Firewood, Chimneys and Winter Heating: What to Check Before the Cold Arrives

The occasional dusting on the hills suggest winter is certainly gearing up for that ulimate cold snap.

As the days start getting shorter across Marlborough and the evenings turn cooler, many homeowners begin thinking about lighting their first fire of the season (yes, we’ve all noticed the dusting of snow appearing on the surrounding hills).

There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a wood fire on a cold South Island night, but before winter truly sets in, it’s worth taking a little time to make sure everything is ready.

In our experience, a small amount of preparation in autumn can make a huge difference once the colder months arrive. A well-prepared fireplace burns more efficiently, produces better heat, and is far safer for your home.

If you’re planning to rely on a wood burner this winter, here’s a simple autumn fireplace checklist to make sure your firewood, chimney, and fireplace are all ready for the season ahead.

1. Check Your Leftover Firewood From Last Year

Many Marlborough households like to buy their firewood early and stack it well ahead of winter. If you still have wood left over from last season, it’s worth checking its condition before relying on it for the colder months.

In our experience, properly stored firewood can last for years and often burns even better after sitting through a dry summer. However, the key factor is how the wood has been stored.

Take a few minutes to inspect your pile and look for signs that the wood is still good to burn:

• Logs should feel light and dry, not heavy or damp.

• The ends of the wood should show small cracks, which indicate seasoning.

• When two pieces are knocked together, dry wood produces a sharp, hollow sound.

If some pieces feel damp or soft, it’s best to set them aside or give them additional drying time before using them indoors.

2. Restack Your Woodpile for Airflow

Over time, firewood stacks can shift or settle, especially after months of sitting untouched. If your pile has become tightly packed or partially collapsed, it may not be getting enough airflow.

Air circulation is one of the most important factors in keeping firewood dry. In our experience, wood that is stacked correctly continues to season and stays in far better condition.

A good firewood stack should:

• Sit off the ground on pallets or rails

• Allow space between rows for airflow

• Be covered on top but open on the sides

• Be positioned where it can get sunlight and wind

Taking the time to restack your woodpile in autumn helps keep the remaining supply dry and ready to burn when the colder weather arrives.

3. Make Sure You Have Enough Firewood for Winter

One of the most common issues we see every year is homeowners running out of firewood halfway through winter.

Once temperatures drop across Marlborough, demand for firewood increases quickly.

Deliveries can become limited, and prices often rise as people rush to restock.

In our experience, the best approach is to secure your winter supply early. Buying firewood in autumn ensures you have a reliable supply ready to go and gives the wood extra time to continue seasoning before it’s used.

Every household is different, but the amount of firewood needed for winter usually depends on:

• The size of your home

• The insulation level of the house

• How often the fire is used

• The efficiency of your wood burner

If you rely heavily on your fireplace for heating, it’s always better to have more wood than you think you’ll need rather than scrambling for extra in the middle of winter. We suggest always supporing local firewood suppliers who know exactly what you will require for your region.

4. Book Your Annual Chimney Sweep

Checking your firewood is only one part of getting ready for winter. Just as important is making sure your chimney and fireplace are clean and operating safely.

When wood burns, it naturally produces soot and creosote, which gradually build up inside the chimney. If this buildup becomes too thick, it can restrict airflow and increase the risk of chimney fires.

In our experience, many homeowners don’t realise how quickly this residue can accumulate over a single winter season.

Having your chimney professionally swept helps:

• Remove soot and creosote buildup

• Improve airflow and fire performance

• Reduce smoke entering your home

• Lower the risk of chimney fires

Most professionals recommend having your chimney swept at least once a year, ideally before the start of winter when fireplaces begin to see regular use again.

5. Check Your Fireplace and Surroundings

Autumn is also a good time to give your fireplace a quick safety check before lighting the first fire of the season.

Look for things such as:

• Ash buildup inside the firebox

• Damaged fire bricks

• Cracks in the chimney surround

• Blocked flues or vents

Removing old ash and making sure everything is in good working condition helps your fire burn more efficiently and safely.

6. Test Your First Fire Before the Cold Hits

Before the coldest weather arrives, it’s worth lighting a small test fire to make sure everything is functioning as it should.

In our experience, this simple step can highlight issues early, such as poor airflow, smoke entering the room, or damp wood, before you rely on the fireplace for regular heating.

A small early-season burn helps confirm that your firewood, chimney, and fireplace are all working together properly.

Getting Ready for Winter in Marlborough

Autumn is the ideal time to prepare your fireplace for the colder months ahead. A quick check of your firewood supply, chimney, and fireplace setup now can save you inconvenience later when winter truly arrives.

Across Marlborough, wood fires remain one of the most reliable and comfortable ways to heat a home during the colder months. With a little preparation, you can make sure your fire burns cleanly, efficiently, and keeps your household warm throughout the season.

In our experience, the homes that enjoy the best winter fires are the ones that take the time to prepare early.