15Jul
Tips for Taking Care of Your Fireplaces and Wood Stoves in Ottawa After the Summer Season
Since summer days in Ottawa are usually hot, you probably haven’t used your wood stove or fireplace much throughout the season. This means that now is the best time to inspect, clean, repair, renovate, and install fireplaces and wood stoves in Ottawa. For recommendations, installations, and fireplace cleaning tools contact your local Ottawa wood stove and fireplace experts. The following are summer maintenance tips that will keep your wood stove or fireplace in good condition and ready to use for next season.
Inspect & Clean Chimney
Your chimney should be cleaned and inspected by a professional each year during the fireplace off-season. This will ensure that any necessary repairs can be made prior to the return of the cold weather, and the chimney will be in good condition for the winter months. A clean chimney will provide proper smoke ventilation and safety.
Inspect & Close Damper
Inspect the damper for any damage. The summer season is a good time to repair or replace it since you’re not relying on using your wood stove or fireplace to stay warm. Keep your damper closed tightly to prevent drafts of hot air from getting in through the chimney, or losing cool air from inside your home. Your air conditioner will work harder to cool your home if there is a draft, causing more energy consumption and higher energy bills.
Cleaning Wood Stoves & Fireplaces
To ensure your wood stove or fireplace looks great and is in working condition for the fall, follow these cleaning steps:
Step 1.
Remove ashes, wood chips, and debris with a shovel, and vacuum anything that is leftover.
Step 2.
Mix household cleaner with warm water in a bucket, and use a sponge or towel to clean the face, hearth, and sides of the fireplace. Then clean the top and floor of the firebox.
Step 3.
To remove hard-to-clean soot buildup, use one the following solutions:
- Soapy warm water and a natural-bristle brush that can scrub the soot.
- Heat 4 cups of water in a pot on the stove and dissolve ½ cup of Fels-Naphtha soap in the water. Once completely cool, thoroughly mix in ½ cup of ammonia and ½ pound of powdered pumice. Use a paint brush to apply the solution and allow to dry for 45 minutes. Use a scrub brush and warm water to remove the solution, and wipe down after with a wet sponge.
Renovations
As we are nearing the end of the summer, it is the perfect time to revamp or replace your fireplace or wood stove. Whether you want to add a mantel, install a surround, renovate the hearth, or install a brand-new insert or stove, take advantage of the last remaining days of this warm season so your heat source will be ready to use for the cooler weather.
For cleaning tools and accessories, or to browse inserts and stoves, contact the experts in fireplaces and wood stoves in Ottawa before the warm season is over.