End-of-Year Maintenance Tips for Your Wood Stove and Fireplace

Keep Your Hearth Safe, Efficient, and Ready for Winter

As the year winds down and temperatures drop, your wood stove or fireplace becomes the heart of your home. Whether you’re warming up after a long day or gathering with family for the holidays, now is the perfect time to make sure your heating appliance is running safely and efficiently. We’ve put together a practical, end-of-year maintenance guide to keep your system in top shape for the cold months ahead.

1. Inspect Your Glass for Damage or Wear

Your stove or fireplace glass plays a critical role in both safety and performance. End-of-year is the perfect time to inspect it for:

• Cracks

• Cloudiness

• Chips

• Heat stress marks

If it’s damaged, replace it before winter heating ramps up. Most wood stoves require high-temperature ceramic glass rated for up to 1400°F, while decorative fireplaces may use tempered glass. At Total Hearth, we offer custom-cut ceramic and tempered glass to fit any stove or fireplace model.

2. Check and Replace Door Gaskets

Gaskets create an airtight seal that keeps your stove burning efficiently. Over time, they compress, fray, or harden.. especially after a long heating season.
Replace your gasket if you notice:

• Air leaks around the door

• Difficulty controlling burn rate

• A flattened, brittle, or frayed rope

Use a high-temperature gasket cement to ensure a proper seal. Total Hearth carries several gasket sizes, adhesives, and replacement kits for easy DIY maintenance.

3. Clean the Glass the Right Way

A clear view of your fire isn’t just aesthetic; it helps you monitor burn quality. But stove glass must be cleaned correctly to avoid scratches or damage.
End-of-year cleaning tips:

• Only clean glass when completely cool

• Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives

• Use a soft cloth and ammonia-free cleaner

• For stubborn soot, the “ash and water” method works well

Total Hearth’s glass cleaner is a customer favorite for safely removing buildup without streaks or residue.

4. Remove Ash Buildup

Ash buildup can restrict airflow and make your stove less efficient. As the year wraps up:

• Empty the firebox into a metal ash container

• Leave a very thin layer of ash (it helps insulate heat for easier starts)

• Dispose of ash far from your home or deck; embers can stay hot for days

For pellet units, vacuum the burn pot, ash traps and interior chambers using a certified ash vacuum.

5. Give Firebricks and Baffles a Once-Over

Firebricks and baffles protect your stove from extreme heat and maintain proper airflow.
Check for:

• Cracked or missing bricks

• Warped or damaged baffles

• Loose components

Replacing worn parts now helps prevent bigger issues in the middle of winter.

6. Inspect and Clean the Chimney or Venting System

Creosote buildup is one of the most common winter hazards. Before peak burning season:

• Schedule a chimney sweep if you haven’t done so this year

• Check for creosote glaze, nests or blockages

• Inspect your chimney cap for damage

• Confirm your flue/damper opens and closes smoothly

A clean chimney burns hotter, drafts better and dramatically reduces fire risk.

7. Touch Up Paint and Surfaces

If your stove’s exterior is showing wear, end-of-year is a great time for touch-ups.

• Use high-temperature stove paint for chips or fading

• Apply stove polish to cast iron pieces

• Wipe down surfaces to remove dust and residue

These small steps keep your unit looking new and protected from rust.

8. Test Smoke and CO Detectors

Wood stoves and fireplaces produce combustion gases, so safety devices must be working.

• Replace batteries

• Vacuum sensors

• Test alarms

• Add additional detectors near bedrooms if needed

This is one of the most important (and easiest) maintenance steps.

9. Check for Air Leaks and Heat Loss

Drafts reduce efficiency and cost you money. Run your hand around:

• Door seals

• Vent connections

• Glass frames

• Ash drawer areas

If you feel air movement, it’s time to replace gaskets, seals, or glass clips. Total Hearth stocks replacement hardware and sealants for nearly every stove brand and style.

10. Stock Up on Firewood, Pellets and Supplies

Before winter hits hard, make sure you’re stocked up on essentials:

• Seasoned hardwood (under 20% moisture)

• Quality pellets

• Fire starters

• Kindling

• Replacement gaskets

• High-temp adhesives

• Glass cleaner

• Spare bricks or baffle boards

Preparing now prevents mid-winter headaches.

Final Thoughts

End-of-year maintenance isn’t just about checking boxes.. it’s about making sure your home stays warm, safe and efficient all winter long. With the right care, your wood stove or fireplace will burn brighter, cleaner and more reliably during the coldest months of the year.

Whether you need replacement glass, gaskets, high-temperature adhesives, cleaners, or expert guidance, Total Hearth is here to help. From our family to yours, we hope your hearth is ready for another cozy season.