5 Pro Tips for Maintaining Your Wood-Burning Insert

Wood-burning inserts provide a perfect blend of traditional fireplace charm and modern efficiency, giving your home warmth and character during colder months. However, ensuring that your insert continues to function efficiently and safely requires regular maintenance. With years of hands-on experience in the fireplace industry, I’ve learned that keeping your insert in top condition can extend its lifespan, enhance its performance, and prevent potential hazards. Below are five expert tips to help you maintain your wood-burning insert effectively, ensuring it continues to warm your home for years to come.

1. Clean the Chimney Regularly

One of the most crucial aspects of maintaining a wood-burning insert is ensuring that your chimney is kept clean. Over time, burning wood leads to the buildup of creosote—a sticky, tar-like substance that can accumulate on the inside of your chimney. This creosote is highly flammable, making regular cleaning a necessity to prevent potential chimney fires.

How often should you clean it? At a minimum, schedule an annual inspection and cleaning by a certified chimney sweep. However, if you’re using your wood-burning insert regularly during the winter months, more frequent cleanings may be necessary.

Pro Tip: You can monitor creosote buildup yourself by shining a flashlight inside the chimney. If the creosote is thicker than 1/8 inch, it’s time to call a professional for cleaning.

2. Burn Only Seasoned Hardwood

The type of wood you burn has a significant impact on the performance and longevity of your insert. Using seasoned hardwood—such as oak, maple, or hickory—will result in a cleaner, hotter, and more efficient burn. On the other hand, burning wet or "green" wood produces more creosote, smokes excessively, and can cause your insert to run less efficiently.

How can you tell if wood is properly seasoned? Seasoned wood has typically been cut and allowed to dry for at least six to twelve months. The moisture content should be below 20%, which can be confirmed using a moisture meter.

Pro Advice: Look for wood with cracks at the ends and a lighter color, both signs that it has been properly dried.

3. Check and Replace Door Gaskets

The gasket that seals the door of your wood-burning insert plays a vital role in controlling airflow. Over time, this gasket can become worn out, which can cause air leaks, making it harder to control the fire and reducing the efficiency of your insert. A leaky gasket also increases the likelihood of creosote buildup, as excess air causes the fire to burn hotter.

When should you replace the gasket? Check the condition of the door gasket every few months by performing a dollar bill test—close the door on a dollar bill and try pulling it out. If the bill slips out easily, your gasket is likely worn and needs to be replaced.

Maintenance Tip: Gaskets are affordable and relatively easy to replace with a simple kit, which you can find at most home improvement stores.

4. Clean the Glass Regularly

Wood-burning inserts typically come with a glass door, providing a beautiful view of the fire. However, soot and creosote can accumulate on the glass over time, reducing visibility and making the insert less visually appealing. While many inserts are designed with an airwash system to keep the glass clean, manual cleaning is often necessary.

What’s the best way to clean it? Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the glass. Instead, use a cleaner specifically formulated for fireplace glass and a soft cloth to gently wipe the surface.

Quick Cleaning Tip: For light buildup, try using a damp newspaper dipped in ashes from the fireplace as a mild abrasive. This eco-friendly method effectively cleans the glass without the need for commercial cleaners.

5. Ensure Proper Airflow

Maintaining good airflow in your wood-burning insert is key to its overall efficiency and safety. Poor airflow can lead to inefficient burning, excessive smoke, and a higher risk of harmful gases like carbon monoxide building up in your home.

How do you maintain airflow? Check the vents and air inlets on your insert regularly to ensure they’re clear of any blockages. Ashes can accumulate in these areas, so periodic cleaning is necessary. Additionally, if you notice the draft becoming weak, there may be a more significant issue with your chimney that needs to be inspected.

Pro Insight: If your insert is producing excessive smoke or you notice a lack of airflow, it’s crucial to stop using the fireplace and have a professional check the venting system.

Conclusion

By following these five essential tips, you can keep your wood-burning insert running efficiently, safely, and beautifully all season long. Regular maintenance not only enhances the performance of your insert but also prevents costly repairs and ensures the safety of your home. From cleaning the chimney to replacing worn gaskets, these simple tasks will help you get the most out of your wood-burning insert for years to come.

By staying proactive about your insert’s maintenance, you’ll ensure that it continues to be a source of warmth and comfort during those chilly winter months.