A well-maintained stove lasts for decades. Most of the upkeep is simple and comes down to regular habits – and letting the chimney sweep do their job.
Sweeping and fire safety inspection
Chimney sweeping and fire safety inspections are legal requirements in Sweden, organised through your municipality, which decides the intervals based on how much you burn. For a stove in regular use, sweeping every three to four years is common, while the fire safety inspection is done at longer intervals. If you burn a lot, more frequent sweeping may be needed.
Clean the glass and check the gaskets
Sooty glass is easiest to clean with damp paper dipped in a little ash, or with stove glass cleaner. Check the gaskets around the door once or twice a year – worn gaskets let in false air and make the stove burn poorly, but they are cheap and easy to replace. Empty the ash regularly, but leave a thin layer at the bottom to protect the grate.
Keep an eye on the chimney
Signs that the chimney needs attention include poor draft, a smell of smoke indoors, damp patches or frost damage in the masonry. An older masonry chimney can often be renovated with a flue liner instead of being rebuilt. Unsure? Have a professional assess its condition.
Safety at home
Make sure there are smoke alarms near the fireplace and test them regularly. A carbon monoxide alarm is inexpensive extra protection. Store ash in a non-combustible container with a lid for at least a couple of days before disposal – embers can stay alive for a long time.
Does your stove or chimney need work?
We help with everything from replacing gaskets to chimney renovation. Book a free home visit and we will take a look at what is needed.