Want to Use Your Fire More Efficiently and Reduce Pollution?

At Cameron Chimney Sweep, we can help you burn cleaner and get the most out of your fire.

During a sweep, we don’t just clean your chimney — we also:

  • Inspect your fire and flue system

  • Review the type of fuel you're using

  • Observe what’s coming out of your chimney

These checks give us valuable insights into how well your fire is performing — and where it could be improved.

In the meantime, below are a few simple tips to help you get started:

Fire burning inside a small fireplace with a white mantel over a white wall.

How to Use Your Stove Efficiently and Cleanly

Using your stove properly not only helps you to get more heat from your fuel, it also keeps your chimney cleaner and reduces air pollution vs an inefficient burn.

Living room corner with a wood-paneled wall, a modern fireplace with a fire burning, a small wooden table with a lamp, a box of firewood, and a wooden crate labeled 'Hoffman Beverages.' A large window reveals an outside deck with chairs and trees.
A lit fireplace with burning logs inside a brick surround and a metal grate at the bottom.

Here’s how to get the best from your fire:

Lighting the Fire

  • Use plenty of kindling and a dry firelighter.

  • Open all air vents fully to get the fire burning hot quickly.

  • Burn only dry wood (under 20% moisture) – use a moisture meter to check.

Air Controls for Wood Fires

  • Once the fire is established:

    • Close the bottom vent (primary air).

    • Leave the top vent (secondary air) partially or fully open for a clean, hot burn.

  • Always open both vents slightly when refuelling.

Burning Smokeless Coal in Multi-Fuel Stoves

  • Coal needs air from below:

    • Keep the bottom vent open.

    • Riddle the grate regularly to keep airflow.

    • Top vent is less important for coal.

Never burn coal on a wood-only stove.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

  • Don’t burn wet or unseasoned logs.

  • Don’t slumber the fire overnight – it increases creosote and pollution.

  • Don’t burn painted or treated wood, or household rubbish.

  • Use logs no thicker than 4–6 inches (100–150mm).

Useful Tools

  • Moisture meter – check wood is dry.

  • Stove thermometer – monitor burn temperature.

  • CO alarm – essential safety item