Servicing guidance
Start with the stove, the flue and how they are used
Appliance servicing and chimney sweeping are related, but they are not the same job. The correct schedule depends on the stove, fuel, chimney and frequency of use, so begin with the manufacturer’s instructions and a competent professional’s assessment.
Prepare the details
What to have ready before making an enquiry
- Make and modelUse the rating plate, manual or original paperwork where possible.
- Installation historyNote who installed it and the approximate installation date.
- Previous maintenanceRecord the most recent appliance service and chimney sweep.
- Fuel and useExplain what is burned and how regularly the stove is used.
- Any changeDescribe smoke, unusual smells, damaged parts or a change in the fire.
- Clear photographsShow the stove, fireplace opening and visible flue connection.
Two maintenance tasks
Service the appliance and sweep the chimney
A stove service follows the appliance manufacturer’s maintenance instructions. The exact work varies by model, which is why a generic checklist cannot replace the manual or an inspection by someone competent to work on that appliance.
Sweeping deals with the chimney or flue. Deposits build up as the appliance is used, and the required frequency changes with the fuel, burning pattern and installation. A sweep should be selected for the chimney system rather than assumed from the age of the stove.
Ask whether the person attending has the appropriate competence, registration and insurance for the work being booked. Keep their service or sweeping record with the stove manual and installation paperwork.
Published guidance
Use the manual and current national advice
HETAS advises regular sweeping and maintenance, with appliance servicing at least annually and more frequent attention where the appliance, fuel or use requires it. DEFRA’s Burn Better guidance also advises professional chimney sweeping at least once a year.
These are starting points, not a substitute for the instructions supplied with the stove. Check the currentHETAS consumer adviceandDEFRA Burn Better guidance, then follow any model-specific maintenance schedule.
When something changes
Do not wait for a calendar reminder
Stop and seek appropriate advice if smoke enters the room, the appliance or flue looks damaged, a door or glass panel no longer closes correctly, or the stove begins behaving differently. A carbon monoxide alarm must always be treated as a safety warning: follow the alarm manufacturer’s emergency instructions and do not reuse the appliance until the cause has been assessed.
The Fireplace & Stove Co. provides stove servicing support and currently works in conjunction with Webb & Son Chimney Sweeps for chimney sweeping. Send or bring the stove details, photographs and maintenance history to the Lichfield showroom so the two jobs and the attendance arrangements can be confirmed clearly.
Common questions
Servicing and sweeping, separated clearly
What servicing interval should a stove follow?
Begin with the appliance manufacturer’s instructions. HETAS consumer guidance recommends at least annual servicing, while the appliance, fuel, condition and pattern of use can justify a different or earlier interval.
How often should a chimney be swept?
At least once a year is a common minimum, but a chimney may need sweeping more frequently depending on the fuel, appliance and how often it is used. A qualified sweep should advise on the correct interval for your installation.
Are stove servicing and chimney sweeping the same job?
No. Servicing concentrates on the appliance and its serviceable components. Sweeping removes deposits from the chimney or flue and provides an opportunity to identify visible flue concerns. Both need to be considered.
What information helps when asking about a service?
Have the stove make and model, approximate installation date, last service and sweep dates, fuel used and any change in performance ready. Photographs of the appliance and installation can also help with the first conversation.
What should I do if smoke enters the room or a carbon monoxide alarm sounds?
Stop using the appliance and follow the alarm manufacturer’s emergency instructions. Ventilate and leave the property if directed, then obtain advice from an appropriately competent professional before using the stove again.
Can The Fireplace & Stove Co. arrange my service and sweep?
Yes. Contact the Lichfield showroom with the appliance and address details. The team will confirm the stove-service scope and whether chimney sweeping is arranged with Webb & Son Chimney Sweeps for that visit.
Home-survey enquiry
Services & Coverage
- Free Home Survey: Homeowners can call 07828 576002 with their postcode and project outline to check availability, discuss technical requirements, and arrange an initial site visit.
- HETAS Certification: TFS solid-fuel installations are HETAS registered. Clients should verify the current business status, individual installer, and registered work categories on the official HETAS registry prior to booking.
- Service Area: Published installation coverage includes Lichfield, Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield, Tamworth, Cannock, Walsall, Aldridge, Solihull, Wolverhampton, Burton upon Trent, Stafford, and Derby (all subject to postcode confirmation).
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