Get Your Stove Ready for Winter: Tips for Safety & Efficiency

As the weather cools down, it's time to crank up your stove and keep your family warm and comfortable. But before you fire up your heating system—whether it's wood, pellets, or gas—take a few moments to check for safety and efficiency.

1. Get a Carbon Monoxide DetectorCarbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless poison gas that’s produced when burning fuels like natural gas, oil, wood, or propane. It can seep into your home if your chimney is blocked or if your stove is malfunctioning. If you don’t already have a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home, now is the time to get one. These inexpensive devices can alert you if dangerous gases are present, helping keep your family safe.

2. Check Your ChimneyBurning wood can create creosote, a flammable substance that builds up in chimneys and flues. The EPA warns that creosote can block your chimney, reducing stove efficiency or allowing carbon monoxide to enter your home. If your chimney isn’t as clean as it should be, hire a professional chimney sweep. You can find certified sweeps near you on the Chimney Safety Institute of America’s website: www.csia.org.

3. Maintain Your StoveEven a small buildup of soot—just 1/10th of an inch—can reduce your stove's efficiency by up to 50%. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your stove running efficiently. Here’s how to stay on top of it:

​Wood Stoves

• Daily: Check the firebox and stove walls for soot buildup and clean if needed.
• Weekly: Inspect the stovepipe for cracks or corrosion.
• Monthly: Check for cracks in the metal or other damage.

Pellet Stoves

• Daily: Empty the ash pan and remove any ash, pellet dust, or debris from the hopper.
• Weekly: Clean the heat exchanger to keep it clear of buildup.
• Monthly: Clean the glass with a standard glass cleaner to remove soot.

Gas Stoves

• Monthly: Inspect the area near the pilot light for any spider webs, as tiny "gas spiders" can block the flame and prevent it from relighting properly.
  
  

Warm Your Hands and Heart at Heart Line Stove Shop
The Hearth and Home Department at Heart Line Stove Shop has everything you need to keep your home warm and cozy this winter—from stoves and parts to accessories and pellets, available by the bag or pallet. Our hearth experts are here to help you find the perfect stove and answer any questions you have.
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Heart Line Stove Shop Tips

• Efficiently running stoves can decrease harmful particles in your home by up to 70%.
• Wood-burning and pellet stoves can dry out the air in your home. Place a teakettle on top of your stove to add moisture—and a bit of country charm—back into the air.
• Burn dry wood and pellets to avoid creosote buildup and keep your stove running smoothly.

Ready to Stay Warm and Safe This Winter?
​Ensure your stove is running at its best with the help of Heart Line Stove Shop. Whether you need maintenance tips, parts, or a new stove, our experts are here to guide you. Visit us today or give us a call at 603-532-4513 to schedule your stove service or get answers to all your heating questions.