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A wood-burning stove is the epitome of ‘cozy’ during the winter. But without proper maintenance, those lazy nights by the fire can quickly turn into fire hazards; in fact, The Chimney Safety Institute of America reports that chimney fires were responsible for over 22,700 residential fires in between 2010 and 2012, resulting in almost $112 million in damages and 10 deaths.
The best way to keep your home and family safe from chimney fires is to ensure regular, thorough maintenance of the stove, chimney and any related parts. Now is the time to get that chimney swept!
Your wood-burning stove is designed to last for decades. But that kind of longevity only happens if you do your part in caring for the unit and using it properly. Here are a few tips to remember:
It’s always important to do a quick inspection of the chimney before you use it. Look at the stove pipe where it connects to the chimney — you are looking for any signs of corrosion or other wear. Look for cracks on the inside of the stove. Ensure the baffles aren’t damaged. Inspect the door gaskets by placing a dollar bill between the door and the stove, then close the door and try to pull the dollar out. If you can pull it out, it’s time to replace the door gasket.
If it’s the dead of winter and the chimney is in constant use, look for potential problems on a regular basis. The most important point about do-it-yourself chimney and stove inspections is simply knowing your unit. Over time you will know very well what it should look like, which areas should be hot, and even what the metal will sound like as it expands. If something seems a little off, it probably is.
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Though there is a great deal you can do on your own to ensure safety, nothing beats a thorough inspection and cleaning from a certified chimney sweep. These experts know what to look for when peering into the chimney, and they can spot problems that most homeowners might miss.
To make sure you are hiring a reputable chimney sweep, follow these guidelines:
Even if you do everything right with your wood-burning stove and chimney, problems can still occur. To protect yourself and your family, the National Fire Protection Association recommends placing a smoke detector in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every floor of the home, including the basement. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home and outside of each sleeping area as well.
For even more protection, make sure they are on an interconnected system; when one sounds, they all do.
Now that you know what to do to keep up with stove and chimney maintenance, get started! There is no time like right now to make sure your home is safe and your heating is as efficient as it can be.
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This post was last modified on March 22, 2017 1:09 pm
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