How to use your wood stove safely

There's something enchanting about gathering around a wood-burning stove. The warmth, rustic charm, and comfort it brings—especially if the power goes out—make it a favorite feature in many homes. But as with any heating system, safety comes first. Here are some friendly tips to help you enjoy your wood-burning stove with peace of mind.

Safely installing your wood stove

A wood stove is a heavy-duty appliance, so consider having it installed by a professional for best results. But if you're a DIY enthusiast, follow the manufacturer's instructions closely and check your local building codes, too.

Your next step is to pick the perfect place:

Be sure it's a safe spot. If you can run a vent pipe to a chimney, you have some flexibility in the placement of your wood stove. Still, it's important to choose a location away from anything that could catch fire, like carpet, curtains, or doors. Not sure if your setup is safe? Your American Family Insurance agent is always happy to help make sure your stove is installed safely and legally.

Put it where you spend a lot of time. Make your wood stove the heart of your home by placing it in a room where you, your family, and guests can enjoy its warmth together. Plus, you'll save on heating costs for rooms you rarely use.

Keep your chimney in top shape

Your chimney is key to keeping your home cozy and smoke-free. Schedule a professional inspection every year, especially before winter hits. Only burn firewood that's been dried for at least a year. This helps your stove run efficiently and keeps your chimney cleaner. And remember, your chimney should only serve your wood stove and no other appliances.

If you notice smoke isn't venting properly, extinguish the fire and call a professional chimney cleaner right away.

Stay safe from carbon monoxide

Every home should have carbon monoxide detectors on each level, but it's especially important if you use a wood stove. Carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless, so detectors are your best defense.

Place one in the same room as your stove and check the batteries twice a year. Paired with smoke detectors, these devices can save lives in the event of a stove or chimney malfunction.

Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can conveniently alert you wherever you are and may help you qualify for a discount on your American Family homeowners insurance.

Regularly remove ash

You don't need to clean your stove after every use, but keeping ash from building up helps your stove work safely and efficiently. Wait until the stove is completely cool before removing ash. Embers can stay hot for days and reignite when exposed to fresh air.

When getting rid of the ash, use a metal container with a tight lid and store it away from living spaces. Never use a vacuum to clean ashes; it could start a fire.

Stick to wood only

For safe, efficient fires, burn properly seasoned hardwoods such as oak, maple, ash, birch, or fruitwoods like apple or cherry. Make sure the wood is dry—ideally kiln-dried or seasoned about 6-12 months and low in moisture—so it burns hotter, longer, and creates less creosote. Avoid softwoods like pine, except for kindling, and never burn painted, treated, or driftwood. Be careful not to overload your stove, which can cause excess smoke and residue buildup in your chimney.

Keep kids and pets safe

Wood stoves can be fascinating for children and pets, but they're also dangerous. Teach your family and guests to keep a safe distance and only let experienced adults tend the stove.

With a little extra care, your wood stove can keep your home warm and welcoming all season long. For extra peace of mind, reach out to an American Family Insurance agent to learn how you can protect your home and loved ones from the unexpected.

*This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. We do not make any guarantees or promise any results based on this information. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites that may be linked in this article.