Signs You Need To Have Your Wood Stove Cleaned Out By A Chimney Sweep

A wood stove can be a great source of heat on cold winter nights. However, like any other heating system, it requires regular maintenance. One of the most important aspects of maintaining a wood stove is having it cleaned out by a chimney sweep.

Here are some signs that your wood stove may need to be cleaned, as well as the benefits of having this work done.

Increase in Smoke

If you start to notice a larger amount of smoke coming from your wood stove than usual, this may be a sign that your stove needs to be cleaned. This is often caused by a buildup of creosote, which is a byproduct of burning wood. Creosote buildup can be dangerous as it can lead to a chimney fire. An increase in smoke is also dangerous to your overall indoor air quality, so don't ignore this chimney cleaning sign. 

Burning Odors

If you notice a strong odor when you light a fire in your wood stove, this may be a sign of a buildup of creosote or other debris. This can be harmful to breathe in, and can also be a fire hazard.

Difficulty Starting a Fire

If you're having trouble getting a fire to start in your wood stove, it may be time to have it cleaned. Debris buildup can prevent proper airflow, which can lead to difficulty in lighting a fire.

Less Heat

If you notice that your wood stove seems to be producing less heat than usual, this could be a sign that it needs to be cleaned. Debris buildup can prevent proper airflow, which can reduce the efficiency of your wood stove and increase your heating costs.

Benefits of Having Your Wood Stove Cleaned Out

There are many benefits to having your wood stove inspected and cleaned by a chimney sweep. Explore the following benefits to see how they can serve you. 

Safety

One of the main benefits of having your wood stove cleaned out is safety. Creosote buildup can be a fire hazard, and regularly having your wood stove cleaned out by a chimney sweep can prevent chimney fires. A chimney sweep professional best cleans out creosote to ensure all the debris is removed and your wood stove is ready for regular use again.

Efficiency

Having your wood stove cleaned out can also improve the efficiency of your stove. Debris buildup can prevent proper airflow, which can lead to reduced heating efficiency and increased heating costs. Over time, the lack of airflow makes it difficult to use your wood stove at all!

Longevity

Regularly having your wood stove cleaned out can also extend its lifespan. This is because debris buildup can cause damage to the stove's internal workings if left unchecked for too long. The more frequently you have your wood stove serviced and cleaned, the longer your investment in this home heating unit will last. 

Convenience

Finally, having your wood stove cleaned out by a professional chimney sweep can save you time and effort. Trying to clean out your own wood stove can be a messy and time-consuming task, and is best left to the experts.

Having your wood stove cleaned out by a chimney sweep is an important aspect of maintaining your home heating system. Signs that your wood stove needs to be cleaned include an increase in smoke, burning odors, difficulty starting a fire, and less heat. The benefits of having your wood stove cleaned out include improved safety, increased efficiency, extended lifespan, and increased convenience.

If you notice any of the above signs, be sure to schedule an appointment with our team of specialists at Pro Sweep Chimney Service to have your wood stove cleaned out.