Wood Stove Maintenance Checklist
1. Check all gaskets annually. Repair or replace frayed, warped, or worn material. Broken
glass (if your stove has glass windows) should be replaced immediately.
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.
2. Check seams on cast iron stoves annually. Re-cement as necessary. As with
gaskets, seams are areas where leaks can develop.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 your dealer.
7. Check the baffle of your stove for warpage. Contact the manufacturer or your dealer 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.
8. Check the flue twice a month and have it cleaned at least once a year. After cleaning,
check the seals and re-tighten joints in the flue and to the stove. Buildup of creosote on
the flue walls can re-ignite and cause fires. Tight seals and joints prevent leaks.
9. 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.
10. Don’t 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.
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.
glass (if your stove has glass windows) should be replaced immediately.
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.
2. Check seams on cast iron stoves annually. Re-cement as necessary. As with
gaskets, seams are areas where leaks can develop.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 your dealer.
7. Check the baffle of your stove for warpage. Contact the manufacturer or your dealer 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.
8. Check the flue twice a month and have it cleaned at least once a year. After cleaning,
check the seals and re-tighten joints in the flue and to the stove. Buildup of creosote on
the flue walls can re-ignite and cause fires. Tight seals and joints prevent leaks.
9. 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.
10. Don’t 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.
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.
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Alternative-Heating-Info.com
Routine wood stove maintenance
will keep it burning cleanly,
efficiently, and save you money.
Not only will you have a safer
wood burning experience, but
every percentage point of fuel
efficiency you retain represents
an equal amount of wood you
won't be burning this season.
You don't have to be a wood
heat expert to maintain your
stove, but if this is your first time
around, it's probably a good idea
to consult your owner's manual
so you don't miss anything.
will keep it burning cleanly,
efficiently, and save you money.
Not only will you have a safer
wood burning experience, but
every percentage point of fuel
efficiency you retain represents
an equal amount of wood you
won't be burning this season.
You don't have to be a wood
heat expert to maintain your
stove, but if this is your first time
around, it's probably a good idea
to consult your owner's manual
so you don't miss anything.
