If you heat your home or sauna with a wood-burning stove, you may be wondering if there are any maintenance tricks to live by that will get you more mileage out of your stove. We've put together a few tips and tricks you can stash away in your mind for the next time you send sparks flying in your stove or fireplace.
SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF Unwelcome Smoke
Are you having a hard time with smoke seeping into your home every time you try to light a fire? Try cracking a door or window that is adjacent to the stove. This will increase the air pressure and draft in the house, which will push the smoke up the chimney.
Wood stove tools make all the difference
Having the proper tools for your fireplace will make it easier and cleaner to burn wood. Essential wood stove tools to have on hand are a poker, tongs, shovel, and ash broom. Don't forget the spark guard and grate! Grates allow for more airflow around and into a fire, giving you a more radiant heat. If you don't have a grate or it's time to get a new one, a good rule of thumb to remember is the taller the grate – the better.
Is your chimney cap fitted properly?
Check the fittings of your chimney caps regularly to make sure they fit properly. Chimney caps will keep animals and water from getting into your chimney. They are also an excellent spark arrestor – catching any rouge sparks and minimizing the likelihood of house fires.
Regular inspections are your best friend
Did you know that The National Fire Protection Association Standard says that "Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents should be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary."
Set aside the time and make sure you have your chimney inspected every year. Doing this will give you peace of mind knowing you and your family will be safe and warm during the winter months and you don't have to worry about house fires starting from common chimney problems like creosote buildup.
When it comes to heating your home with wood, safety is everything. If you like the tips we shared here, you can read more here and here. Tell us – do you have any good tips or tricks that we didn't mention above?