Let’s not moan about utility bills rising (even if we’d like to) let’s just talk about what we’re using as alternatives to electricity.
One of the solutions you may already have invested in is a log burner. Unlike fossil fuels, logs can come from sustainable sources and are a renewable form of energy.
Depending on where you live, logs can also be bought cheaply or, if you have generous friends or neighbours, acquired free – especially after strong winds.
But like all home appliances, log burners need to be well-maintained and safety checked regularly.
If we’re talking about ways to economise, neglecting your log-burner can be a long-term expense you could certainly do without as parts can become seized or corroded leading to malfunction.
And there are more serious problems that can stem from a malfunctioning log-burner – ones that can risk your health and well-being. Solid fuel appliances give off carbon monoxide and if improperly maintained this gas can leak back into the house, explode and have fatal consequences.
But how much does a log burner service cost? Generally speaking, though, you should expect to pay no less than £75 for a service for your log-burner.
Let’s dive into what we can do to make sure your log burner is in tip-top shape. And that comes down to regular burner servicing.
How Often Should A Log Burner Be Serviced?
In the UK, your log burner or multi-fuel stove needs to be serviced annually, as a minimum, for safety reasons and for insurance purposes. Along with the stove or burner, you should expect to have the flue and chimney swept and a smoke test carried out.
You’ll get a certificate on completion which you would need to use in the event of a chimney fire or accident involving your log burner.
Log Burner Service Cost UK
Service costs for log burners and multi-fuel stoves differ depending on the level of service and the type of wood burner you have.
Location also plays a part in how much you can expect to pay. Another factor is the level of experience or registration of the person providing the service.
You ideally want a registered sweep or burner specialist and it might even be worth seeing if they are registered with a nationally approved organisation such as HETAS.
Generally speaking, though, you should expect to pay no less than £75 for a service for your log-burner.
What’s Included in Log-Burner Servicing?
Again, what’s included in your signed off log-burner service will depend on the person providing the service and the work that needs to be carried out.
Chimney and Flue Sweeping
If your log burner or multi-fuel stove is sited inside an existing chimney then that will be swept. Chimneys need to be swept, as a minimum, once a year and more often if the burner or stove is in more frequent use.
Whether your log burner is free standing or sited within an older chimney, the flue itself will be cleaned. At this point, your sweep will let you know if you are maintaining it enough to suit your usage.
They will consider factors such as soot build-up and other safety factors that will prevent your property from damage as a result.
Structural Integrity, Joints and Seals
One of the issues that can affect your log burner is the integrity of its body. Burners and stoves are well-known for being tough items to own and they will last a very long time if taken care of, but they are not infallible.
Your sweep will check the structure of your burner and pay particular attention to the connection between the body and the flue for any signs of seal damage or misalignment.
Heat Stones
Your contractor will inspect your burner for other features such as the integrity of its internal stones, fire brick liners or plates which can become heat damaged over time. The sweep will let you know if a repair or replacement is needed.
Air Controls
The controls when lighting your log burner or stove that manage the flow of air and thus the heat are another area that is vital to its continued safety. This is where your baffles and air vents and their controls will be checked thoroughly and cleaned if necessary.
Their mechanisms may be lubricated if they appear too stiff or adjusted if the contractor feels it necessary.
Doors and Fixings
The glass of the door, if your model includes it, is another element that will be checked by your sweep as this can be cracked or become opaque with use.
If your glass is broken, you must stop using it until it is replaced. Heatproof fixings for glass can also fail and your sweep will inspect these for safety.
They’ll also clean the glass at this stage of the wood burner service. They may also look at the hinges and seals for the door as opening and shutting frequency can wear these down.
Smoke Test
The last element of your wood burner service will be the smoke test. Your sweep may use a propane heater (or normal kindling) to warm the flue and then smoke pellets to test the draw of your flue.
They will check around the flue pipe, register plate and up the flue to make sure there is no smoke exiting from joints or areas that might indicate damage.
If the flue is sited in a chimney the sweep will also check that smoke is not coming out of the seal.
The sweep will also check to make sure that smoke is not coming through into any rooms or spaces that the flue travels through and is exiting as expected from the terminal or chimney.
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm
While it isn’t necessarily part of the service, your sweep might recommend that you buy a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm – it may a requirement of your insurance policy in any case.
With a smoke and monoxide alarm, you’ll be alerted to any smoke or gases that emanate from the flue between services that might indicate a failure.
Getting a well-qualified and reputable sweep is always going to be the best option. And even if you have to pay a little more than £75, it still seems a small price to pay for your family’s health and your peace of mind.
Wood Burner Service Cost – A Summary
In summing up, you’ll find the cost of a wood burner service quite variable but to give a rough answer its around £75 in the UK. The service cost is influenced by the unit’s age, condition, and the extent of the service required, prices can differ significantly.
It’s important to invest in regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Your safety and the burner’s longevity depend on this essential service. Always consult a professional for accurate pricing and superior service.
