FAQ & Links

1. How often should I clean my chimney?

Not cleaning your chimney often enough can result in loss of ventilation and build-up of creosote, which is highly flammable. High build-up of creosote can result in a chimney fire that is difficult to put out and may even cause a house fire. Most manufacturers recommend monthly inspection during the heating season and yearly chimney cleaning by a licensed professional chimney sweep.

2. How do I clean my fireplace glass?

Cleaning your fireplace glass with the wrong solutions can void your warranty. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for the recommended method of cleaning. There is fireplace cleaner on the market, or some people make a homemade mixture of ammonia and water. First, make sure the fireplace is cool to the touch and spray the black side of the glass, wiping clean with paper towels. Dunk the used paper towel in the ashes of the stove and scour the glass. Wipe clean with a dry cloth. Some people use newspaper soaked in a little water, coated with ash, followed by a wipe with a clean rag.
Cleaning glass video tutorial

3. How do I replace a door seal on my wood stove?

First, you need to consult your owner’s manual for the type and size of replacement gasket your stove needs. Purchase a gasket kit and let the stove cool for at least a day. Remove all ashes from the stove and remove the stove door. With the door on a flat work surface, remove the old adhesive from inside the gasket channel—a flathead screwdriver, hammer and chisel or electric drill may be needed. Blow adhesive dust out of the channel and spread the new adhesive around the length of the channel. Place a properly cut and measured replacement fibreglass gasket into the channel, starting at the top corner of the door and pushing it in around the perimeter of the door. Allow the adhesive to cure for at least 24 hours before reattaching the door and lighting the stove.
How to replace a wood stove door rope gasket video

4. How do I light my pilot?

Always remove your fireplace glass before lighting your pilot. First, locate your gas supply valve, which may be red or blue and usually is located behind louvers. Open valve by turning it parallel to the gas line. Next, locate the pilot assembly with spark igniter, which is typically behind and below logs in the firebox. Push the red or black igniter button to verify spark. Push in and rotate the black or green valve control knob until the word “pilot” is in the 6 o’clock position. Press and hold in the valve knob in “pilot” position while pressing the red piezo button at least once per second until the pilot ignites. Once pilot is lit, hold the valve knob in for at 30 seconds before slowly releasing. Rotate the valve knob counter-clockwise until the word “ON” is in the 6 o’clock position. Turn the unit’s ON/OFF switch to the ON position to start a fire. Replace the glass front and enjoy your fire!
Lighting your pilot light video

5. Why does a fireplace heat better than a furnace alone?

Zone heating means that you heat the room you use most with another heat source than your furnace. With whole-home heating, the furnace keeps all the rooms at a comfortable temperature, whereas a fireplace keeps the room where people are gathered nice and warm. The fireplace saves you money by not heating the whole home like a furnace does.
A video guide to operating your wood stove efficiently

Learn More at These Sites

From the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association to WETT to websites on energy efficiency, Certified Heating & Service’s links provide everything you need to familiarize yourself with our industry. Take a look at these useful links and learn some of the lingo of our trade. Also, learn about the regulations that govern our work:
See our YouTube video collection here!

www.hpba.org
www.woodheat.org
www.wettinc.ca
www.nationalfurnace.com
www.usepropane.com
www.cmhc.ca
www.housing.yk.ca
www.energy.gov.yk.ca
www.ecoaction.gc.ca