Equally important is identification and repair of potential problem areas "before" it's freezing cold outside. You may find that instead of fussing thru this winter with an older inefficient and troublesome appliance, that in most cases it's economically sound (and much safer) to replace your current under-performing troublesome heating system. If you do decide its time to replace your appliance, choose very carefully.

One of the most important questions you must know the answer to before you buy is, who will service the unit should there ever be a need? If the dealership selling you the appliance is not going to service it, you may want to consider looking elsewhere. Next, carefully examine the quality of the appliance, its appearance, the efficiency rating, the manufacturer, present and projected fuel costs, fuel availability, and even the dealership themselves. Look around, ask around. Do your homework "before" you sign on the dotted line and part with your hard earned cash.

As you light your first fires this heating season, "always foremost" is the absolute importance of staying aware, alert, and safe around "any" heating appliance "all" of the time. Below are a few TIMELESS COMMON SENSE AND SAFETY TIPS that you may generally follow regardless the brand of heating appliance you own, or plan to own. Using A little foresight and sound safe operating procedures in strict compliance with the appliance manufacturers recommended operating parameters helps you maintain a safe and efficient as possible operating appliance. Its up to you to do all you can to keep your family as safe as possible.

READ THE USER'S MANUAL. If there is something you do not fully understand make sure your dealer explains or shows you until you do. Be sure to follow all of your manufacturers recommended pre, during, and post heating season appliance operation, fuel, and maintenance guidelines. Regardless if you're at the start, middle, end, or between the heating seasons don't wait until the last minute or until something goes wrong. Proper operation and maintenance is not only a sound practice, its safer, and a more economical way to enjoy your heating appliance for many years.

Approach safety like your life depended on it, Because it does!!

• Do your homework "BEFORE" you buy.
• Size the appliance correctly for the job you expect it to do.
• "DO NOT" cut corners to save money on a heating appliance.
• Have your work done by an authorized and qualified heating technician.
• "READ" your owners "MANUAL" thoroughly "BEFORE" you use the appliance.
• Operate your appliance strictly within the manufacturers designed criteria, this is normally found in your owners manual.
• "NEVER" use any flammable fluids or fire starting gels, or paste unless the stove is absolutely cold. Remember these products are only to "start" the fire. Using them when the stove is hot or warm (even a warm stove can have a hidden hot spark) can have catastrophic consequences. KEEP YOUR FAMILY AND HOME SAFE.
• Use a quality magnetic temperature gauge on your stove or stove-pipe.
• "ALWAYS" use the highest quality carbon monoxide gas detector and check it regularly.
• "ALWAYS" use the highest quality smoke detector and check it regularly.
• Have a qualified and experienced heating technician clean your appliance at least once each year before the heating season.
• Have a qualified and experienced heating technician clean your chimney periodically.
• Only use fuel that your appliance is rated for. Never and I mean "NEVER" burn any material in a home heating appliance that is not a rated fuel for that appliance.
• Always keep a fire extinguisher rated for your fuel near-by and handy, make sure everyone in the house knows how to use it and where its at.
• Have your local fire department do a courtesy fire inspection of your entire premises, they are generally free of charge and most fire marshal's are more than happy to assist you with home fire safety tips and rules.
• Have your local fire department check your fire extinguisher annually. They will be glad to assist you anytime, however, most fire departments do this for free to the community only during a certain date/time frame so give them a call to see what programs they offer.
• Make sure everyone in the household knows how to be safe around your heating appliance.
• If you have any questions about the heating appliance, ask your qualified heating technician, not the person next door.
• In, around, and away from the home, think safe, do safe, and be safe.

You and you're families safety should always be number one in your thoughts and actions. Please remember there is no "hindsight is always 20/20" in heating appliance safety. We want you to please be safe in everything you do around any heating appliance. We at Patriot Stoves sincerely wish you and your family to be warm, snug, and most importantly "safe". We only want you to be in the news because you won the lotto.