how often do people with coal fires have to have them swept?

Question

we are thinking of converting back to an open fire for more warmth but have no idea of cost or how regular for the chimney sweeping side of things.

Answer 1

I once had a coal fire and do miss the warmth, but not the maintenance:)
Sweeping should be done every year to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning! This could cost between £25 and £35! depending where you live!

Answer 2

Every 6 months, are you copying Geordie Bush and the Chinks by saying bring it on to Global warming, by any chance?
If you are well done it is too bloody cold in this country.
I have a hoppermat solid fuel boiler and I vacuum out the two trap areas every 6 months or so and sweep it myself every 3 to 4 years but there is hardly any soot in the flue pipes, Open fires need a supply or air from outside to the base of the fire if they are to burn but not smoke and cause drafts, I use my one surviving open fire for warming soup and toast when we have a power cut, too much work too little heat otherwise.

Answer 3

i lived in rented accommodation for a couple of years, and the house i was living in had open fires.... we were told that the chimneys needed to be swept twice a year - in the spring / summer after you've been using them all winter, and then again just before u start using them again in the autumn / winter. this way u can more or less guarantee that it's all clear, and that there are no dead birds or nests that have got stuck up there.

Answer 4

I don't know about the cost, but my Dad has his done twice a year. Once at the start of the season (the fire season, before he lights up) to make sure any birds are removed (long story!) and once at the end to clear all the soot. He uses his as the primary heat source (the fireplace has a back boiler for his central heating), so once it's lit, it's kept in permanently.

Answer 5

Usually once a year is enough and can cost around £30:00
but depending how old and how small your kids are you cold save some cash there.

Answer 6

3000

Answer 7

yes once a year £30.00 but burn potato peeling as this helps keep it clear

good luck can,t beat the real thing who is for the first bit of toast eeeeeeemmmmmmmmm

Answer 8

Check with the Fire department, they should know about the references you seek.

Answer 9

Once a year if needed,hire shop drain rods and a brush,about a tenner do it yourselfneed a dust sheet though

Answer 10

once a year and £30