure that the the components inside are not damaged or worn. If a firebrick or rope seal is broken then having this attended to helps to avoid damage to your stove and the risk of leaking dangerous gases into your room. If your stove service indicates work is required then depending on your membership you may find replacement parts are included. Alternatively your engineer will discuss repairs with you and offer you a quote.
Why do I need a sweep certificate?
In the unfortunate circumstance that you have a house fire, your insurance may ask to see evidence that you have followed manufacturer's maintenance schedule and actively maintained your appliance. Your Sweep Certificate is an official document to provide.
Why a subscription?
Rather than the stress and inconvenience of finding yourself at the back of the queue each year - or worse yet, forgetting altogether! - our subscribers are on the front foot and automatically have their service and sweep looked after by us. This avoids any downtime for your stove and is a much safer approach to using and maintaining your wood burning stove.
How much does it cost & what is included?
Your appliance should regularly be checked to ensure that the the components inside are not damaged or worn. If a firebrick or rope seal is broken then having this attended to helps to avoid damage to your stove and the risk of leaking dangerous gases into your room. If your stove service indicates work is required then depending on your membership you may find replacement parts are included. Alternatively your engineer will discuss repairs with you and offer you a quote, this may require a follow up call out charge.
Are repairs included in my membership?
If your stove service indicates repairs or replacement parts are required then depending on your membership you may find replacement parts are included. Alternatively your engineer will discuss repairs with you and offer you a quote, this may require a follow up call out charge.
What is the difference between memberships?
All our memberships include an annual stove service and sweep, identifying any maintenance needs and advising on preserving the life of your stove and using it safely and efficiently. Our Gold Membership includes generic replacement parts that our engineer will be able to provide on the day. See our membership page for more details.
Are Chimney Club sweeps qualified and trustworthy?
All our sweeps have undergone comprehensive training with HETAS to be qualified to sweep chimneys and service stoves. This qualification includes regular refreshers ensuring they adhere to the latest safety requirements. They also hold relevant insurance and in order to work with us they have provided good references and regularly we perform quality checks to ensure consistent good quality performance.
What if I need extra sweeps?
For the regular user of a fire then HETAS recommends your chimney be swept at least twice a year (this would be quarterly when in use). The Chimney Club can arrange this for a one off payment outside of your subscription, or you can ask us about our memberships that cover 2 sweeps a year.
I have more than one stove, can they be swept too?
The Chimney Club has memberships that include additional stoves on the same properties so you can choose a membership that suits you best. If you are a landlord or managing agent for more than one property then please contact us directly and we can discuss a bespoke package.
I am a landlord / managaing agent for multiple properties, can the Chimney Club cater for this?
Landlords and managing agents can benefit from all our packages and add additional stoves as needed if within the same property. If you have multiple properties then please contact us directly and we can discuss a bespoke package.
Do I need to call the Chimney Club for bookings?
The Chimney Club will work with you to identify the best time of year for your appointment and be in touch to make your booking, but you are always welcome to get in touch at any time to arrange this.
How do I prepare for my appointment?
We will provide you with the details of the engineer attending and if you have any special instructions which would help them we would be grateful. Please ensure that your fireplace has been left unused for 24 hours as we won't be able to service a hot stove and chimney and lack of access may incur an additional charge for the extra visit. Someone should be available at the time allocated for any needed discussions or advice.