2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Wood Stove’

Does My Wood Stove Need Chimney Cleaning?

Monday, January 7th, 2019

Yes, your wood stove’s chimney does need to be cleaned. Many homeowners assume that their wood stoves do not need chimney cleaning since they produce so little ash and combustion byproducts. However, any type of wood burning you do, whether it be in a traditional fireplace or a wood stove, will result in the need for chimney cleaning. Similar to a traditional fireplace, your wood stove has a firebox and a chimney. Over time, all chimneys collect a material called creosote, which is a byproduct of burning materials and it is highly flammable.

We understand that scheduling your wood stove chimney cleaning might not be on the top of your priority list, but it should be. We still have a long winter ahead of us here in Minnesota, so it’s probably safe to assume that you will be using your wood stove quite a number of times before the season ends. Waiting to schedule chimney cleaning in St. Paul, MN could spell trouble for your home and put your family in danger. Luckily, 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. is here to help! Below, we have provided a list of reasons as to why you should have your wood stove chimney cleaned. 

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Fireplace Pros and Cons: Wood-Burning, Gas, and Electric

Monday, March 6th, 2017

couple-fireplace-warmWant to know how your fireplace or stove sizes up to the one in your neighbor’s home? Today, we take a look at a few different options for fireplace style and fuel type. Whether you’re in the market for a new system or wondering how your fireplace sizes up, our chimney sweeps want to make sure you have the information you need.

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Is a Wood Stove the Best Choice for Your Home Comfort?

Tuesday, November 24th, 2015

While many homes in cold climates are constructed with a built-in fireplace, others don’t have this benefit. Although you may be able to retrofit a firebox into a home, or repair a deteriorating chimney, a wood stove might be the better choice for many homes. Wood stoves, which are freestanding units that have a flue to vent smoke and gases to the outdoors, may use firewood or wood pellets to create heat, providing the warmth and coziness for a single room that many people crave during a cold winter night. But is a wood stove right for you?

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3 Things Responsible Wood-Burning Fireplace Owners Do

Monday, June 8th, 2015

A wood-burning stove or fireplace adds a decorative touch to a room and can provide a warm, cozy area for family to gather. But many people do not always use their wood-burning appliances properly, which can lead to dangerous conditions as well as reduced efficiency. Responsible wood-burning stove and fireplace owners are conscious of the type of wood they burn, the way they build a fire, and how often they schedule service. See why this is in our guide.

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What’s Wrong with My Wood Burning Fireplace?

Monday, May 11th, 2015

A wood-burning fireplace operates under some fairly simple natural principles, so it’s not very often that something goes wrong—as long as you take proper care of the system. You must schedule maintenance from time to time if you expect your wood stove to operate as expected—and to remain safe. Here are some of the reasons your stove may not burn properly.

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Minneapolis Fireplace and Chimney Tip: How to Maintain Efficiency for Your Fireplace or Wood Stove Throughout the Winter

Monday, December 10th, 2012

Are you looking for ways to maintain efficiency while heating your Minneapolis area home with a fireplace or wood stove this winter? At 2nd Generation Chimneys, we can help you heat your home more efficiently with a few tips from our chimney and fireplace experts. You can always call us if you would like to know more about saving energy in your home.

Upgrade Your Damper and Chimney Cap

Whether you heat your home with a fireplace or wood stove, there’s potential for air loss through the chimney. You can prevent this with the right damper and chimney cap. The damper will help keep the warm air inside and the cold air out when you aren’t using your fireplace or wood stove. This will help with efficiency and prevent backdraft.

A sturdy chimney cap will also protect the inside of your flue and your flue liner from moisture issues. A chimney screen can also prevent flying sparks from creating a fire and keep animals out of your chimney. Lastly, burning the right kind of wood can also help with efficiency since it prevents excess creosote build-up.

Improve the Overall Efficiency of Your Home

There are many small tasks you can do to make your home more efficient overall. Adding insulation, sealing off air leaks, and upgrading the components of your heating system are some of the main ways homeowners can lower energy costs. Getting your fireplace, wood stove, and chimney inspected by a professional chimney technician will also help.

Whether you are looking for a new damper, chimney cap, or you need to schedule your next chimney inspection, call the Minneapolis chimney and fireplace experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys any time. Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys today!

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