Warm weather may finally be here. That means you won’t be burning your wood stove inserts much more until the fall. No more shoveling ashes out of the stove and into the metal bucket. But, before you think you are done for the year, remember you still have to complete some seasonal maintenance.

Some of the cleaning and maintenance is specific to your wood burning fireplace insert. Other things are necessary for anyone who uses their wood stove inserts all season. Check your owner’s manual.

At a minimum, complete the following maintenace items in order to keep your wood stove at peak performance. Your wood stove will last much longer if you keep it clean.

1.   Clean the chimney.

You can hire a local chimney sweep to do this for you. A local contractor may also offer a package deal to you – clean the chimney and your wood stove insert. If this is your first year burning wood, you may want to hire a professional. Watch how they clean the chimney and stove. Maybe you can do it the following year.

2.   Clean your stove thoroughly.

Before you clean the glass in the door, make sure the stove is completely cooled off. If you have creosote/soot on the glass, you can purchase a ceramic glass cleaner. Some people use a vinegar and water solution.

3.   Clean the fan blower if one is present.

4.   Check your stove for worn or loose parts, such as bolts, etc. Replace worn gaskets.

5.   Touch up any chipped paint if necessary.

Check the manual that came with your wood stove insert. The manufacturers sometimes have specific things that are required  in order to keep your wood stove operating at its peak performance.