It’s best to clean out your unit and vent soon after the heating season. Ashes and Creosote can become corrosive if they gain condensation, which is likely if it sits in the unit or vent all summer. The following steps should taken after every heating season is over.
WOOD BURNING UNITS
- Thoroughly sweep and inspect your chimney and stovepipe
- Remove all ashes and buildup from the unit
- Check fireplace brick and door gaskets and replace if needed
COAL BURNING UNITS
- Thoroughly sweep and inspect your chimney and stovepipe
- Wash inside of stove pipe with baking soda and water and let dry before placing it back on the stove
- Remove all ashes from the stove
- Check fireplace brick and door gaskets and replace if needed
- Use masking tape on door gasket to prevent it from sticking to the stove
PELLET BURNING UNITS
- Sweep out venting
- Remove all ashes from the stove and all pellets from the hopper and auger
- Thoroughly vacuum out the firebox and heat exchanger, remove all the parts needed for access (refer to owner’s manual)
- Clean and inspect all blowers and moving parts (be sure to disconnect power)
GAS BURNING UNITS
Gas appliances are the one exception where you’re better off waiting until later in the summer to service. It’s very common for insects to live during the summer in a pilot tube or burner port and obstructing gas flow.
- If unit has glass front, remove and clean with “White Off” cleaner
- Remove any build up on burners and logs with a vacuum
- Replace glowing embers as needed
- Check pilot tube and burner ports and remove any obstructions
- Turn gas on and test burn unit
At Coalway, we offer an Annual Service Program. If you are in this program, we will perform maintenance on a yearly basis from May through the end of July. If you have not yet signed up for this, you can call Aaron at 330.464.2550. If you think this is something you want to sign up for this summer, we ask that you please do so by May 30th.