A wood stove is a high-quality heat source that’s dependable, clean-burning, and affordable to operate. On top of that, burning a fire in a wood stove makes any home feel cozy and inviting and fills the air with a rich, natural earthiness. To keep your stove in safe, reliable working order, routine maintenance is needed. Below are a few do’s and don'ts to bear in mind.

Do:

Have the stove inspected.

At least once a year, schedule an inspection to ensure your wood stove is in good condition and operating safely. An inspector will check for signs of damage, creosote buildup, soot accumulation, and obstructions that prevent stoves from working correctly. They’ll also advise you of next steps to take, which may include a chimney cleaning, installation of replacement parts, or relocation of combustible objects near the stove.

Clean the stovepipe.

The stovepipe connects the top of a wood stove to the ceiling or wall where it links up with the chimney. To clean it, remove the pipe and take it outside. Position a bag or bucket at one end to collect the creosote—a buildup of smoky residue from burning wood. Use a long wire brush to scrub the creosote from the interior of the pipe.

Don't:

Store ashes in the garage.

Never store ashes in the garage, in another part of the home, or outside near wood or kindling. Ashes from a wood stove may spark a fire even if only one tiny ember continues to burn. Ashes may appear dead but reignite in a flash when air hits them. Only handle ashes that are cool to the touch. Use a shovel or ash scoop to place them in a metal bucket. Wet them thoroughly with water, and dispose of them in an outdoor trash can.

Ignore the stove if it puffs smoke into the room.

Back-puffing is a sign that the fire is producing smoke at a faster rate than the chimney can accommodate and remove. It’s a potential health and safety hazard and should never be ignored. If smoke begins to fill a room, put the fire out, and contact a chimney repair professional. You may need a new flue or pipe or a blockage cleared.

When you need wood stove service, contact Abbey Road Chimney Sweeps. Since 1982, they’ve been serving the Greater Dayton, OH, area, offering chimney repairs and sweeping, vent and fireplace cleaning, inspections, and tuck-pointing. Call the locally owned and family-operated company at (937) 833-0505 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online for an overview of their services.