Cleaning & Maintenance Guide For Your HeatMasterss G Series Outdoor Furnace

If you have a G Series outdoor wood furnace it’s critical to clean it regularly and to do a deep cleaning at the end of the burning season. Not cleaning your furnace can lead to a number of problems, including decreased efficiency and increased emissions. In this article, we’ll discuss the best way to clean your G Series outdoor wood furnace.

Why Clean Your Outdoor Furnace

You made a big investment in your outdoor boiler system and it can last decades, but only if you stay vigilant with a few simple maintenance items.  At HeatMasterss we use corrosion-resistant Titanium Enhanced 409 Stainless Steel in our outdoor boilers giving them higher strength and heat tolerance, but regular care and maintenance are helpful for the performance and longevity as well.

Regular daily and monthly care will reduce creosote buildup and keep your outdoor boiler running at high efficiency and deep cleaning in the spring will prepare your outdoor furnace for the next burning season. 

 

1. Gather Cleaning Tools

Your G Series HeatMasterss Outdoor Furnace comes with three cleaning tools that you can use for daily, monthly and seasonal cleanings. Keep them easily accessible.

outdoor wood furnace cleaning tools

Depending on the severity of the buildup, you may need additional supplies such as a respirator, shop vac, or safety goggles for your annual cleaning.

2. Cool Down the Outdoor Furnace

After gathering your tools and safety equipment, cool down the furnace to prepare your outdoor furnace for yearly cleaning. Make sure that the fire is completely extinguished and that the unit has cooled down before you begin cleaning your furnace. Also, turn off all electrical power to the unit.

3. Remove Ash and Debris

Once the furnace is cooled, remove any ash or debris from the firebox. Use your HeatMasterss tools to clean the inside of the furnace, paying special attention to the areas of buildup. Start by using the cleaning tools to remove and scrape any loose debris from the surface of the boiler. Remove all ashes and excess creosote from the firebox, lower combustion chamber, heat exchange tubes, and chimney. Ashes should be placed in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. The closed container should be placed on a noncombustible floor or on the ground well away from all combustible materials before final disposal. If the ashes are buried in soil or dispersed locally, they should be kept in a sealed container until all cinders have cooled.

4. Check for Creosote Build Up

When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors, which combine with expelled moisture to form creosote. The chimney and chimney connector should be inspected at least twice a month during the heating season to determine if a creosote buildup has occurred. If creosote has accumulated, it should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.

5. Wash Down the Surface

A mild, non-abrasive cleanser can be used on painted surfaces, and a soft brush or sponge. Use a garden hose to wash away any dirt or grime that is clinging to the surface. Remember to take your time and be careful.

6. Check Gasket Seals and Covers

Check all of your outdoor furnace gasket seals to make sure they are sealing. To replace aging gaskets, remove the old seal and residue from the door, scuff the surface where the seal is placed with sandpaper, and re-apply high temp silicone. Lay fiberglass rope over silicone and let bond for at least 24 hours before using the furnace again. Also, make sure all covers and guards are securely in place and check hinges to ensure they are properly adjusted for a good seal.

7. Make Sure Water Treatment is Being Followed

One of the things that can damage your outdoor furnace is corrosion. This is why it’s important to follow a water treatment plan for your outdoor boiler. This will help extend the life of your furnace and protect it from corrosion.

Check your water pH every year. In fact, you must send in a water test annually to qualify for your warranty. Depending on the recommendations following your water test, add the appropriate amount of corrosion inhibitor. We recommend our HeatMasterss Wood Burning Furnace Water Treatment.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the recommended daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal care and maintenance for your G Series outdoor wood furnace:

 

Daily Care of Your Outdoor Furnace

On a daily basis:

Visually inspect your furnace everyday, checking water levels and keeping an eye out for any potential issues like airleaks, excessive creosote buildup, water pooling on the ground, that the fan turns on when calling for heat.

 

Weekly Care of Your Outdoor Furnace

On a weekly basis (or as needed):

 

Monthly Care of Your Outdoor Furnace

On a monthly basis:

Seasonal Care of Your Outdoor Furnace

On a seasonal basis:

furnace cleaning

The HeatMasterSS Advantage

An outdoor furnace is a long-term investment in the independence and peace of mind your family deserves. Sometimes cleaning your outdoor boiler isn’t enough, and you need help to keep your furnace maintained and running for decades to come. HeatMasterss experts can help.

HeatMasterss is a family-owned company that has been manufacturing outdoor furnaces for over 20 years. Our mission is simple; help families achieve heating independence and save money.

If you have any questions or want to learn more, we’d love to hear from you today!