Are you looking to enhance your home life by adding a new heating appliance? Browse our selection of wood stoves and fireplace inserts! Wood stoves and inserts are ideal for homeowners who love the look and feel of a real wood fire, but hate the waste associated with an open hearth fireplace. Modern wood stoves and inserts are more energy efficient and greener, as well as cleaner-burning than ever before. Say goodbye to the waste and hello to a clean conscience.
How Often Should My Chimney Be Swept?
It's no secret that burning wood results in a lot of deposits in your chimney - especially creosote. That's why having your chimney swept at least once per year is one of the most important things you can do for the overall health and safety of your fireplace system. An annual chimney sweeping removes dirt, debris, ash, soot, and creosote from your flue, keeping your fireplace and chimney operating safely and efficiently season after season.
And remember - while it is recommended that most chimneys be swept once per year, your chimney may need to be cleaned more based on use. For example, if your home uses a fireplace or wood stove daily as a major heat source, it may need to be swept twice - or maybe even three times - per year. On the other hand, homes with gas fireplaces that are rarely used should be fine with a yearly checkup. One of our certified technicians will be able to recommend a cleaning schedule based on your family’s fireplace use and condition.
What Firewood Is Best to Burn?
When choosing between hardwoods and softwoods, hardwoods are usually the recommended option. That said, both can used, and one or the other may be more and less appropriate based on what you're trying to achieve with your burn.
One thing that's vital, regardless of what you're burning, though? Using seasoned wood.
Seasoned wood has been dried out for at least 6 months and should contain a moisture content of around 15-25%. Signs your wood is well-seasoned include:
- It's split and dark at the ends.
- It makes a hollow "clunk" noise when smacked against another piece.
- It smells older and mustier.
- There is no green color visible on the log.
- It's lighter weight (due to containing less moisture).
- It reads between 15 and 25 percent on a moisture meter.
Find the Perfect Wood Stove or Fireplace Insert
Choosing a new heating appliance for your home can be a difficult and overwhelming process. Trust the experts at Wells & Sons Chimney Service to help you find a stove or insert that can fit with your family’s home, budget, and heating needs - and then install it properly. We proudly serve Pottstown, Phoenixville, Norristown, Lansdale, Allentown, and the surrounding areas of Montgomery, Chester, Bucks, Berks, and Lehigh counties in Pennsylvania. Feel free to call us at (610) 473-6000 with any questions - we’re here to help!
If you're in the market for a stove or insert that's easy to use and creates little mess, check out our pellet stoves and inserts today.
