A Wood Stove is a closed metal box with a high-temperature clear ceramic window that burns wood logs to create heat. A Wood Stove can be a free-standing unit, or it can be a ‘fireplace insert’ which sits inside of a traditional fireplace.
A Wood Stove is different than a wood-burning Fireplace, which may have glass doors, but is not a closed metal box. And it is different than a Pellet Stove, which also has a closed metal box, but rather than burning full logs, a Pellet Stove burns special pieces of formed wood material called “pellets.”
Many homeowners who are concerned about rising oil, gas, and electricity prices have wood burning stoves to help reduce their heating costs, others like the aesthetic value of a wood stove. A wood burning stove must be properly installed and maintained to ensure safe operation.
Routine Care Task
Clean and inspect stove and stovepipe
Priority
Chimney fires can be very dangerous, and this task helps to prevent them.
Timing: |
June (yearly) |
How To Prevent
A professional chimney sweep will thoroughly clean your fireplace and chimney and will check for defects. Or you can do the work yourself, if you have the proper brushes and vacuums and don’t mind the mess or hassle.
The tasks include:
Inspect for creosote deposits in the flue. If greater than 1/8″ in thickness, then the chimney flue should be cleaned.
Check the firebox for damaged brick or mortar.
Check the damper for operation and snug fit. Also inspect for cracks, pitting or rusted-out sections.
Check the flue for broken or damaged bricks on the flue liner. Cracking is a sign that there has been a flue fire and is a potentially serious problem.
Benefits
- Health & Safety
- Avoiding Unscheduled Repairs
- Maintaining Value
- Energy Savings
The benefits of this task are high, as it helps prevent dangerous and costly chimney fires.
Costs
The cost of this task is moderate, and requires the scheduling of a qualified chimney sweep.
To schedule a chimney inspection, cleaning, repair & build out, or dryer vent cleaning & repair and duct cleaning & repair, contact Sweep Dreams Chimney & Ducts today at (320) 252-6242.
Re-posted by: Home Wizard