The Homeowner’s Guide to Home Heating Maintenance

Keeping your home warm and comfortable isn’t just about convenience; it’s about creating a space for you and your family that feels safe and relaxing, no matter the season. Turning up the thermostat alone won’t achieve this. Instead, it takes a proactive approach to maintaining your home’s heating source—like wood stoves or gas fireplaces—to ensure they operate reliably when you need them most. 

At Energysavers, we pride ourselves on being the trusted partner in home heating solutions for the residents of New Hampshire. Whether you’re looking for stove or fireplace maintenance advice, exploring the latest energy-efficient upgrades, or troubleshooting performance issues, this guide provides practical, easy-to-follow advice for homeowners. Dive in and discover how to maximize your home’s heating potential with tips that prioritize efficiency, longevity, and peace of mind.

1. Prioritize Regular Inspections

Annual inspections are a cornerstone of maintaining the reliability, efficiency, and safety of your heating systems. These routine check-ups aren’t just preventative—they’re essential for identifying and addressing wear and tear before it turns into costly repairs or safety hazards. Over time, critical components can naturally degrade, which can compromise both performance and safety. 

By scheduling regular inspections, you can be sure your stove or fireplace is operating at peak efficiency, reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns, and extend the lifespan of your equipment. Investing in these routine checkups is a simple yet important step toward maintaining a consistently warm, safe, and energy-efficient home.  

Pro Tip: If your stove or fireplace hasn’t been serviced in a while, schedule a professional inspection with Energysavers. Our experts can identify and address issues like: 

• Clogged and/or corroded burner and pilot orifices 

• Worn pilot assemblies 

• Dirty glass and missing ember material 

• Air shutter adjustments 

An inspection not only prolongs the life of your stove or fireplace, but also ensures it’s functioning as intended.

2. Master Stove and Fireplace Maintenance

Maintaining your stove or fireplace doesn’t have to be complicated—with the right approach, it can be straightforward and highly rewarding. Regular upkeep not only ensures reliable performance, but it also means you will be able to enjoy uninterrupted warmth all season long. By dedicating a little time to maintenance, you can prevent costly repairs and significantly reduce energy waste. Here are some practical steps to help you stay on top of your stove or fireplace maintenance to ensure they remain a dependable centerpiece in your home.

Wood Stoves and Fireplaces

• Only burn seasoned, dry wood to optimize performance and reduce creosote buildup. Wet wood increases the risk of blockages and frequent cleaning.
• Leave a small layer of ash in the firebox. Ash acts as an insulator, maintaining a coal bed and reducing stack temperature fluctuations that can lead to creosote buildup.
• Take advantage of the air wash system in modern wood stoves. Proper burning techniques keep the glass clear without need for frequent cleaning.

Gas Stoves and Fireplaces

• Inspect the pilot light for proper operation. If the pilot light frequently goes out, it’s probably time for a repair or replacement.
  • Note: Tasks like testing thermocouples should be left to professionals to avoid damage or safety risks. Schedule an inspection with Energysavers if you need assistance.

Expert Advice

Not sure where to start? Energysavers offers expert maintenance services from certified technicians who have experience working on several types and models of stoves, fireplaces, inserts, and more to save you time and hassle on diagnosing issues.

3. Know When It’s Time to Upgrade

An outdated or inefficient stove or fireplace can be more than just a hassle—it can quietly drain your wallet as energy bills and maintenance costs continue to increase. While these systems may seem functional, their reduced efficiency and reliability often mean you’re paying more for less comfort. Recognizing when it’s time for an upgrade can save you money, improve your energy efficiency, and make your home feel more comfortable than ever before. 

Here are some clear signs that it might be time to consider replacing your home heating setup:

Upgrading to a high-efficiency stove or fireplace is a significant first step toward reducing your heating costs and making your home a more comfortable place to live. If you’re unsure how to tell when’s the right time to trade up, we can inspect your appliances for you and give you a professional recommendation. At Energysavers, we carry a range of industry-leading products designed for performance and style. Visit our showroom to explore options that fit your needs and budget.

4. Address Common Issues Before They Escalate

Overlooking minor issues with your heating system can quickly snowball into major, costly repairs that disrupt your comfort and strain your budget. What might seem like a small inconvenience today could lead to inefficiencies, safety risks, or even complete system failures over time. Prevent unnecessary stress and hassle, and ensure your stove or fireplace continues to operate efficiently by addressing problems early and often. Keep an eye out for these common issues to catch potential problems before they escalate:

Gas Stoves and Fireplaces

Pilot light problems or unusual smells or sounds during operation can indicate a gas leak or a faulty component.

• DIY Tip: Check the pilot light and ensure it’s burning steadily. If the flame is weak or flickering, it’s time to call a professional. Ensure all connections are tight and secure, and inspect the gas stove or fireplace for any signs of leaks.

Wood Stoves and Fireplaces

Creosote buildup in fireplaces can lead to house fires if not addressed. Regular cleaning is an absolute must for safety! Wood stoves also require regular maintenance to ensure proper operation and efficiency.

• DIY Tip: Perform a visual inspection of the chimney for soot or creosote buildup. If you’re comfortable with it, use a chimney brush to remove debris, or hire a professional for a thorough cleaning.
• DIY Tip: Check your wood stove’s air vents and flue for any signs of wear or blockage. Clean the firebox and remove any excess ash buildup to allow air to flow freely. If the stove is not burning efficiently, it may need a professional inspection to ensure it operates safely.

General Maintenance

Check for cracks, leaks, or damaged seals that reduce efficiency.

• DIY Tip: Inspect the seals around doors and windows for air leaks. You can perform a quick test by holding a piece of paper in the frame and seeing if it moves when the door or window is closed. Apply weatherstripping or caulking to seal gaps. 

The Energysavers team is here to help. From quick fixes to major repairs, we’ll get your home heated again quickly and hassle-free.

5. Invest in Expert Care

While DIY maintenance covers basic upkeep and minor fixes, there are limits to what you can safely and effectively “do yourself” as a homeowner. Heating systems are complex, and ensuring they operate at peak performance often requires the skill and expertise of a professional. When risky repairs, detailed inspections, or specialized maintenance are needed, leave the job to trained technicians who understand the inner workings and safety compliance requirements of stoves, fireplaces, and other heating solutions. 

At Energysavers, we offer a full range of services designed to keep your systems running smoothly, including routine cleanings, thorough inspections, expert repairs, and professional installations. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, the installation and upkeep of your home’s heating is in the best hands with our certified technicians. 

Bonus Tip: Ask about scheduling annual maintenance to stay ahead of seasonal demands and save on future service calls. 

Heating your home shouldn’t be a source of stress. With regular care and the right professional support, you and your loved ones can enjoy a warm, welcoming, and worry-free place to come home to. 

Contact Energysavers today to schedule maintenance, explore upgrade options, or get expert advice tailored to your needs. Let us help you heat your home and simplify your life. 

Looking for tips on when you should think about upgrading your fireplace? Check out this blog.

About Energysavers

Founded nearly 50 years ago, Energysavers is family-owned and operated out of Meredith, NH. We are proud to provide quality, dependable pellet stoves, wood stoves, fireplaces, hot tubs, saunas, outdoor grills, and more. Visit the storeroom and choose from the many models and sizes we have in stock and receive the best price and quality service. Call us today at (603) 279-7961 or visit our website or store to schedule a home inspection.