HETAS stove maintenance and service course

Keeping the Fire Burning Bright: My Experience at the HETAS Maintenance and Service Course

I recently had the pleasure of attending a two-day HETAS Maintenance and Service course in Milton Keynes—a fantastic opportunity to refresh and deepen my knowledge of stove maintenance. As any modern chimney sweep will tell you, staying up-to-date with the latest best practices is essential to providing safe, efficient, and reliable service to customers. This course was a perfect mix of theory and hands-on learning, and I came away with valuable insights and skills.

A Solid Foundation in Stove Safety and Efficiency

The course kicked off with in-depth theoretical sessions that covered key areas such as:

• Outlet regulations

• Hearth and appliance siting requirements

• Combustion and flue principles

• Ventilation needs

These are all fundamental elements that ensure a stove functions both safely and efficiently, and understanding them in detail is crucial when advising customers or diagnosing issues. The theory sessions concluded with a written assessment, and I’m proud to say I achieved a 100%.

Hands-On Practice: Where the Real Learning Happens

While the theory was important, the practical sessions were where the course really came to life. We got stuck into the kind of everyday maintenance tasks that many homeowners encounter:

• Replacing door rope gaskets

• Fitting new stove door glass

• Swapping out damaged or worn fire bricks

We also tackled some more advanced skills, including:

• Drilling out seized fixings

• Rethreading damaged components

These more technical jobs can be challenging—especially when dealing with older or well-used stoves so getting practical experience in a training environment was incredibly valuable.

Learning with Fellow Sweeps

Beyond the skills and knowledge gained, one of the most rewarding aspects of the course was simply being in the company of fellow chimney sweeps. It’s not every day that we get to come together, share experiences, swap tips, and support each other in our ongoing professional development. The camaraderie made the two days all the more enjoyable.

Bringing It All Back Home

Whether you’re a homeowner looking for peace of mind or someone curious about what goes into professional stove maintenance, I hope this gives you a glimpse into the level of training and care we sweeps invest in our work. After all, your safety and the health of your appliance are always the priority.

If your stove is due for a service or if you’ve noticed any issues then feel free to get in touch. I’m now even better equipped to keep your stove in tip-top condition!

by Alastair at amber chimney sweeps - click here to visit main website