Wood Stove
Routine Care Task
Clean and inspect stove and stovepipe
Chimney fires can be very dangerous, and this task helps to prevent them.
Priority
Timing: June (yearly)
NOTE: The tasks and timings shown here for your Wood Stove are based on a single-family home located in Massachusetts with a default set of home care goals and priorities.
If you setup your Home-Wizard personal home manager for a different location with different home care goals, your recommended home care program can have different tasks and timings for your {home feature}.
How To
A professional chimney sweep will thoroughly clean your fireplace and chimney and will check for defects, typically for about $90 to $150. 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.
Helpful Accessories
Use black gasket fo better aesthetics and higher performance
consumer reviews, choices, prices
Allows you to properly use and maintain your woodstove
consumer reviews, choices, prices
Wood piles should be kept at least 6 inches off the ground
consumer reviews, choices, prices
Reduces chimney fire caused by creosote
consumer reviews, choices, prices
Seals heated air if fireplace is not in use
consumer reviews, choices, prices
Benefits
The benefits of this task are high, as it helps prevent dangerous and costly chimney fires.
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Health & Safety
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Avoiding Unscheduled Repairs
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Maintaining Value
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Energy Savings
Costs
The cost of this task is moderate, and requires the scheduling of a qualified chimney sweep.