Keeping Your Home Warm in February: Getting the Most From Your Stove Before Spring

February can often feel like the longest month of winter. The festive season has passed, the evenings are still dark, and the cold weather tends to linger longer than we would like.

For many households, February is the month where your stove or fire is working its hardest, keeping your home warm and comfortable through the final stretch of winter. With that in mind, now is a great time to make sure your appliance is running efficiently, safely, and giving you the best possible heat output.

At Camden Fires, we often find February is the time customers start noticing small issues or begin thinking about improvements they would like to make before the next heating season.

Here are a few useful tips to help you get the most out of your stove this month.

1. Check Your Fuel Quality

One of the most common causes of poor performance is simply fuel quality. If you are burning wood that is not properly seasoned, it will produce less heat, create excess smoke, and cause a build-up of soot and tar inside the flue.

For the best results, always use kiln dried or well-seasoned logs with a moisture content of 20% or less. Not only will this give you a better flame and more heat, but it also helps keep your stove cleaner and reduces the chance of long-term damage.

If you are unsure whether your logs are suitable, a moisture meter is a cheap and useful tool to have at home.

2. Keep Your Stove Clean for Maximum Efficiency

As your stove is used daily through winter, ash and soot can build up quickly. A stove that is not cleaned regularly may struggle to draw properly, resulting in a weaker fire and reduced heat output.

Simple maintenance tasks can make a big difference, such as:

• Emptying the ash pan regularly
• Cleaning the glass with a stove-safe cleaner
• Checking air vents are clear and working correctly
• Ensuring baffles and internal components are seated properly

A clean stove burns more efficiently, gives better heat, and looks far more attractive in your home.

3. Pay Attention to Signs Your Stove Needs Servicing

If your stove is struggling to stay lit, producing excessive smoke, or the glass is blackening quickly, these are often signs that something is not quite right.

This could be caused by:

• A build-up of soot in the flue
• Poor airflow
• Damp fuel
• Worn rope seals or firebricks

A professional service can ensure your stove is running safely and efficiently, and can help identify any small issues before they become costly repairs.

If your stove has not been serviced recently, February is a great time to get booked in, especially before spring demand starts to increase.

4. February is the Perfect Time to Plan Upgrades

Although most people associate stove shopping with autumn, February can actually be one of the best times to start thinking ahead.

Many customers use this month to plan improvements such as:

• Upgrading to a more efficient stove
• Installing a new fireplace or media wall
• Changing from an open fire to a wood burning or multi fuel stove
• Adding an external air kit or flue upgrade

Planning early means you can get advice, quotes, and installation arranged with less pressure, and be fully prepared before next winter arrives.

5. Don’t Forget Carbon Monoxide Safety

During winter, stoves are used more frequently, and safety checks are more important than ever.

We always recommend ensuring you have a working carbon monoxide alarm installed in the same room as your appliance. It is a small investment that offers huge peace of mind.

If your alarm is older, now is the perfect time to check batteries and replace it if needed.

Stay Warm Through the Final Stretch of Winter

February might feel like winter will never end, but spring is not far away. Keeping your stove well maintained and burning efficiently will help you stay comfortable, save money on fuel, and avoid unnecessary problems.

If you would like advice on fuel, servicing, stove upgrades, or you are considering a new installation, our team at Camden Fires is always happy to help.

You can contact us for friendly expert advice or visit our showroom to explore our range of stoves and fires.

Warm wishes,
Camden Fires