Frequently Asked Questions
From choosing the right fireplace or stove to understanding maintenance, service requirements, and everyday operation, our team is here to help.
We’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions we receive from both prospective customers and current owners throughout Fredericton and Central New Brunswick.
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
Contact our team and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.
Wood Appliances
Most wood-burning systems should be inspected annually and cleaned as needed based on usage and creosote accumulation.This ensures your unit runs safely, efficiently, and remains within manufacturer requirements.
Yes. Every wood stove requires a proper chimney system to safely vent smoke and harmful gases outside your home. The chimney must extend beyond the roof line and be minimum 2ft higher than any part of the roof/ building within 10ft.
The correct size depends on your home’s layout, insulation, ceiling height, and heating goals. Oversizing or undersizing can affect performance. Our specialists can recommend the right model for your space.
Dirty glass usually means you’re burning damp wood, running the air control too low, or your stove needs a gasket/venting check. Burning dry hardwood, at proper temperatures will help keep glass clean. ONLY use proper glass cleaner designed for wood stoves.
If you notice difficulty controlling your fire, smoke buildup, or air escaping around the door, the gasket may be worn out. Most door gaskets need replacement every 1–3 years.
WETT inspections are commonly required for insurance purposes, real estate transactions, and to verify that an installation meets current safety standards.
ALL Sunpoke installations include all necessary documentation to satisfy insurance company requirements.
The ACC system delivers a timed burst of extra air for about 20 minutes to make fire starting easier and cleaner. After the cycle ends, the stove returns to its efficient burn setting.
Pellet Appliances
Common causes include dirty burn pots, blocked venting, failed igniters, or maintenance issues. Regular service helps prevent many of these problems.
Most pellet units have a display screen or control board that will give you the error code that can be referenced in your owners manual to help diagnose the issue.
Not necessarily. Pellet stoves use a smaller vent pipe instead of a full wood chimney, making installation easier and more flexible. A pellet vent does not need to vent beyond the roof line, however, they can vent through an existing wood chimney with a proper class A adapter.
For best performance, we recommend cleaning the burn pot weekly. A deeper clean the inside of the unit after 10 bags of pellets and schedule a professional cleaning and inspection once a year.
Pellet stoves have moving parts such as augers and fans. A little noise is normal, but squeaks or grinding sounds may mean parts need lubrication or replacement.
Black glass can mean poor fuel quality, a blocked air intake, or incorrect settings. Burning premium pellets and keeping your stove serviced will help prevent buildup.
A bit of blackening is normal in the corners of the glass and typically happens at low speed/temp settings for prolonged run times. Running on high will sometimes clear this up. ONLY use proper wood/pellet glass cleaner to prevent damage to coatings on the glass if you plan to clean glass yourself.
Gas Appliances
Many gas units can operate during a power outage. Most modern fireplaces/ stoves use electronic ignition system which run off a battery powered receiver. Other models may have a standing pilot light or require batteries to be installed during an outage. Our team can help you determine which models offer these features.
We recommend annual maintenance and inspection to ensure safe, efficient operation and to identify potential issues before they become costly repairs. Most manufacturers also require ongoing annual maintenance by certified personnel for warranty claims.
Gas units use direct vent piping to both exhaust the unit and bring in combustion air in the same vent. These can vent through an exterior wall or through the roof line of the home. Some manufacturers have specialized venting that can even vent through an existing wood chimney that is no longer in use.
Most modern gas units have a remote control and receiver which control the function of the unit. IF the batteries are low in either of these, the unit may function erratically.
- Remote control – replace batteries in the handheld unit every 9 – 12 months.
- Receiver box – located under/near the fireplace.
Not sure if your unit has batteries or where they are located? Reach out to our staff and we can help point you in the right direction.
Most gas stoves, fireplaces or inserts are designed as zone heaters and can effectively heat large portions of a home. This depends greatly on the appliance and floor plan.
Still Have Questions?
Our team answers questions every day about fireplaces, stoves, BBQs, venting systems, maintenance, and installation requirements.
Contact Sunpoke and we’ll be happy to help.
