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There are several maintenance tips you should take to ensure your pellet stove's safety and proper maintenance. You should vacuum the ash pan every week to prevent overflowing and clean the stove and surrounding vents every three to four months. It’s also important to get a professional inspection every year and install a carbon monoxide detector close to your stove. Be sure to dispose of hot ashes in a closed metal container; store it outside, away from the house. Only use the pellets recommended by your stove's manufacturer, and follow any cleaning and maintenance instructions.

You should never block both the top and bottom of your chimney. Proper airflow is essential because the temperature inside the chimney will still fluctuate as your house warms and cools. Moisture can build up without ventilation, leading to dampness in your walls over time. Blocking the top prevents debris and animals from entering, but the chimney still needs air circulation to avoid condensation issues. Allowing the chimney to breathe maintains the health of your home and prevents long-term damage.

Glass block windows aren’t fire hazards; fire-rated glass block windows can increase your home’s fire safety. Modern glass blocks are made with materials that can resist high temperatures and prevent fire spread. Most offer a 45-minute fire rating, while some increase it to two hours. Compared to the typical 20 to 90 minute rating for a double-pane window, glass block can increase your home’s safety in the event of a fire.

An outlet can start a fire if it has blown a fuse, or is sparking, overheating, or smells burnt. Prevent electrical fires by unplugging the device connected to the outlet and hiring an electrician to determine and fix the outlet’s issue. If the outlet stays hot or isn't working, you should fix it.