Maintenance on Vigilant Wood Stoves

About Vigilant Wood Stoves

• Vigilant stoves are available as both wood-burning and coal-burning types. Wood stoves were once used as heat sources for the whole house, but now are generally used for supplementing home heating and for smaller structures such as cottages, vacation cabins and work areas. It requires some practice to operate a wood stove effectively, and safety is always an issue with an open flame. The stove must also be maintained properly.

Stove Maintenance

• Vigilant wood stoves should be inspected and cleaned each year before the heating season. Any broken or loose parts should be repaired or replaced before using the stove. Gaskets that are frayed, worn or warped should also be replaced. The air control mechanism should slide smoothly and not be impeded by bits of wood or ash. Clean secondary air holes with a small wire brush to ensure the free flow of air. Also check the baffle for warping that will prevent air flow. Make sure that the fire brick is intact and replace if cracked or chipped. Inspect the stove overall for signs of cracks or seam separation and repair as needed. Check the thermostat for proper operation and replace if necessary.

Chimney Maintenance

• Stove pipes are subject to intense heat and will eventually corrode. Inspect the stove pipe and flue twice monthly to ensure that all structures are intact. Your Vigilant wood stove dealer can direct you to outlets for the proper replacement parts. Chimneys must be inspected and cleaned annually to prevent the buildup of creosote.

Dangers of Creosote Buildup

• Creosote is the residue left by the burning of materials in the stove. It can build up within the firebox itself, as well as in the chimney, and can ignite to cause dangerous chimney fires. These fires can reach up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, causing metal chimneys to warp and masonry chimneys to crack. Regular cleaning of the chimney by the homeowner or a professional chimney sweep removes the creosote buildup that can cause fires.

Ash Disposal

• Ashes should be removed from your Vigilant wood stove periodically and collected into a metal container. They should be kept away from combustible materials at all times. Small pieces of wood can smolder for days, creating a fire hazard. Do not store or dispose of the ash in paper or plastic containers. You can spread the ash on your garden beds as fertilizer.