A wood-burning stove is an excellent way to warm your home while also adding ambiance to the room. Whether you're using wood pellets or firewood as the kindling for your fire, you'll need to conduct routine maintenance on your wood-burning stove to prolong the function and safety of the system. Here are a few other things to know about your wood-burning stove.

Do:

Have it Inspected

A WETT certified inspector checks the safety of wood-burning appliances like stoves and fireplaces. If you've bought a home with a wood-burning stove, examining it is essential to purchasing insurance. Old stoves may not be in operating order and could spread pollutants through your house. Before you burn wood pellets in the furnace, get it inspected to make sure it's safe to use.

Clean the Stove Pipe Often

Creosote accumulation can occur when the wood-burning stove isn’t cleaned regularly. If the creosote accumulation ignites while you're using your stove, it could result in an internal chimney fire. There's also a potential of creosote warping your chimney or cracking the pipes. With a little research, you can likely clean the flute yourself using a wire chimney brush.

Don't:

Store Ashes in the Garage

Improper disposal of ashes causes over 10,000 fires per year, according to the NFPA. Wood ashes act as an insulator for fire and can remain lit for up to 4 days. Store ashes in a closed metal container. Never place the metal tin on a deck or inside the garage and store it on a non-combustible surface like concrete, brick, or stone.

Ignore the Stove if it Puffs Smoke Back at You

Back-puffing happens when creosote builds up in the stove. This indicates that the fire you're burning is producing more smoke than the chimney draft can pull out of the furnace. There are multiple reasons for this to happen, and none of them are good. If you notice this happening, call a service technician to diagnose the problem. Don't reignite your stove until they tell you it's safe.

If you need wood pellets to get you through the winter, Bethel Feed & Supply Pet & Garden Center is your trusted supplier. Serving the Clermont County community in Ohio since 1858, they stock a wide selection of inventory, including farm supplies, heating stoves, animal and pet supplies, and gift items. To learn more about their products, visit them online or call (513) 734-2246 to ask about their services.