Safe Operation Of A Woodstove

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Like fireplace, woodstoves have come a long way in efficiency and clean burning since the 1970s. Updated models use less wood to burn hotter and longer with less pollution. Make sure that your woodstove meets code requirements, is properly installed on a fireproof surface and has the clearances from the walls and ceiling that are specified by the manufacturer. A woodstove will burn more efficiently and will be safer if you keep it in top-notch condition.

Here is how:

Clean out the ashes regularly. Wear fireproof gloves and use a long-handled scoop. Place the cool ashes in a fireproof container with a tight lid.

Inspect the catalytic converter regularly. If it appears worn or damaged, replace it. Many newer models burn efficiently enough so they do not need a catalytic converter.

Keep the stove’s surface clean. Touch and restore its shine with stove polish or stove paint. Use only products intended for woodstoves.

Replace worn gaskets. Most woodstoves have gaskets around the doors and other moving parts. As the gaskets wear, they reduce the efficiency of the stove. A woodstove dealer can order replacement gaskets.

Inspect the stovepipe and flue. Have a chimney professional examine and clean the flue and disassemble, inspect and clean the stovepipe at least once a year. More frequently if you use the stove every day in winter. You can learn to inspect and clean the stovepipe yourself. Cover your floor and furniture with plastic because this will get messy. Remove all the screws and set them aside. Put on heavy gloves and pull the pieces of pipe apart. Keep the pieces in order. Clean the insides of the pipe with a pipe brush made for your pipe size. If you replace any pipe pieces, use stovepipe recommended by the manufacturer of your woodstove. Assemble new pipe by sliding the creased end of one piece into the uncreased end of another. Secure each junction by drilling pilot holes and driving in sheet-metal screws.

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