We Repair Gas, Wood & Pellet Stoves Near Grand Junction & Surrounding Areas

How Often Should My Home Heating Stove Be Inspected or Serviced?

Just like how you wouldn’t skip an oil change for your car or a doctor check-up for your kiddo, you shouldn’t neglect regular stove, fireplace, and chimney inspections. Keeping your home heating stove in top shape requires regular professional maintenance, so making sure you’re on top of it is a must.

How often should you have your stove checked out? Once a year. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that all fuel-burning appliances, including wood, gas, and pellet stoves, be inspected at least annually by a certified technician – and more if your system experiences frequent, year-round use.

These inspections allow the tech to check for creosote buildup and excess soot, examine all gaskets and seals, check out the glass doors for wear and damage, inspect for damages or deterioration, test the damper, and assess the overall efficiency and functionality of the stove. And for gas stoves, they can check the burners, pilot lights, and gas lines.

All of this helps to boost efficiency, as well as prevent hazards like chimney fires, smoke exposure, carbon monoxide leaks, home fires, and more.

How Do I Know if My Heating Stove Needs Repairs?

It’s important to recognize when your stove isn’t functioning properly and may need repairs. Neglecting care won’t just reduce your system’s efficiency, but can invite hazards, like fires or gas leaks. Not to mention, catching problems early can save you money, preventing the need for more extensive and expensive repairs later on.

Some signs that your stove needs repairs include:

• Reduced heat output.If your stove isn’t warming your room like it used to, even though you’re using the same amount and type of fuel, that’s a red flag. It could mean something is wrong inside the stove, like poor airflow, worn parts, or buildup blocking the flue.
• Difficulty starting or maintaining a fire.If lighting the stove has become a struggle or your fire keeps dying out quickly, this often points to airflow problems. Stoves need a steady supply of oxygen for combustion, and if air inlets, dampers, or vents aren’t working right, it might be tough to keep a fire going.
• Visible smoke leaks. You should never see smoke escaping around the stove door, seams, or stovepipe joints. If you do, it usually means the gaskets or seals have worn down or failed.
• Damaged or cracked glass.Stove doors often have tempered glass that lets you enjoy the view of the fire. Cracks, discoloration, or fogging in the glass can reduce the stove’s efficiency and become a safety hazard.
• Unusual odors or smells.Persistent smells of creosote, soot, or chemical-like odors often mean incomplete combustion or buildup inside the stove or chimney. This can be caused by dirty components, moisture in the fuel, or ventilation problems.
• Visible damage to the stove body.Rust, warping, dents, or cracks in the stove’s metal body means your stove isn’t in good shape. Structural damage can affect safety and performance…and needs prompt attention.

Booking repairs can feel like a hassle, but remember that fixing small issues early can stop them from turning into more comprehensive repairs down the line. For example, a worn gasket might be an easy replacement, while ignoring it could lead to smoke damage that takes time and money to address. Similarly, it’s always better to attack something minor when you consider that further damage can lead to fires and damage within your home.

Whether there are issues you want to have someone look at or it’s simply time for your annual inspection, our certified stove and chimney technicians can diagnose and fix any problems you’re facing. Reach out now to book your appointment.

Why Is My Home Heating Wood or Gas Stove Not Producing Enough Heat?

A heating stove that’s not producing enough heat can be frustrating…especially during the cold months. It’s always disheartening when something you’ve poured a lot of time and money into fails you when you need it the most. Fortunately, our techs can usually get to the bottom of any issues and offer guidance on what repairs or replacement parts are needed.

What are the most common reasons your wood or gas stove isn’t producing good heat?

• If blockages are causing poor draft or airflow, it can make combustion inefficient.
• If your gaskets around your doors are worn, air leaks can reduce heat and increase fuel consumption.
• If you’re burning wet or unseasoned wood (or low-quality pellets), you’ll notice less heat and more smoke.
• If you’re not using your stove correctly (like closing air vents too early), fire can go out early or not produce as much heat.

To prevent issues down the line, be sure to have your chimney and flue cleaned and inspected regularly. In addition, if you have damages, invest in repairs swiftly. And, of course, make sure you’re using your system properly – burn only seasoned wood, clean your glass doors, and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on airflow and usage.

What Should I Do if My Wood Stove Is Smoking or Backdrafting?

It’s a cold day, so you load up your wood stove with fuel, light things up, and get ready to sit back and relax indoors. …until smoke starts pouring into your living space. What gives?

Smoke entering your home or backdrafting is definitely signaling a problem. Before doing any serious troubleshooting, though, check your damper. Lots of backflow issues can be tracked down to homeowners accidentally forgetting this important step.

Other causes of smoke backflow issues include blockages in the chimney flue, poor draft, negative air pressure in the house, damages or leaks in the venting components, or improper initial installation.

So, what should you do? First and foremost, open the window to invite in some make-up air. Then, stop using the stove until an expert can evaluate the situation. The solution may be as simple as completing a chimney sweeping, or it could require something more exhaustive, like replacing venting components. Whatever the case, we can help.

For Stove Repair Near You, Trust Us

Don’t let a faulty heating stove leave you in the cold (literally). From routine maintenance to complex repairs, Stove Depot is your trusted partner for all gas, wood, and pellet stove services near and throughout Grand Junction. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or repair appointment.