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.