5 Expert Tips to Help Your Stove Last Over 50 Years

By Nor-Cal Chimney Service – Serving Humboldt County Since 1986

If you own a wood, gas, or pellet stove, you probably want it to last as long as possible. With the right care, your stove can easily serve your home for 50+ years. At Nor-Cal Chimney Service, we’ve seen firsthand how maintenance makes the difference between a few good seasons and a lifetime of safe, reliable heat.

Here’s how to protect your investment and extend the life of your stove:

1. Invest in a High-Quality Stove

Longevity starts with quality. The best wood stoves and heating appliances are built to withstand decades of use. Our go-to brands for long-term reliability include:

• Lopi

• Avalon

• Fireplace Xtrordinair

• Blaze King

  
  

These stoves are efficient, durable, and backed by excellent manufacturer support — ideal for homes in Eureka, Fortuna, Arcata, and out by Ruth Lake.

2. Follow Proper Break-In Procedures

Don’t skip this part! When you first install your stove, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s break-in instructions closely. Usually, this means a few low-temperature burns to cure the paint and components.

Ignoring this step can lead to early wear, poor performance, and even damage.

3. Use Dry Wood and Test Your Moisture Levels

The wood you burn has a direct impact on the life of your stove and chimney system. Burning wet or unseasoned wood causes excessive creosote buildup, which can lead to chimney fires and corrosion.

Keep your moisture levels under 20%. Use a moisture checker like this one on Amazon to test your wood before burning.

4. Schedule Yearly Chimney Cleanings and Inspections

One of the biggest keys to stove longevity is annual maintenance. A certified chimney sweep will clean your system and inspect key components like:

• The chimney cap

• Door seals

• Interior firebricks

• Flue liners

• Gaskets and more

At Nor-Cal Chimney Service, we provide chimney cleaning and inspections for homeowners all across Humboldt County and Ruth Lake.

5. Don’t Overfire Your Stove

Running your stove too hot can warp or crack internal parts. Running it too low can cause smoky fires and excessive creosote buildup. The solution?

👉 Install a stove thermometer to monitor your burn temperature and keep it in the ideal range.

It’s a simple tool that protects your stove and keeps your home safer.

Bonus: Hire a Licensed Professional for Installation

No matter how great your stove is, it’s only as good as the installation. A licensed fireplace installer ensures your system is up to code and optimized for long-term safety and performance.

If you’re upgrading or repairing your system, let us help. We’re licensed, certified, and proud to be family-owned since 2004.

🔧 Need Help With Your Chimney or Stove?

We’re here to help — whether it’s a routine cleaning, a stove inspection, or troubleshooting poor performance. Our team serves all of Eureka, Arcata, Fortuna, McKinleyville, and Ruth Lake.

📅 Click here to book your appointment or text us anytime at (707) 443-3570. We’re here to keep your fire burning safely.