Wood stoves are an excellent addition to any home. They add warmth and ambiance to the house, making the environment cozier, more comfortable, and welcoming. However, as with any type of fireplace, there are a few points you need to know for proper upkeep. Wood stoves require regular maintenance to ensure they work safely and efficiently year-round.

Do:

Keep the hearth clear.

In case you’re unfamiliar, hearth pads or hearth boards are the materials used under and around wood stoves to protect the floors and walls from sparks and embers. Keep this area clear, particularly of any flammable materials like books, magazines, or other knick-knacks. If you’re installing a new wood stove, make sure it complies with regulations, and there is enough space around it. Typically, the hearth should extend at least 150mm from the sides of the stove and 300mm from the front.

Clean out ashes after they’ve sat.

Stay on top of ash build-up. Never burn consecutive fires without cleaning out the ashes first. When wood stoves have too many ashes, it increases the amount of smoke with each fire and restricts the flow of oxygen. Wait until the fire is completely out and cool before shoveling the ashes out. Store them in a metal container a safe distance from your home.

Don’t:

Use liquid accelerates.

Never use lighter fluid, kerosene, gasoline, or any other type of liquid accelerate to ignite fires in wood stoves. Doing so can be extremely dangerous and lead to carbon monoxide generation. Make sure these highly flammable liquids aren’t kept anywhere near the stove, either.

Skip professional inspections.

You should hire a professional for fireplace cleaning and servicing for wood stoves at least once a year. However, the frequency depends largely on usage. Annual inspections should be scheduled with an experienced chimney cleaning company.

Abbey Road Chimney Sweeps has served Dayton, OH, since 1982. They are a locally-owned and family-operated company that offers their employees continuous education to keep them knowledgeable on all chimney and stove services. If you need help maintaining your wood stove, call them today at 937-833-0505 or visit their website to learn more about their services!