chimney sweeps

emine

I just had my chimney swept by a very nice man (fnar) in preparation for winter and I would like to recommend them: H Firkins & Sons 020 8886 9420 

boxrunner

How much do they charge?<br>

poxy

Who still uses solid fuel in this day and age?

ADGS

Well, given wood is a solid fuel, and I was just reading an article in the Money section of the paper about how much cheaper that is for heating your home against constant price increases from greedy energy companies, I think the answer has to be 'quite a few people, and the number is going up, not down'.

dorothy

I've used Firkins too.  They're good, gave me lots of advice about wood burning stoves and the re-lining of chimneys

ChangN4N6

It's actually very economic in the winter cos you can get free or cheap wood to burn from Fins Park, Queens Wood and now Crouch Hill Park. There is a lad with ginger hair who comes round once a month in Lorne Road selling firewood . Cheaper than the terrible rlec prices! And real fires are more cosy and sexy than radiators. Chang

jacula

Hi all,<div><br></div><div>I'm completely intrigued/baffled to read this thread!  We have an open fire but have never had it swept or used it because I thought it was illegal to burn wood in London, unless in a smoke-free stove, because of the clean air act.</div><div><br></div><div>Definitely not wanting to get anyone in trouble but would love to know if it's really ok, or if the chimney-sweeps would end up reporting us for a violation!</div><div><br></div><div>Thanks for any advice or info.</div>

Ali

Big previous conversation about this  here  <A href="http://www.stroudgreen.org/discussion/669/a-burning-question.../p1">http://www.stroudgreen.org/discussion/669/a-burning-question.../p1</A>;

emine

@boxrunner Hope they don't mind me giving out their prices, but it's £55. Not sure if they have different prices according to whether you have open fire/wood burner etc - mine's a standard open fireplace. Seems pretty reasonable.

emine

@jacula, I burn smokeless coal, which is ok. It means you shouldn't need to sweep the chimney so often, but I get it swept every year anyway to make sure there are no birds or debris - I'm paranoid about chimney fires and carbon monoxide because I have upstairs neighbours.  <div><br></div><div>List of fuels you're allowed: <a href="http://smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk/fuels.php?country=e">http://smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk/fuels.php?country=e</a></div><div><br></div><div>Not sure about Haringey/Islington, but according to <a href="http://www.rbkc.gov.uk/environmentandtransport/airquality/smokecontrol/faqs.aspx">Kensington and Chelsea</a>, you're allowed to burn a little bit of kindling to light the fire, which I didn't know. When I'm not feeling too Ray Mears, I tend to use a firelog anyway.</div>

boxrunner

It does sound reasonable.  Thanks @emine.<br>

nick_m

it's not good to collect wood from the parkland walk or woods, as it provides essential habitat for wildlife.

Arkady

Yet another person falls for Chang’s schtick. Surely everyone has noticed that it only posts lies and deliberate provocations? If people stopped responding to it it would go away.

ADGS

Nick - I don't think there's any immediate risk of every stray twig being stripped out of the local woodland. And think about it - do you really think biodiversity is better now than when collecting firewood was the norm? 

ChangN4N6

Good point adgs. Actually I know the previous ranger at queens wood n10 who said it actually improved wildlife etc by clearing some older woodland stuff off the floor. The older wood burns quickly and is smOky tho. On a winter night in a romantic session it is great to have a fire and I am glad we opened up the o e here, tho landlady not pleased. I would say have a go . Chang