We live on a farm near Hastings in Hawke's Bay. We have a wood burner that was installed a few years ago and is relatively new. I'm not sure if it is one of the modern low-emission ones or not. There is no direct exit inside it to the chimney. I don't know how it works.

In any case it is working like crap now. It barely draws unless there is already a hot fire burning and when the front is open most of the smoke goes into the house. Small sticks still burn well, but larger pieces just smolder. It used to be much better.

I want to get this attended to in the warmer weather when we don't use the heater. I want to have the chimney swept but the heater itself also looked at and maintained if necessary. We never had this kind of problem with the old one. I have looked on-line and found some local companies advertising this kind of service. Is there anything special I should know/watch out for and does anyone have any recommendations?