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Fires, stoves and accessories cover electric fires and stove-effect heaters, portable heaters, fireguards, and the products used to run and look after a stove or open fire: stove rope seals, heat-resistant paint and polish, stove glass cleaner, chimney cleaner, fire cement and bricks, and firelighters.

Looking after a stove

• Rope seals: stove rope comes in several diameters, often 6mm to 12mm. Use the size in the stove manufacturer's instructions or measure the original rope and its groove. Rope that is too thin will not seal; rope that is too thick can stop the door closing.
• Paint and polish: use paint made for high temperatures, and follow the curing instructions on the tin.
• Glass and chimney care: use cleaners made for stove glass, and keep the chimney swept.

Fuel

In England, wood sold in units under two cubic metres must be certified as having no more than 20% moisture, marked Ready to Burn. Dry fuel burns more cleanly than wet wood.

Installation and safety

New stoves and solid fuel appliances should be installed by a HETAS registered installer, or the work notified to building control, under Approved Document J. In England, a carbon monoxide alarm to BS EN 50291 should be fitted in the room when a new or replacement fixed solid fuel, oil or gas appliance is installed (gas cookers excepted). Work on gas pipework, appliances and their gas parts must only be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Look for fireguards made to BS 8423, the standard for domestic fireguards used with fires and heaters.

For cleaning products, see fireplace cleaning and maintenance; for flue parts, see flue and chimney systems.