Preparing The Wood Stove For Winter

Ready for cozy winter evenings around the fire? A wood stove expert offers a step-by-step guide for inspecting, cleaning and preparing your wood-burning stove or fireplace for cold weather.

As the winter season draws near, it’s important to prepare certain areas of the home and homestead for safety and efficiency. This includes tasks like cleaning gutters, protecting water pipes and ensuring your wood-burning stove or fireplace is in good working condition.

A clean and well-maintained fireplace is important for keeping you and your home warm. By following the steps included in this article, you can help prevent a devastating house fire while staying cozy during the coldest of days.

A Fireplace Expert Weighs in on How to Prepare Your Wood Stove

Metturan Ketheswaran, CEO of The Great Fire Company, started the company because of his interest in backyard barbecues and grilling. Later, they expanded to add fireplaces, heaters and fire pits to complete the most extravagant outdoor experience.

As the CEO, Ketheswaran supervises the company's product lines and operations to ensure quality, safety and efficient fireplaces for both homes and offices.

“I also enjoy getting involved in product development, marketing and giving advice and support to our customers on the best way to maintain and install fireplaces,” he says.

Because of his expert knowledge, we asked Ketheswaran how to properly clean and prepare a wood-burning stove or fireplace for winter use. 

Step 1: Clean the Chimney

Start by cleaning the soot or creosote buildup inside the chimney. According to Ketheswaran, this step helps to avoid dangerous chimney fires later on.

To clean the chimney, ensure the stove or fireplace is cool. Wear proper safety gear, such as goggles, a mask (like an N95 respirator to protect you from breathing small particles of debris) and thick work gloves.

If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning the chimney, Ketheswaran recommends hiring a professional chimney sweep instead.

How to clean the chimney:

1. Remove the chimney cap.
2. Clean the flue by inserting a brush into the flue and scrub in an upward and downward motion.
3. Clean the damper with a small wire brush.
4. Next, clear ash and debris from the chimney and firebox (more on that in Step 2).

Step 2: Clear Away Ash and Debris

Rake out old ashes, wood debris or leftover materials in the firebox. Carefully scoop the ashes into a metal ash bucket using gloves. Dispose of them only when cool.

Step 3: Check for Damage and Cracks

Check the firebox, door seals and flue for any cracks, warping or rust.

“Just run your hand around the edges and look for visible wear,” instructs Ketheswaran. “Replace or repair the damaged parts for safe operation.”

Step 4: Clean the Glass Door

Using a fireplace glass cleaner, wipe away any soot from the glass. Apply the cleaner and let it dwell for a few minutes. Scrub with a non-abrasive cloth.

How to make a DIY fireplace-safe glass cleaner:

Ingredients

• Distilled white vinegar
• Water

Instructions

1. In a spray bottle, combine 1 tablespoon white vinegar with water (fill with water to the fill line).
2. Gently shake and spray onto the glass door.
3. Wipe away with a microfiber cloth or other non-abrasive cloth.

Step 5: Stockpile and Test Your Firewood

Before winter, it’s important to ensure you have an ample supply of dry, seasoned firewood.

For burning, Ketheswaran recommends stockpiling two specific species of wood.

Softwoods, such as pine, may also be used, but Ketheswaran warns that they are less desirable because they burn more quickly.

Tip: Use a moisture meter, like this one, to confirm the wood has 20% or less moisture content. Wet wood produces excess smoke and is responsible for the build-up of creosote, thus producing a less efficient burn.

For storage, firewood can be stacked in a dry, well-ventilated area, off the ground and covered with a tarp or in a wood shed. Or, if you’re handy, try your hand at building a DIY firewood rack. Cover the top and leave the sides open for airflow.

Learn more in Cutting Firewood Warms You Twice: Tips for Choosing the Best Firewood.

Step 6: Check Air Vents

Check all air vents and dampers to ensure they are in good working condition. Properly functioning air vents and dampers help to regulate airflow while burning wood.

Chimney Inspections

While they are not mandatory, a chimney inspection is highly recommended before lighting your first fire this winter.

“Over time, soot, creosote and debris accumulate in the chimney and can develop into serious fire hazards,” Ketheswaran explains. “In addition, defects such as cracks in the flue or chimney liner allow for hazardous gasses like carbon monoxide to permeate your residence.”

He says an expert inspection ensures that your chimney will be safe and functional throughout the winter season, avoiding a fire hazard and the problems with ventilation.

Related reading: Fire Safety Considerations When Building a New Home.

Before You Light Your First Fire of the Season…

Ketheswaran recommends replacing the batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. This is to keep you safe should a house fire break out or harmful gases be released into indoor air.

Also, consider installing a chimney cap.

“This will help to keep animals and debris out of your chimney, which can impede airflow or form blockages,” concludes Ketheswaran.

About The Great Fire Company

The Great Fire Company provides its customers with a wide range of high-quality heating and BBQ products at competitive prices, and delivers them quickly and efficiently. They strive to be a one-stop shop for all of their customers’ heating and BBQ needs.

To learn more, you can visit thegreatfirecompany.com.