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A closeup of wood pellets being poured into a pellet stove

Expert Pellet Stove Maintenance Tips

Written by Rachel Martin on . Posted in Blog.

The biggest desire for a property owner looking to heat their space for the winter is to heat it efficiently for the lowest possible cost. A pellet stove is a fantastic way to accomplish this goal! However, its effectiveness will only take you as far as your desire to do maintenance work for it. Without regular maintenance, pellet stoves won’t heat your home as efficiently. You’ll waste money on the required fuel as a result. The best way to avoid this problem is to enact regular maintenance for your pellet stove. We’ve outlined the best tips for doing so below.

Clean Your Burn Pot Weekly

Most heating sources will leave a byproduct behind after you burn them, and the same is true for pellet stoves. Wood pellets produce ash and soot, which can clog your unit if you allow it to build up in excess. The compartment where wood pellets burn is called the burn pot, and how often you clean this component will play a big role in your unit’s heating efficiency. For best results, clean out your burn pot on a weekly basis. This will ensure that soot buildup doesn’t occur in excess, allowing you to heat your property effectively.

Be Careful Which Pellets You Purchase

Like most products you’ll find on the market, some wood pellets are far better than others. The quality of the wood pellets you buy for your unit can affect everything from the amount of maintenance it needs to the efficiency of your unit as a whole. There are two main things to look for on the packaging: Pellet Fuels Institute certification and a low moisture content. PFI certification means that your wood pellets are at the highest standard of reliability. Look for pellet stoves with a moisture content under 10%, as these prevent smoke and soot buildup in your stove.

Get Your Stove Serviced Before The Winter

There will inevitably be a period of time where your pellet stove goes unused, particularly during the summer and early stages of fall. Take advantage of the downtime by getting your pellet stove professionally cleaned. The right team will clean your unit perfectly while examining its mechanical components. This will help you to plug up any weaknesses within your unit and ensure that your unit operates at its peak during the coldest seasons.

Install A New Pellet Stove With The Stove Shoppe

The Stove Shoppe provides a wide variety of efficient fireplaces & stoves to property owners in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Our selection of pellet stoves is among the most trusted and proven in the industry. Are you looking to stay warm this winter for the lowest possible cost? Our team can help you achieve this; click here to contact us directly and get started!

Wood Fireplace 3

How Long Do Fireplaces Last?

Written by Rachel Martin on . Posted in Blog.

As a homeowner, you undoubtedly invest careful thought and resources into maintaining and enhancing your property. While these improvements contribute to your home’s peak aesthetics and performance, it’s important to recognize that every component, including fireplaces, has its lifespan. Fireplaces can significantly enhance your home by providing warmth, light, and a cozy atmosphere. But how long will they last? The fireplace specialists at The Stove Shoppe offer insights on estimating your fireplace’s lifespan!

Evaluate Your Fireplace’s Fuel Source

The primary consideration for your fireplace’s longevity is its fuel source. Each type of fuel influences not only the burning efficiency but also the durability of your fireplace. Gas fireplaces typically last between 10-25 years, whereas traditional wood-burning and electric fireplaces can have a lifespan spanning 10-20 years. Take the time to research your fireplace’s lifespan given its fuel source, and cross-reference it with your date of purchase. If its age is on the higher side, you may want to consider looking at replacement options. 

Usage Patterns and Purpose

Every homeowner is going to have different needs regarding their fireplace. Some fireplaces act as a property’s primary heating source, which means that they’re subject to heavy usage and maintenance throughout their lifespan. Others serve a more decorative purpose, with a primary heating source already in place. It should go without saying that decorative fireplaces are used far less frequently, which means that they’ll typically last longer than those used primarily for heat. Depending on how long you’ve had the fireplace and your use cases for it, you could be looking at two completely different sets of lifespans!

Condition of Fireplace Components

Consider your fireplace as a complex system with several interworking components. When one component breaks down or suffers from overuse, it can affect the efficiency of the entire system. Because they’ve been used far more frequently, older fireplaces tend to have components that break down easily and require constant maintenance. It may be helpful to examine your history of fireplace repair services to determine how much longer your fireplace can be viable for.

Upgrade Your Fireplace with The Stove Shoppe

If you’re contemplating a fireplace replacement, The Stove Shoppe offers high-quality upgrades. Our showroom in Windham offers one of the largest selections of fireplaces and stoves from manufacturers who have earned the trust and reputation of their clients. We can accommodate both decorative and heating purposes with our selection, ensuring that you obtain the fireplace or stove that best caters to your desires. For those in MA or NH needing a new fireplace, contact our team for the best solution tailored for your home!

A man uses an outdoor grill to heat up steak. He is wearing a black apron and using a spatula to flip it

Tips On Selecting The Perfect Outdoor Grill

Written by Rachel Martin on . Posted in Blog.

Let’s say that you’ve made the decision to start investing in an outdoor grill. It’s a great choice! Outdoor grills are a perfect excuse to host outdoor events, hone in on your cooking skills, and stay warm for a little while during the winter. It should go without saying that the amount of grills there are to choose from is vast and varied. You’re likely going to have specific desires from your new grill, so you should use those specifics to help narrow down your selection! Our team is ready to help you eliminate most of the guesswork. We’ll give you our best tips for selecting the perfect outdoor grill below!

What’s Your Cooking Style?

Believe it or not, there are outdoor grills out there that cater to specific styles of cooking. This includes how much food you like to make at a given time, what kind of food you’re making, and how frequently you’re cooking. There are grills suited for all of your specific needs; for example, if you prefer smoking to grilling, there are several grills out there that are well suited for this purpose!

What’s Your Budget?

Everyone wants the absolute most they can get out of their new grills, but just because it’s marked at a higher price doesn’t mean it’s best suited to your interests. You should have a good idea of how much cash you’re willing to part with before you start looking at grills! It’s also one of the easiest ways to narrow down your selection. If you’re shopping for new grills online, you can use search filters to include only the options that are within your budget. Cooking is nice, but it shouldn’t break the bank!

Consider Its Features

Just as everyone has different desires for the way they cook, there are different grill features that can help promote them! Some grills have internal thermometers that allow you to see exactly what temperature your food is cooking at. Others have rotisserie sticks to help you slowly rotate your food. Smoker boxes and burners are two other desirable features that many outdoor grills carry. Pick and choose your favorites – since it’s your grill, you need to customize it to your taste!

Outdoor Grills With The Stove Shoppe

At The Stove Shoppe, we don’t just offer a fantastic selection of fireplaces and stoves; we also offer various outdoor fire features! We carry some of the most noteworthy and effective grill manufacturers in the industry, all of which can cater to your specific needs. If you’re looking to upgrade your cooking game with a new outdoor grill, click here to contact us directly!

A closeup of the flames emanating from a metal fireplace

Is Installing An Outdoor Fireplace Worth It?

Written by Rachel Martin on . Posted in Blog. No Comments on Is Installing An Outdoor Fireplace Worth It?

As a homeowner, you’ll often find yourself daydreaming about ways to improve your properties. As fascinating and luxurious as these dreams are, one crucial factor can snap you back to reality in an instant: finances! While it’s fun to dream about property enhancements and remodeling, the reality is that your finances won’t always allow for these ideals to be achieved. Before you install anything or make any kind of improvements, it’s wise to figure out how much they would truly benefit you. Outdoor fireplaces are one investment that can bring a lot of value to your property. We’ll show you exactly how below!

They Give Your Landscape Year-round Usage

Especially if you live in a colder climate like the Northeast, your outdoor space isn’t always usable! The fall and winter seasons make it far less inviting to go outside. However, an outdoor fireplace can flip this inconvenience on its head! They’ll help warm you up through the coldest of temperatures, making a fantastic backdrop for these events. You can even use them during the summer and spring if you like to roast marshmallows or do other fun outdoor activities! No matter what time of year it is, you can always have use for an outdoor fireplace.

Increased Property Value

If you’re thinking of selling your property soon and want to maximize the return you get from it, an outdoor fireplace is a foolproof investment! Think of all of the things that a prospective homebuyer would want from their property. The more outdoor features you add, the more usable and practical the space becomes. Outdoor fireplaces are a great investment that can drive up the value of your home. It’s an installment that could potentially make you money if you get it done correctly!

Effective Insect Repellent

Going outside – especially during the spring and summer – can create its own set of challenges. Mosquitoes giving you fits as well as flies and other pests can turn an enjoyable evening into a huge nuisance. This is how an outdoor fireplace can help you during these months! The intense heat and smoke residue are not inviting to any insect. Those that fly towards it won’t last very long in the heat’s embrace! It’s not a complete substitute for bug spray, but it makes it significantly less likely that you’ll experience issues.

Install Outdoor Fireplaces With The Stove Shoppe

The Stove Shoppe is New Hampshire’s premier supplier of indoor and outdoor fireplaces and stoves! If you’re interested in reaping the perks of an outdoor fireplace, our team can ensure that you’re connected with the industry’s best options. If you want to give your property the perks that this investment offers, click here to contact us directly!

Outdoor Fireplace 7

DIY Fireplace Maintenance Tips

Written by Rachel Martin on . Posted in Blog. No Comments on DIY Fireplace Maintenance Tips

Keeping yourself warm in an inviting location is one of the winter season’s greatest luxuries! It doesn’t come without its fair share of work, however. You want to make sure that the fuel source you’re using burns efficiently, cleanly, and for a continuous length of time. If you don’t know the right practices for fireplace maintenance, goals like this become significantly more difficult to attain! The best way to keep your fireplace operating at its peak is to enact regular maintenance on it. We’ll give you our best tips for what to do below!

Wood Fireplaces: Focus On The Soot

For those homeowners with wood-burning fireplaces, you should be focusing your efforts on minimizing the soot buildup within your system. This includes cleaning and inspecting your chimney, flue, and firebox! Fireboxes should be examined after each use of your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure you use a deep cleaner to get out the creosote! For a foolproof deep cleaner, take heavy-duty cleaner, dish soap, and a gallon of warm water and mix them together in a bucket. It will be able to clean up the toughest of afterproducts!

Electric Fireplaces: Changing The Bulbs

Every electric fireplace has an insert, called a firebox insert, which helps supply power to the unit and gives it the efficiency that it’s known for. However, this bulb is the most important thing to maintain! Make sure that your unit is unplugged and powered down for a significant amount of time, then remove the insert from your unit according to your manufacturer’s specifications. You’ll likely know which light bulb will fit within your insert, but the operator’s manual should be able to tell you what to use if you aren’t sure. Your unit’s efficiency will go back to normal!

Gas Fireplaces: Prevent Dirt Buildup

Since gas fireplaces don’t produce soot and aren’t powered by electricity, it should go without saying that the maintenance will be different! The biggest thing to keep in mind with gas fireplaces is the dirt and grime buildup. When combined with gas, this isn’t good for your property’s breathing air. To fix this, make sure you give special attention to your airflow, louvers, and exterior glass. For the glass, make sure you’re using a cleaner specifically designed for fireplace glass to avoid residue and buildup.

Fireplace Installation With The Stove Shoppe

Do you know what the above types of fireplaces all have in common? The Stove Shoppe can install them all with ease! We’ll provide you with superior fireplaces from the nation’s top manufacturers. We’ll make it easier for you to stay warm through New England’s chilly winters – all for a lower utility bill price! Click here to contact us directly and secure your new fireplace!

A worker cleans the inside of a pellet stove with a vaccum tube

When Is It Time To Upgrade Your Stove?

Written by Rachel Martin on . Posted in Blog. No Comments on When Is It Time To Upgrade Your Stove?

As much as the many appliances in our home help us to accomplish our everyday tasks, there’s one thing that they all have in common: they all have an expiration date! This is especially the case when it comes to your stove or fireplace. Regardless of what fuel source you use to meet your heating needs, a failure to recognize the warning signs of needing a replacement unit can result in significant heating costs. You shouldn’t have to pay for something that isn’t effective! So, what are the warning signs of needing to upgrade your stove? Below, we’ll showcase the most telling signs!

Slower, Less Effective Performance

Over time, you should get a good idea of how often you need to replenish your stove’s fuel source. As stoves age, they become far less effective at meeting your heating needs. Especially in the case of wood-burning stoves, your fuel source will start to burn for far shorter increments of time, making it less effective at accomplishing what you want it to. This means that it’s less efficient at doing its job, which can lead to significant increases in your utility bill costs from month to month. The more you pay, the more you should be considering an upgrade!

You Notice Dark Smoke

The fuel source you use for your stove should be able to burn cleanly. This means that the smoke it emanates is clean, clear, and doesn’t cause serious harm. As this smoke darkens, the odds of a soot byproduct appearing throughout your home get much higher! Smoke can cause serious respiratory problems, which are heightened as the smoke clouds get darker. It points to a lack of efficient burning with your fuel source, a crucial sign of needing an upgrade!

EPA Certification

Take a moment to examine your stove. Damaged or corroded components are a surefire sign of needing an upgrade, but there’s something else you should be looking out for as well. Check the back of the stove for a permanent EPA certification label. If it doesn’t have one, it’s a good sign that your unit is older and needs to be upgraded. The EPA has released several emissions standards for wood-burning stoves that can help you determine whether you need a new one. If it doesn’t have the label, it doesn’t meet the grade!

Stoves Of All Kinds With The Stove Shoppe

No matter what your budget, surface area, and heating desires are for your property in New Hampshire, they can all be met by working with The Stove Shoppe! We offer stoves and fireplaces of all kinds and fuel sources to help homeowners meet even the most specific of heating needs. If you’ve determined that you need a stove upgrade, don’t settle for less than the best. Click here to contact us directly and secure this quality for yourself!

A woman wrapped in a blanket sits by a pellet stove emanating a fire

DIY vs. Professional Stove Installation

Written by Rachel Martin on . Posted in Blog. No Comments on DIY vs. Professional Stove Installation

A new stove is a fantastic investment if you’re looking to keep your property warm throughout the chilliest months. When you’re first making the decision to get one, it’s important to mull over all of your options for materials, fuel sources, and where you want them to go. However, one thing that isn’t as debatable is the positive impact of professional stove installation. While it’s technically possible to install a new stove yourself, you’ll find that the risks far outweigh the benefits of doing so. We’ll show you why professionals should always be trusted for your stove installation needs below!

Warranty Coverage

When you decide to install a new stove by yourself, you can’t expect perfection from your own hands. No matter how many YouTube tutorials you watch, there’s always room for error! While initial costs for installing a new stove are lower when taking a DIY approach, they always have a way of getting you! The catch with DIY installations is that most of them are not covered by manufacturer warranties. In the inevitable event that problems arise due to a lack of skilled craftsmanship, you’ll have to pay significantly more money to get them repaired!

Safety

Especially if you’re considering installing a new gas stove, you should have a good idea of the risks involved! Many of the components of gas stoves in particular require a certain level of expertise to handle correctly. You’ll have to deal with gas fittings, gas lines, and connections – all of which can backfire if you don’t do them correctly! Professional stove installation is one of the best things you can do for your personal safety. You won’t have to assume any of the risks, and professionals have a much steadier hand!

Expertise

It should go without saying that professional stove installation contractors have much more experience on the job! Taking a DIY approach means committing yourself to dozens of hours of research and preparation. Professionals can cut that time down to a simple afternoon! Since they already have the highest level of training and certifications, they’ll be much more likely to complete a perfect installation. You won’t have to deal with any of the problems that result from the contrary, many of which can take root if you approach the situation on your own.

The Stove Shoppe Is The Best Choice For New Stove Installation

If you’re looking for a professional stove installation team to install your fireplace or stove, look no further than The Stove Shoppe! We have significant experience working with the industry’s top manufacturers to bring you the most energy-efficient and affordable stoves possible. Staying warm during the winter shouldn’t be a luxury! When you contact our team today, you can rest assured that it won’t be!

A burning natural gas fireplace with a stone wall

Is Installing A Fireplace Insert Worth It?

Written by Rachel Martin on . Posted in Blog. No Comments on Is Installing A Fireplace Insert Worth It?

Heating your home through a brutal winter can sometimes be a tough task, so you’ll need to ensure that whatever heating solution you have has been optimized to its fullest potential! If you have an existing fireplace or stove within your home, there are things that you can do to upgrade its performance. A popular and effective route that you can take to accomplish this is to install a fireplace insert. However, as with any upgrade of this magnitude, you’ll need to know everything you can about it before you make the decision to purchase it. So, is installing an insert for your fireplace really a worthwhile investment? We’ll break down the answer for you below!

It Increases Your Fireplace’s Efficiency

Did you know that a fireplace insert can actually increase the effectiveness of your unit? The biggest reason behind this is that they decrease the amount of open space within your fireplace. More open space within your unit means that more heat that’s supposed to circulate around your room gets trapped within the fireplace. Since fireplace insert seals are airtight, the hot air is forced to exit the unit and populate your space, making it much easier for your unit to heat the room effectively. As a result of the increased efficiency, it will take much less energy to make your room comfortable, lowering your monthly energy bill costs in the process!

It Prevents Bad Gas From Infiltrating Your Room

Especially if you use a wood-burning fireplace, the importance of having an insert installed cannot be overstated. Older fireplace models have the potential to generate noxious gasses, such as carbon monoxide, which can infiltrate your room and cause serious harm to your physical health. Because a fireplace insert is designed to seal off air and contain these noxious gases, installing a new one will only help to increase the safety of your current unit. These units help to contain these harmful gases and prevent them from doing any damage.

Fireplace Inserts Reduce Your Environmental Impact

The switch to eco-friendly materials and practices has certainly ramped up in the last couple of years, and a new fireplace insert can help you stay up-to-date with the times and trends. Because of the fact that fireplace inserts can trap a lot of harmful air, it ensures that this air isn’t released into the outside world, either! If you’re looking to decrease your carbon footprint, a fireplace insert is a great way to accomplish this.

Fireplace Inserts With The Stove Shoppe

If you need a new fireplace, stove, or insert for an existing unit, The Stove Shoppe has the most advanced and effective options! Especially with weather conditions as volatile as New England’s, ensuring that your home stays at a comfortable temperature throughout the winter months is paramount. Secure the comfort and luxury of a new fireplace or stove when you contact The Stove Shoppe today!

A man uses a screwdriver to install an electric fireplace

Signs of Needing To Replace Your Stove

Written by Rachel Martin on . Posted in Blog. No Comments on Signs of Needing To Replace Your Stove

Household appliances like stoves make everyday life so much easier! The only problem with these appliances is that they don’t last forever. Eventually, you’ll have to trade in your older model for a newer one. Especially in the case of stoves, failure to do so before it’s too late can have a significant negative impact on your monthly energy bill costs! The best way to prevent yourself from spending more money than you have to is to be able to identify the signs of needing to replace them. We’ll go over some of the most telling signs below!

The Stove Doesn’t Turn On

One of the most obvious signs of needing to replace a stove is the fact that it doesn’t turn on. Even after multiple attempts with completely filled-up fuel sources, your old stove still won’t turn on! It shows no use to you if it doesn’t work as intended. You shouldn’t try to keep turning the stove on – after a few times, there won’t be much that you can do to save it. If you’re dealing with a situation like this, you should replace your stove sooner rather than later to avoid getting chilly throughout the winter.

The Smell of Rotten Eggs

This example applies to those users who have chosen natural gas fireplaces or stoves. These fuel sources should never smell foul! If they are, it’s a good sign that your stove pipe or something within the structure has been compromised. It should go without saying, but if you notice the smell of rotten eggs coming from your gas stove, don’t continue to use it! Instead, go look for the next best option. You can try hiring a repairman to inspect the source of the damage, but the likely end result is going to be a full replacement.

Corrosion or Rust

Regardless of what fuel source you use for your stove heating needs, the fact remains that burning it produces byproducts that create wear and tear on your system over time. The ultimate sign of needing to replace your stove is seeing corrosion or rust anywhere throughout the structure. Not only is this a telling sign of how old it is, but it showcases how much your system has been beaten up! This can cause your energy bills to skyrocket, so address this quickly!

Stove Replacement & Installation With The Stove Shoppe

If you need a replacement stove for your MA or NH home, you should only be looking for the best possible options. The Stove Shoppe has a wide variety of indoor and outdoor fireplaces and stoves to help keep your home comfortable throughout those frigid New England winters. If your stove shows any of the signs of failure, don’t leave it to chance. Contact us today to get it replaced!

Call Now: 800-892-0456