Get matched with top fireplace pros in Clear Lake, SD

To maintain a stove, clean the stove, chimney, or vent regularly. You should also use seasoned wood or pellets. Schedule an annual professional inspection to ensure safety.

Chimneys should either be sealed or waterproofed, which is different from sealing off—closing at both ends—a chimney. Waterproofing and sealing are both crucial steps to take to prevent water damage and the chimney leaking inside the house. While waterproofing is more comprehensive, both help safeguard your chimney, extending its life span and preventing expensive repairs. 

Soapstone wood stoves hold onto heat the longest, which means you can burn less fuel and enjoy the warmth for longer. Additionally, catalytic wood stoves include a catalytic combustor that can reduce emissions and create a cleaner burn no matter what the stove is made of. Of course, the most efficient wood stoves also tend to be costlier up front—but they can still save you money in the long run.

For most brick cleaning jobs, including fireplace bricks, use a masonry sponge and a gentle cleaner. A simple solution of equal parts water and vinegar, or a few drops of dish soap in a bowl of water, can effectively remove grime. For tougher stains, you can use a dedicated masonry or fireplace cleaner. It is crucial to wet the bricks thoroughly with water before applying any cleaning solution to prevent the brick from absorbing it, and to rinse the surface completely afterward. Harsher cleaners containing bleach or ammonia should only be used as a last resort, and they should never be mixed together.