Aside from being a great source of warmth during the colder seasons, wood burning stoves have a vintage charm. However, it’s essential to understand how to operate them safely within your home. Owning a wood burning stove is often seen as a risk factor by homeowner’s insurance companies. Therefore, it’s crucial that you operate it safely. Below are some common do’s & don’ts when it comes to using a wood burning stove within your home. 

Do’s:

Have a professional installation.

It’s imperative that you properly install your wood burning stove in a safe location within your home. To do this, speak with a licensed contractor about the best location for your stove. To comply with the law, wood-burning stoves must have clearance on all sides, and be installed far away from combustible materials. If the stove is not installed correctly and a fire breaks out, your homeowner’s policy could be rendered null and void if you didn’t follow the law. 

Clean your stove regularly.

Part of your due diligence as a homeowner is to thoroughly clean your stove. By doing so, you will not only help your stove to function properly, but you will help prevent fires from breaking out. Use a wire brush to clean out the insides of the stove at least once a year. 

Don’ts:

Ignore Ventilation

Part of safely operating your wood burning stove includes ensuring that the ventilation is properly functioning. With most of these stoves, a long pipe runs up the side of the wall and outside of your home to send the smoke from the fire outside of your house. If the ventilation is not functioning properly, you could endanger yourself and your family with smoke inhalation. 

Use the Wrong Fuel

Burn wood that has been dried for at least a year only. By using the best fuel in your stove, you avoid having cleaning and ventilation issues later on from moist debris that doesn’t burn properly. Store your wood in a dry area that is protected from rain, for it to dry out completely.

If you’re considering running a wood burning stove within your home, it’s important to know how to install and run it safely. Not doing so can easily affect your homeowner’s insurance coverage. Be sure to notify your trusted insurance agent about your wood burning stove when deciding on a policy. The team at Taake Insurance has been providing the community of Columbia, IL, with sound coverage advice for over 40 years. Whether you’re in the market for homeowner’s insurance, auto insurance, or any other policy, call them today at (618) 281-7656 or visit their website for more information on their services.