The end of the heating season is the perfect opportunity to give your wood burner and chimney the care they deserve after the winter. It's not just a question of maintenance - it's about safety, functionality and preparation for the next winter.
The figures are clear: in 2024, 1,179 fires were caused in the Czech Republic due to the poor condition of the chimney. Most of these - 1 034 in total - were caused by soot fires. One of them ended in death. The solution is simple and affordable.
A visit to the chimney sweep in summer saves you the trouble in autumn
"Chimney sweeps tend to be busiest in autumn, when people suddenly start preparing for the heating season," says Jaroslav Schön, president of the Association of Chimney Sweeps of the Czech Republic. Spring and summer are therefore the ideal time to book an inspection and cleaning of flue pipes - without waiting periods and in greater comfort.
And it's important. In 2024, chimney sweeps from the SKČR detected 8,783 defects, including over 500 defective chimneys - twice as many as in previous years. Each of these cases could have meant another firefighter intervention. More frequent inspection and maintenance would have prevented many of the calls.
Where the chimney sweep doesn't go, the fire department goes
According to the current regulations, each chimney of a solid fuel appliance up to 50 kW should be cleaned at least three times a year. For liquid fuels twice, for gas at least once. In addition, if you are replacing an appliance - for example, an old stove with a new wood boiler - it is compulsory to inspect the entire flue. It's not just about regulations, it's about your safety.
The case of an unprofessionally connected solid fuel boiler that cost a five-year-old girl her life was heard by the court in Louny in early June. Read more here.
Wood as a backup? No, security
An increasing number of households are purchasing an independent heat source - a wood-burning stove or boiler. After the experience of gas and electricity cuts, this is the only real rational choice. But even a quality appliance needs a properly functioning chimney. And that in turn needs a chimney sweep who understands it.
On the website of the Association of Chimney Sweeps of the Czech Republic you will find an overview of experts by region. These are craftsmen with an apprenticeship certificate, trade licence and regular training. Not everyone who calls themselves a chimney sweep actually meets the legal requirements.
Post-season heater maintenance or: what should you not forget?
It is not only the flue pipe that needs maintenance, but also the heater itself. The list of steps to take at the end of the heating season varies depending on whether you have a wood-burning stove or insert or a custom-built heater in your home.
Fireplace stoves and fireplace inserts
- Sweep / vacuum the ashes
- Checking the flue casing
- Inspection and possible replacement of door seals and glass
- Deflector and inner lining condition checks
- Checking the door closing mechanism
- Inspection and cleaning of the flue
- External air supply control
- For fireplaces - inspection and cleaning of the internal space of the fireplace and checking the functionality and tightness of the inspection inlet
- Inspection and cleaning (if technically possible) of the air ducts, especially the secondary air supply for gasification
- For heaters with a hot water heat exchanger, it is always necessary to check the cleaning of the heat exchanger at least once every 3-4 weeks.
- Checking the tightening of the bolts and nuts + tightening if necessary. (Pay attention to the bolts securing the door glass. Here you must be very careful not to tighten too much, ideally with a torque wrench, to avoid damaging the glass during heating.)
Individually built heaters
- Sweep / vacuum the ashes
- Checking the flue chamber for leaks
- Inspection and possible replacement of door seals, glass and draft stops
- Checks on the condition of the chamber and inner lining
- Checking the door closing mechanism
- Inspection and cleaning of the flue pipe and accumulation draughts (it is advisable to invite the stove builder who built the heater)
- External air supply control
- For heaters with a hot water heat exchanger, it is always necessary to check the cleaning of the heat exchanger at least once every 3-4 weeks.
- Checking the tightening of the bolts and nuts + tightening if necessary. (Pay attention to the bolts securing the door glass. Great care must be taken here and not to tighten too much force, ideally with a torque wrench to avoid damaging the glass during heating.)
For both types - tighten the screws with feeling! Especially the ones that hold the door glass. Ideally with a torque wrench, so that you don't tear it the next time it floods.
Don't underestimate the preparation for the next heating season and arrange a visit to the chimney sweep and, if necessary, the stove builder today. Summer is quieter, the chimney sweeps have a freer hand and you get the peace of mind that you are ready for winter. And don't forget - where the chimney sweep doesn't go, the fire department goes.
