You’ve gone all season without using your fireplace. But as temperatures continue to drop, the holidays wind down, and snow falls around your home, you feel compelled to enjoy a cozy night relaxing near the fire.
You’ve gathered your firewood, opened the damper, and grabbed your favorite book. While you might feel ready to use your fireplace, are you sure the fireplace and chimney are ready as well? Protect your home and your safety by following these steps before you use your fireplace this year.
Get an inspection
One of the most important things you can do for your home before using your fireplace this year is to schedule a chimney inspection with a reputable chimney sweep. This way, you can learn about any hidden problems with the structure of your chimney and schedule repairs that can lower the risk of a chimney fire. Keep in mind that some companies are out to take your money without doing the work properly, so only hire certified chimney sweeps equipped with high quality inspection equipment.
Keep it clean
Along with an inspection, your annual chimney technician visit should include a thorough cleaning. Creosote is a combustible substance that builds up in the chimney and could lead to sudden chimney fires, but an annual cleaning helps to get rid of it.
There are also some steps you should take on your own. Clean the firebox of ash once a week or so, or once you have accumulated a couple of inches of ash. You may want to leave some ash at the bottom, however, to act as insulation. Clean the glass cover using fire safe cleaners only. If you notice that the inside of the glass gets dirty quickly, you may need to make some adjustments in the fireplace or chimney.
Use dry, seasoned firewood
Don’t compromise on the quality of your firewood because you are in a rush to use your fireplace. Ensure that your firewood is dry, seasoned for six months or longer. Moist firewood allows creosote to build up within the chimney too quickly.
2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. offers chimney and fireplace services in Minneapolis, MN. Call us today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS