First frosts in the Pyrenees and Cerdanya: when to light your fireplace safely
In the Pyrenees and Cerdanya, the first frosts arrive weeks earlier than on the coast. Before lighting the fireplace for the first time, it is advisable to check the flue, especially in second homes.
Book your chimney sweep in summer and avoid the autumn rush
September and October are the busiest months for chimney sweeps in Catalonia. Booking in summer guarantees you a date and ensures your chimney is ready before the cold weather arrives.
How to store and stack firewood correctly so it dries in time
Firewood should be stacked off the ground, in a well-ventilated place, covered only on top and left to dry for at least a year.
When should you buy firewood for winter? The best time, price and how to choose it
August, September and October are the best months to buy firewood: it is drier, usually cheaper, and more readily available than in the middle of winter.
Wood-burning stove or electric radiators: which is cheaper to heat with
Per kWh generated, a wood-burning stove is usually cheaper than electric radiators, but it requires a higher initial investment, annual maintenance and time spent lighting and feeding the fire.
Why does cold air come down the chimney when it is not lit? Causes and solution
The chimney flue remains connected to the outside even when there is no fire, so cold air can come down it just as smoke goes up it when the fire is lit. A flue damper or adjustable vent is the most common solution.
Carbon monoxide detector: where to install it and how to choose one
The carbon monoxide detector should be installed at breathing height (approx. 1.5 m), near bedrooms, and never right next to the fireplace or stove — there it would only measure the appliance, not the room.
Bioethanol fireplaces: advantages, drawbacks and real maintenance needs
Bioethanol fireplaces do not need a flue or chimney sweeping, but their actual heat output is low and the hourly fuel cost is usually higher than wood or gas.
How much does a wood-burning fireplace cost to run per month? Real consumption and cost calculation
With daily use in winter, a wood-burning fireplace typically consumes between 15 and 25 kg per day. At current prices for quality firewood, that amounts to between €80 and €180 per month depending on the type of wood and the actual hours of use.
Which firewood to burn in your fireplace: oak, holm oak, pine and other woods compared
Holm oak and oak burn slowly and produce more heat per kilogram; pine lights quickly but leaves more creosote if it is not properly seasoned. “Cheap” firewood almost always ends up costing more in maintenance.
