John Chimney Services Ltd

26/05/2026

28/08/2025

Sooooo much soot , any chance of getting Lorry in the drive ? 😂😂😂

17/02/2025

Domestic combustion emissions fall below road transport emissions for first time since records began


In their annual emissions report, figures from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) reveal that annual PM2.5 and PM10 emissions from domestic combustion have continued to decrease, falling below road transport emissions in 2023. The 2023 figures are the most recent covered by this report – each annual report collates estimates from the prior year (then are published in February the following year) to monitor progress against the UK’s emission reduction targets.

Comparing the rate of improvement, the domestic burning sector appears to have made better progress than the transport sector – although the challenges faced by each sector are very different. It highlights the significant improvements the industry has made in reducing overall air quality impacts from domestic solid fuel and biomass combustion.

Domestic combustion is defined in the report as “households burning a variety of fuels including wood, solid smokeless fuels, coal and fuels derived from waste such as coffee logs” – this includes unregulated practices such as bonfires, firepits, and barbecues. It’s important to remember that this term encompasses much more than households warming their homes with a wood burner.


Key statistics


Domestic combustion particulate emissions have decreased since 2022.

In 2023 (the most recent data available), domestic combustion contributed to:
20% of total PM2.5 emissions
10% of total PM10 emissions
2022’s data stated that domestic combustion contributed to 29% of total PM2.5 emissions and 15% of total PM10 emissions. This year’s report shows a significant improvement.

To read our full response to the publication visit the HETAS website.

06/01/2025

Top tips for getting the most out of your wood burning stove this winter!

1.Use dry kindling to light your stove
Lighting your fire with fast-burning kindling heats the firebox quickly. You’re essentially getting your stove heated up so your logs have less work to do.

2. Use seasoned wood
Wood burns far more efficiently when it has been seasoned. That means chopped, split and left to dry for at least a year. The reduced moisture levels mean you get more from your wood.

3. Use free wood
If you’re inclined to collect your wood from fallen trees, you can reduce the cost of your fuel to absolutely nothing.

4. Choose what type of wood to burn carefully
Different types of wood have a different burn. How quickly it burn and how much heat it gives off has a big impact on the performance of your stove. Ash, beech, apple, birch or hawthorn would be a good starting point.

5. Open the vents when lighting your stove
It’s common sense really, but sometimes people forget their school science lessons when confronted with a new stove. Open both air vents on your stove when lighting the fire because the oxygen will help the fire to get going.

6. Close the bottom air vent once the stove is going
Once the logs are burning well, close the bottom (primary) vent. This stops the wood from disappearing too fast and gives a steadier burn.

7. Wait for the logs to burn down before reloading
It’s nice to look at roaring flames, but as long as your logs are burning they are still heating your stove and, as a result, heating your room. Wait until the logs have been reduced to embers before adding more logs.

8. Remove your ashes – but not all of them
A thin bed of ashes can help your stove to burn well. Too much will block the flow of air and damage the efficiency of the stove though. It is important to find the right balance.

9. Get your chimney swept
The draw of air up your chimney is vital in ensuring the efficiency of your wood burner. Call upon the services of a chimney sweep at least once a year, twice if you’re a prolific stove user, to ensure there is no blockages.

10. Improve your insulation!

12/12/2024

Cinio heddiw am change !
Scotch egg gora yn gogledd Cymru?

18/11/2024

If you have a flexible stainless steel liner and are insisting on burning coal, in my experience this is the best option as it doesn’t have additional nasty chemicals in it!!!
So your liner should last a while longer!!!

A natural smokeless fuel, ideal for use in cookers, boilers and other closed appliances. Please note this product is only available at certain depots.

08/11/2024

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqxwg3pjxleo.amp

Some great news!!!

There had been concerns that a ban on wood and peat burners would have a negative impact on people living in rural areas.

08/11/2024

Great start for the day no point servicing this!!!
It’s not even connected to the chimney 😩😭

06/11/2024

No fire tonight then!