Helpful Alternative Heating Tips for Winter

November/December Tips

Make sure you're burning seasoned firewood!

Bring down a couple pieces of your firewood and we will test it, or purchase a moisture reader!

September Tips

As you reach the beginning of September, now is the time to ensure your heating appliance is ready for the burning season. For all appliances they recommend cleaning the chimney. Doing so decreases your risk for a chimney fire and ensures the appliance will continue to run correctly. If you closed your chimney for the summer to prevent critters from getting in, remember to uncover it before you burn for the first time.

In a wood-burning appliance, they also recommend checking the gasket on the doors of the appliance. To check if the gasket needs to be replaced, stick a dollar in the door. Close the door and gently tug the dollar. If the dollar comes out easily, the gasket needs to be replaced. Gasket seals your stove and is important because it limits the intake of air to the stove and prevents over-firing.

Another tip: make sure you clean out your blower fan. Make sure the fan is free of dust and pet hair. This limits problems later in the season and lengthens the life of the blower.
All appliances should be cleaned out prior to beginning to burn for the winter season. Make sure you inspect your appliance to make sure no damage has occurred to any parts. Firebrick in wood-burning appliances may need to be replaced if it is crumbling. Gas appliances should be looked over and the pilot lit if need be. It is easier to fix problems now than in the middle of the burn season. It also doesn’t hurt to have your gas appliance officially inspected.

Remember, you can always call them at (914) 248-7775 with any questions!

June/July Tips

Another barbecue tip from Fire Glow: remember to not only shut off your barbecue but also to shut off your propane tank. By closing your tank, you can reduce valve leaks and ensure you have enough propane left for your next grilled specialty.

March/April/May Tips

As the weather gets warmer, you won’t be using your wood stove as much as you needed to during the extremely cold weather over the past two months. As you near the end of the burning season, the condition of your chimney is a concern you need to be aware of. Slow-burning wood fires and the burning of poorly seasoned wood create a build-up in your chimney of a tarry substance called creosote. Creosote build-up on the inside of your chimney plugs the opening and causes chimney fires. While snow is still on the roof, it is a challenge to inspect and clean the chimney. To ensure you can still burn wood safely, Fire Glow recommends using Creosote Destroyer© while burning. This powder, when sprinkled on the fire, will change the composition of the creosote from a tarry substance to a crystal form, making it easier to clean the chimney while making it harder for creosote to clog the chimney. Protect your investment, but remember that nothing eliminates a chimney cleaning. Call your favorite chimney sweep to schedule a cleaning for the Spring!

January/February Tips 

1. Use a whole log in your fireplace. It burns longer than split wood. Use wood seasoned 1-2 years for best results.
2. Don’t over-stuff your stove. It could cause an over-fire and damage the stove.
3. Don’t use the door to push the wood into your stove. The glass will break, it does not bend.

Questions you can ask the Alternative Heating Expert:
1. What is the best kind of wood to burn?
2. How often should I clean my chimney?
3. Can I tap into my fireplace flue and have a stove in another location share the flue?

Fire Glow Distributors Expert Services:
Fire Glow has the largest showroom in the area. They have both factory and industry trained professionals who are eager to educate their customers. They will help you find the stove, insert or accessory that you want, not try to hard sell you something.