DOES IT MATTER WHAT KIND OF WOOD I BURN IN MY FIREPLACE OR STOVE?

Not really. What’s far more important is that your wood is seasoned and dry. All wood contains roughly the same heat output per Kg. But softwoods are less dense so, if you buy wood by cubic metre, you will get less kilograms and less heat. Also many types of wood eg. pine, "pop" and "spit" hot sparks – so careful with your carpets when the stove door is open. Cork won’t burn.

Make sure your wood supplier gives you plenty of very small "kindling" wood and plenty of smaller logs to get the fire going.

Whatever wood you are burning, get your stove hot. A cold, smouldering, stove won’t give any comfort and will just deposit unsightly smelling creosote on your glass and chimney.

WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE/DISADVANTAGE BETWEEN CAST IRON AND/OR STEEL? WHICH WILL PROVIDE THE BEST SOURCE OF HEAT FOR MY INVESTMENT?

We could write pages on this. The advantages/disadvantages are more in the manufacturing than in the use. For you, the user, the main difference is in the look of the stove. Cast iron can give a more rustic look with intricate carving, etc. Steel can give a more modern look. The heat released and everyday efficiency is similar. Remember that, in general, the heavier the stove the longer it will take to heat up but also it will keep its heat longer and, probably, be more robust size for size. What is important is that the parts of the stove in direct contact with the flame are made from the best quality heat resistant materials and, preferably, be easy to replace.

Finally, where you buy your stove from can often be more important than the stove you buy. Choose not only a reputable brand but also a reputable dealer. And remember – a stove is only as good as the chimney it is installed into!!

WHEN STARTING MY STOVE FROM COLD INSTEAD OF THE SMOKE GOING UP THE CHIMNEY IT COMES INTO THE ROOM. WHAT TO DO?

A common problem. A cold chimney is a mass of heavy air with little draw. What you must do is get this mass of cold air moving upwards. Before starting your fire burn some sheets of newspaper in the fireplace. This will warm your chimney, without producing smoke, thereby creating the necessary draft.

WE’VE GOT A REALLY AIR TIGHT HOME BUT, IT WOULD APPEAR, YOUR STOVES DO NOT HAVE AN OUTSIDE AIR INTAKE. WILL THEY WORK?

Most probably, even though your house is tight, there will be enough air for the stove. Modern woodstoves require very little combustion air, once lit.

However, do you really want such an air tight house? This gives poor indoor air quality and, if you are sensitive to carpet and furniture odors, can be uncomfortable. It is always a good idea to place a small ventillation grill in your living room on an outside wall as near to the fireplace as possible.

If you live in an apartment block with central forced air ventilation for the kitchen and bathrooms then this ventillation grill is a must. If not the fan in the kitchen could pull the smoke down your chimney and into your living room.