It is common for many homeowners to use a pellet stove as a primary or secondary heat source during the cooler months. While these types of stoves can be convenient and economical, it is important to follow some critical guidelines and safety precautions when installing and operating pellet stoves. First, the pellet stove installation should only be performed by a licensed and/or certified professional installer. (See National Fireplace Institute: http://nficertified.org). Improper installation can potentially lead to fire, smoke damage, and/or carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Make sure your installer obtains a permit when installing a pellet stove. This will help ensure that…

When the colder temperatures start to set in, many homeowners will turn to their fireplace, wood or pellet stoves as an additional heat source. While fireplaces can provide warmth and comfort, if you are not careful, they can also be a hazard. Keep in mind the following precautions to help ensure a safe winter season. Keep Your Chimney Fireplaces and Wood Stoves Clean Have your chimney, fireplace, wood or pellet stove inspected and cleaned by a licensed chimney specialist. They should be maintained annually to help ensure they are functioning safely and efficiently.  Be sure to keep the area around the hearth clear…

There were 3 explosions, 60 to 80 structure fires, 25 injuries, and 1 death resulting from the natural gas pipeline explosion in Merrimack Valley earlier this month. More than 8,500 gas customers were affected, according to Columbia Gas. It will be months before residents and business owners and their employees recover. As we continue to hear their stories, many people who were not affected are wondering if a gas explosion can happen to them — and if it does what can be done about it. In this article we answer several questions about what to do after a gas explosion as…