Prepare the stove for winter

Prepare the stove for winter

 HOW TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE STOVE? WHAT IS THE BASIS OF PROPER HEATING?

 Do you have a fireplace stove at home, or cottage? Then you know for sure that it’s time to prepare them for the upcoming season. The heat from the hearth of the stove not only creates a pleasant atmosphere, but is also a practical and effective way to keep the interior warm on cold days. In an interview with expert Ing. Pavol Dudáš from the company Thorma, we focused on the proper preparation of fireplace stoves for the winter. It includes not only regular maintenance and safety checks, but also tips on proper burning and choosing the right wood. Prepare for winter with us and ensure a comfortable and safe way to enjoy the warmth of your home throughout the winter season.

What main steps should the owner of a fireplace stove follow to ensure its long life?

The most important thing is the correct installation of the fireplace stove, including the connection to the chimney made in accordance with the applicable regulations. Of course, the connection to the chimney must be carried out by a certified chimney sweep. Furthermore, it is essential to follow all the recommendations given in the operating instructions, including the prescribed fuel, when operating the stove. Don’t forget to regularly clean the stove.

How often should a fireplace stove be cleaned?

Cleaning the fireplace stove is necessary after every interrupted operation – i.e. whenever you stop using the stove for some time. For cleaning, use a fireplace broom and a shovel to sweep ash and clean the combustion chamber, a scraper to remove deposits and soot from glass and internal parts, a special vacuum cleaner designed for safe ash vacuuming, various brushes for cleaning flues and internal surfaces of the stove. Clean the glass on the door with a rag or paper towels. Regular cleaning of the stove maintains proper combustion and extends the life of the device.

What are the most common mistakes when cleaning fireplace stoves? What should we watch out for?

Improper handling or cleaning procedures, or using the wrong tools, can damage the internal lining of the combustion chamber. Scratching the door glass or not emptying the ash box is also a common problem.

What type of wood is best for heating in a fireplace stove and why?

Thin, dry softwood chips are ideal for starting fires because they ignite very quickly. Soft wood, such as pine or spruce, has a lower density and high resin content, which makes it easy to catch fire. That is why it is used to start heating, when it is necessary to quickly create enough heat to ignite larger logs of hardwood.

Hardwoods, on the other hand, will ensure stable, long and efficient burning ( see box ) .

How to properly heat to achieve maximum heating efficiency?

When heating up, fully open all adjustable combustion air inlets to the combustion chamber. If the flue has a control flap, open it fully as well. After igniting the heating charge, leave the door a little open for a while so that the stove gets the right draft. After the heating charge has ignited, close the door.

What are the signs that a fireplace stove needs professional maintenance or service?

In particular, smoke leakage along the edges of the door, sealing cord falling out of the door, loosening of the door glass, insufficient closing of the door and damage to the internal lining of the combustion chamber.

As the owner of such a stove, can I minimize emissions and ensure more ecological combustion?

Yes. Choose exclusively certified fireplace stoves that comply with Ecodesign regulations . No less important is the correct connection of the stove to the chimney according to the regulations and, as I mentioned, use the stove according to the operating instructions, including the prescribed fuel.

Can the fireplace stove be in operation every day in winter, or is it better to let it rest sometimes?

A fireplace stove is an appliance with a short-term combustion process, which means that after a certain period of operation (approx. 10 to 14 hours), the fireplace stove must be taken out of operation. Of course, the fireplace stove can be operated every day.