Wednesday 26 September 2012

Extended opening hours

When the weather gets colder, we get busier!  In order to be able to offer our customers the time and attention that buying a fire or stove can require, we're increasing our opening hours during October and November.  We'll be opening on Sundays from 12-4pm starting on October 7 which we hope will give you more time to come and pay us a visit when it suits you. 

Customers are often surprised by the range of fires and stoves we have on offer when they come to the shop - it's a bit like a Tardis!.  We have four showrooms with a huge variety of modern, antique and reproduction fireplaces.  One showroom is dedicated to stoves with more than sixty models on show including a great selection of woodburners approved by Defra for use in London.

Westcombes opening hours 

Monday - Saturday 10 am - 6 pm

Sundays during October and November - 12 - 4pm

Wednesday 12 September 2012

Talking wood...

We've been selling kiln-dried logs at Westcombes for more than a year now, and we are completely converted.

When people have problems lighting fires and stoves, it's often a wood problem rather than a stove or fire problem, especially if they've been buying bags of logs from local garages.  We know it's often convenient to pick up a bag when you're filling up with petrol, but the logs may have been sitting out in the rain and aren't always seasoned.  When logs are cut they contain a surprising amount of water, and it can take up to two years for them to dry out properly.

It's harder to light damp wood, and the water means you get a smoky fire which produces more soot and tar.  This is not only less efficient and less environmentally friendly,  it can actually be dangerous - the soot and tar can clog the chimney, and that in turn can increase the risk of a chimney fire.

Our kiln-dried logs are sourced from sustainable British woodlands.  They're produced by Certainly Wood who air dry them before putting them into a wood-fired kiln to get rid of excess moisture.   We love them - and we're sure you will too!

We offer free local delivery on orders of ten bags of logs or more, and if you order twenty bags, we'll give you a free bag of logs too.  We also stock kindling and natural firelighters - why not give them a try and see what you think.

Wednesday 5 September 2012

Gas safety

Next Monday marks the start of Gas Safety week, and a campaign aimed at educating people about how to ensure that their gas appliances are safe.  Here at Westcombes, we sell a range of gas fires and stoves and only recommend using properly qualified and registered fitters and installing a carbon monoxide alarm to ensure that your appliance is working properly.  We're proud to be the only fire and stove retailer in South East London approved by HETAS - the body which approves heating appliances, fuels and services.

When a fire or stove isn't properly fitted or doesn't work properly, it can leak carbon monoxide, posing a serious health hazard.  Carbon monoxide doesn't smell and can't be seen, so you may be completely unaware of the risk if you don't have an alarm.  Carbon monoxide causes headaches and dizziness, nausea and breathlessness and it can be fatal.

It's really important to use gas safely in your home and if you want more information, you can visit the Gas Safety Week website.