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August 22, 2011
Although many of the models available today have air washed glass doors you will find it necessary to clean wood stove or fireplace glass on a regular basis. Be sure that you follow the proper procedures and use only fireplace glass cleaner. Standard glass cleaner has not been formulated for use with the glass installed on wood stoves, gas stoves and fireplaces.
Fireplace Glass Cleaning in Four Easy Steps
1) Decide whether you will take the door off, remove the glass or simply leave it as is during the cleaning process.
2) Place a circle or spot of fireplace glass cleaner (about 2” in diameter) onto a clean cloth or paper towel.
3) Rub the glass in an oval pattern, being sure to reach all of the edges and corners.
4) Let dry and wipe off with a clean cloth. If you can still see carbon on the glass repeat the second and third step again until the area is completely clean.
February 24, 2011
A glass front on your fireplace or wood stove allows for a clear view of the fire and lets you enjoy the flames properly. After the first few uses your glass front will become dirty from the soot and smoke. When green or wet wood is burned, the emissions are thicker and the glass will get dirty much faster.
Your fireplace retailer or stove shop will carry a specialty fireplace glass cleaner that should be used with a clean rag to wipe away the soot build up. Slower burns and inadequate draft conditions will also cause the glass to get dirty quicker and result in more frequent cleanings.
Look for models with air washed glass to cut down on the maintenance required. These units always deliver a clear view of dancing flames and will self clean as long as seasoned, dry hardwood is used and the proper draft is provided.
November 30, 2010
Fireplace Village provides safety inspection and cleaning service for wood burning stoves and wood inserts. The service encompasses the following items and include the chimney and venting system. Fireplace Village and the National Fireplace Institute recommend annual inspection and cleaning of wood burning appliances. The service fee is $199.
1) Clean glass and interior creosote buildup
2) Clean exterior of unit
3) Inspect blowers, if applicable
4) Inspect clearances
5) Inspect air shutter operation
6) Inspect baffles
7) Inspect gaskets (replacement gaskets may be ordered at additional charge)
8)Inspect secondary burn chambers and air exchange tubes
9) Inspect insulating blankets
10) Inspect firebrick, grates, soapstone for warping of steel or cast iron parts
11) Inspect handles
12) Inspect brackets, bolts, screws for rust
13) Inspect catalysts, if applicable
14) Inspect damper control assembly
15) Inspect stones and bricks for wear
16) Vacuum firebox
17) Inspect for sooting and fly ash formation
18) Inspect all seals
19) Inspect quality and storage of wood
20) Instruct homeowner on operational procedures for best performance
21) Advise homeowner of maintenance requirements
22) Clean venting
23) Clean clean-out (ash dump cleaning additional charge)
Chimney Inspection (all items below only if readily accessible)
24) Inspect venting seals, if applicable
25) Inspect liner
26) Inspect chimney cap
27) Inspect chimney crown for cracks
28) Look for signs of water damage in brickwork
29) Inspect flashing for structural integrity
30) Inspect flashing seal
31) Inspect storm collar and seal
Contact Fireplace Village today to schedule your annual wood burning appliance service. Annual inspection and cleaning increases the life of the stove and reduces the risk of improper operation.
September 25, 2010
You know us as the largest hearth retailer in New Hampshire. But besides having an expansive stove shop full of working models from leading manufacturers, Fireplace Village also offers a host of special services that set them apart and keeps loyal customers coming back for more.
Not only will you find all of the latest models and the tried and true classics in the hearth industry, but we have trained, certified staff to install those models for you. Gas or wood burning, new build or insert, our technicians have the know how to get the job done right. We also have the proper tools for cutting into masonry, should that be required, and can dispose of your old stove for you in a safe manner.
After you’ve enjoyed your fireplace, gas or wood stove for a time Fireplace Village can also take care of the regular maintenance for you. Certified chimney sweeps are ready to remove creosote build up and inspect your chimney and venting systems. Thorough and complete maintenance can be done on any model of hearth appliance and after almost forty years in business, you can count on Fireplace Village to be here next year when the hearth needs servicing again.
Contact Fireplace Village today to schedule your annual cleaning and maintenance service.
June 20, 2010
Making sure your family is safe within your home is an important responsibility. And taking care of the regular maintenance involved in owning a fireplace, pellet or wood stove is a big part of that responsibility. For very little financial investment your family can rest easy knowing that your home and hearth are operating safely.
The best way to approach regular fireplace and stove maintenance is by hiring a professional chimney sweep. Not only will this individual inspect the condition of your chimney and venting system, but they will remove any potentially dangerous build up and ensure your fireplace or stove is running at peak efficiency.
A Professional Chimney Sweep Has Industry Knowledge
Trying to inspect the chimney system on the fireplace yourself is a difficult proposition. An industry professional will know all of the elements in your particular model, as well as have up to date information from that manufacturer.
If they’re local, they will also know any common problems that occur due to the climate or conditions in your area. Experience and a working relationship with hearth manufacturers give professionals an edge that’s difficult to compete with.
A Professional Chimney Sweep Has the Latest Technology
Chimney sweeping involves dirt and dust. With the latest equipment designed to prevent your home from becoming an unhealthy mess during a cleaning and inspection, professional chimney sweeps make it look easy.
Ask your sweep about the best way to remove the specific build up from your chimney. Both chemical and manual treatments will be used based on the level of creosote in your chimney.
When climbing up on your roof for inspections and repairs, a professional will be trained in safety procedures and do the job quickly and efficiently using the proper equipment. Keep safely on the ground and let the pros tackle any risks.
A Professional Chimney Sweep Has an Eye for Detail
Because a qualified and experienced chimney sweep will have seen any number of hearths and homes, he or she will know exactly what they are looking at. There won’t be any guesswork involved and the sweep will know exactly when cleaning and repairs need to be done.
Small things that can become big problems later and minimal build up that can escalate to maximum danger will be spotted by a professional. Day to day cleaning and tidying of your hearth can certainly be done well by homeowners, but the trained eye of a professional chimney sweep is essential for full maintenance appointments and inspections.
Ask at your fireplace retailer and get referrals from friends and neighbors. Hire a professional chimney sweep to look after your routine maintenance and enjoy your fireplace or wood stove worry free.
Fireplace Village is the only full service stove shop in New England. Fireplace Village sells all hearth appliances and provides installation, repair, cleaning and maintenance services. In addition, we provide gas line connection and hook up service as well as chimney sweeping and cleaning services.
June 16, 2010
Scheduling an inspection and cleaning of your wood stove or wood burning insert is an important task. Not only are you protecting your home and family, but you’re also protecting the investment that was made in your appliance by ensuring that it lasts.
A qualified technician will come to your home at your convenience to inspect the appliance and keep it in peak working order. Multiple inspections are done and a thorough cleaning is looked after, restoring the strength, efficiency and attractiveness of your wood stove or wood insert.
The wood burning appliance will be cleaned as the inspection continues, with various parts and messy build up capturing attention. The firebox will be vacuumed out and excess ash removed. Your wood stove exterior will be cleaned to a shine and the glass doors buffed up using a specially formulated product. Any creosote that has built up on the interior of your stove will be removed and the system will be almost like new again.
Inspections are done to ensure that the unit is operating well, with maximum efficiency and minimum emissions.
The intricate elements are inspected. From gaskets and sealers, damper control assemblies and air exchange tubes to secondary burn chambers, the complicated and technical parts are looked at closely. Baffles are also inspected and if your unit has blowers, they are looked as well.
Then the technician turns to the other parts of your wood stove. Any handles, brackets, bolts and screws are checked for rust and proper function. The firebrick and grates are inspected, as are any soapstone components if they are included in your model. The metal and iron on the wood stove is looked over for signs of warping.
Clearances around the unit are double checked and the stones and bricks surrounding it are looked over for any wear. Your wood supply will be inspected for quality and storage set up.
During the service call, you have plenty of opportunity to talk to the technician about proper operation of the unit and any problems or questions you may have. Their knowledge and expertise are extremely helpful and you will be informed in detail about any necessary repairs.
Having this service done by a company you can trust is important. Fireplace Village not only has a vast selection of the top wood stove brands in the business, they offer impeccable service as well. Ask about their full service and qualified staff to have your maintenance needs looked after by the pros.
June 11, 2010
When the technician visits your home to perform an annual wood stove or insert maintenance, the chimney is a major element of the call. Not only will the professional clean and inspect the appliance, but they will also perform a series of specific inspections and checks on the chimney system itself.
The chimney is an integral part of your wood burning stove. It is the pathway for smoke, soot and emissions to escape out of your home and dissipate into the air. Keeping it clear and stable is essential and best done through annual service visits and an accurate record of the findings during those visits.
A trained technician will look first at the venting in your wood stove chimney, clearing away any blockages or potential ones. Debris from animals, weather and vegetation can plug up the venting and cause a serious hazard inside your home. If it’s applicable to your home, the venting seals will also be inspected.
The inspection then moves on to the liner of your chimney – the part that provides a smooth, safe path from the wood burning appliance to the exterior of your home.
On the end, the chimney cap is looked over and checked for a proper fit. The chimney crown is also inspected for any cracks or splitting. The entire brickwork of the structure is examined for water or wind damage and any evidence of critters or other pests. It’s important that your chimney masonry be strong and durable and that any repairs be looked after as soon as possible.
The chimney flashing is also inspected with the other components.
Flashing needs to be well fitted and secure. The house flashing is looked over for structural integrity and the flashing seal is inspected as well. To protect your chimney from nasty weather, the storm collar and seal are examined and any deterioration is noted.
The condition of your chimney will change over time and it’s handy to have a regular, consistent service done to slow down aging and keep up with necessary repairs. Hiring a dependable, reputable company to perform this service every year is a wise choice. For experienced and knowledgeable technicians that will perform detailed and thorough wood stove chimney service, contact Fireplace Village.
Your chimney is essential and deserves to have the best care possible taken with it. Contact your service professional today to book your annual maintenance. Your entire wood burning system will run better for it.
June 10, 2010
It’s possible to perform daily or weekly maintenance on your wood stove or insert, keeping messy build up to a minimum. But the real, deep cleaning should be done by a professional who knows the system inside and out.
Besides vacuuming the firebox and cleaning the glass doors, an experienced technician will remove creosote build up from the interior and clean the venting of your wood stove. This is a job that requires the right tools, know how and expertise to do properly and with the best results.
Regular wood stove maintenance is a valuable and essential service for your home. Find a technician you trust and schedule the visits for a truly clean wood stove.
Fireplace Village provides wood stove, pellet stove and chimney maintenance and cleaning service. Call our service appointment line at (603)645-6263 or email us at customercare@fireplacevillage.net to schedule your service or cleaning. Annual inspection and cleaning of wood and pellet stoves will ensure safe and efficient operation.
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