Colder
nights are upon us, and that means it’s time to cuddle up with a cup of cocoa
and get cozy by the crackling fire. Few things are more comforting in the
winter, but before you strike your first match of the season, make sure you
know how to clean, maintain, and use your wood-burning fireplace properly.
If you are
new to using a wood-burning fireplace, or don’t know how to properly maintain
one, we have some helpful tips that will keep it burning bright and clean all
winter long.
Schedule Yearly Inspection
Before you
even think about using your fireplace this fall or winter, call a professional
chimney sweep service for a yearly inspection. They’ll clean your fireplace and
chimney, getting rid of soot and dangerous creosote buildup that your family
definitely does not want to breathe in. They can also check for blockages in
your chimney like debris (leaves, branches, etc.) or nests that animals have
built in your fireplace’s dormant summer months. Even more, they can fix any
structural damage like cracks and loose bricks that may have been caused by
animals or severe weather.
While you
can clean and inspect your fireplace and chimney on your own, there is no
substitute for having a professional come out for a yearly inspection. Their
training and experience allows them to spot things that you might miss, things
that could potentially cause harm to you and your family as you begin to use
your fireplace for the winter.
Wood Burning Rules
Once you
have your initial cleaning and inspection out of the way, it’s time to light
the first fire of the season! Use only dry or seasoned wood for burning. Dry
wood is more efficient to burn and will produce a lot less smoke, which can
irritate your eyes and lungs. A dry wood will also cause less soot buildup. A
soft wood like fir is preferable for many people because it dries more quickly,
which makes it more readily available.
After you’ve finished using your fireplace, close
the damper. This will ensure that no residual soot or creosote floats up into
your chimney, and will also keep heat from escaping through your fireplace. A
damper that has been left open when not in use can cost you hundreds of dollars
in heating costs per year, so when you’re finished burning wood, don’t forget
to close it up!
Keep
Everything Clean
If you’re using your fireplace on a regular basis
throughout the winter, a cleaning schedule is necessary to keep the soot and
debris from building up too much. When cleaning out the firebox, open the damper.
A lot of soot and dust will be flying everywhere, and you’ll want it to float
up and out of the chimney instead of down and back into your home, where it’s inventible
that you will breathe it in. Use a sturdy brush and a dustpan, never a vacuum.
Coals can stay hot for days after your fire has been extinguished, which can
ruin your vacuum cleaner.
Tip: Surprisingly, you want to avoid completely
cleaning the firebox after each burn. It’s a good idea to leave about an inch
of ash on the bottom throughout the winter season for insulation. In warmer
months, remove all ash and debris from the firebox.
We hope
these tips have made you more confident in using and maintaining your
wood-burning fireplace. Don’t let it sit dormant all winter; make cozy fires a
part of your holiday season!
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