Keeping your wood stove insert properly maintained is the key to a long-lasting, efficiently burning wood stove.  Periodically, you want to do a physical inspection of the various parts.  Doing this will ensure a long life for your wood stove, and many years of contentment as you watch others continue to pay high utility bills.

What You Should DO to Keep Non-catalytic Wood Stove Inserts Properly Maintained:

• DO check all gaskets annually. Repair or replace frayed,
  warped, or worn material. Broken glass (if your stove has
  glass windows) should be replaced immediately. Hints: One
  way to test the tightness of a gasket seal is to close the
  door on a dollar bill. Pull gently on the dollar bill. If
  it pulls easily out of place, the seal isn’t tight and the
  gasket should be replaced. Repeat this test in several
  locations to check the seal all around the door.

Gaskets and glass windows in good condition will
provide an airtight seal and prevent leaks. Leaks will
reduce your stove’s efficiency and may create indoor air
pollution problems.

• DO check seams on cast iron stoves annually. Re-cement as
  necessary.

As will gaskets, seams are areas where leaks can
develop.

• DO check the wood-loading door and the ash drawer for
  tightness; adjust as necessary.

These two areas are subject to warp or worn
gaskets. Poor fit may result in over-heating or may allow
smoke to escape into the room.

• DO check air controls to make sure that parts move freely.

Pieces of bark, ash, or charred wood may become
lodged in the sliding mechanisms. Exact amounts of
combustion air are essential for your non-catalytic stove
to achieve high efficiency and reduce pollution.

• DO check the secondary air holes for plugging; clean with a
  wire brush as necessary. Each week operate the stove in a
  “hot” mode for 30 to 45 minutes.

Nozzles and secondary air holes must remain
unclogged to maintain combustion airflow. When these become
clogged, secondary combustion won’t occur. Hot fires will
burn off the accumulated creosote that brushing can’t
remove.

• DO consult your owner’s manual for other periodic
  inspection tips on how to replace worn and broken parts.
  Replace firebrick and other insulating materials when you
  see crumbling or other signs of deterioration.

Failing to replace a part will cost you more in
the long run. For all models, parts should be available
from the dealer.

• DO check the baffle of your stove for warpage. Contact the
  manufacturer if this occurs.

The airflow within your stove will be distorted if
the baffle is warped. This condition can be corrected by
replacing the baffle.

• DO check the flue twice a month and have it cleaned at
  least once a year. After cleaning, check the seals and retighten
  joints in the flue and to the stove.

Buildup of creosote on the flue walls can reignite
and cause fires. Tight seals and joints prevent
leaks.

• DO make sure the thermostat (if your stove is equipped with
  one) is working properly; replace as necessary. Refer to
  parts list in your owner’s manual.

A broken thermostat can prevent air inlets and
dampers from opening or closing automatically.

What You Should NOT DO to Keep Non-catalytic Wood Stove Inserts Properly Maintained:

• DO NOT remove or tamper with the preset operating or
  temperature controls.

It’s against the law, it will void your stove’s
warranty, and it will create a safety hazard. The stove
will be less efficient and more expensive to operate.
Thermostats control either primary or secondary air, or
both. Tampering may ruin the precisely designed secondary
combustion capabilities, resulting in lower efficiencies,
higher operating costs, and greater pollution.

Operating Non-Catalytic Wood Stove Inserts offers tips on day to day operation of wood stove inserts.