A wood-burning stove can be a great asset to your home. Not only is this a great way to save money on heating costs, but stoves also create a great atmosphere that is hard to duplicate with other types of heating. Wood-burning stoves do occasionally need repairs, though. According to the EPA, it’s estimated that 65% of the wood stoves in the U.S. are old or inefficient. Wood stove repairs are not something to take on yourself and should only be done by professionals. Chimney cleaning companies can often help with your wood stove issues. Let’s look at a few signs that you might be in need of wood stove repairs.

Corrosion

One of the first signs that you might need repairs is corrosion. The combustion that takes place inside the stove through the chemical process of burning wood creates many things. Smoke, creosote, and gases combine with air and impact the material of the stove. This can be corrosive. This isn’t something to worry about because corrosion can be reduced with regular cleanings. If you’re unsure of how to clean a stove or just want professionals to help you with this task, you can contact your local chimney cleaning company for assistance. You should be aware that if you don’t deal with corrosion properly, it could permanently damage the stove.

Warping

Wood stoves are prone to warping over time. However, if you notice the wood stove is warping prematurely, it will need attention. A warped interior will reduce the efficiency of your stove. Warping often happens after decades of use, but if you notice early signs of warping, you should contact a professional before you continue using the stove. Ignoring this could potentially create a safety issue.

Warping is often caused by excessive creosote build-up. This can compromise the integrity of the stove’s construction. It’s best to have this problem assessed as soon as possible.

Excessive Smoke

Another issue that might need attention is if your stove is producing excessive smoke. Obviously, a wood stove will create some smoke, but excessive smoke is sometimes a sign that a stove needs to be replaced. This is sometimes caused by a damaged baffle plate or catalytic combustion. Excessive smoke can make your home unpleasant and become a health risk. It can also damage the paint on your walls, carpeting, and upholstery.

These were just a few common signs it’s time to call chimney cleaning companies for wood stove maintenance. If you would like to learn more about how our team at Max the Chimney Sweep can help, give us a call.