Many things can go wrong with your fireplace if you are not careful.
There is nothing better than enjoying a crackling fire in the cold haze of winter with your loved ones. The snapping of the wood and warm blaze enveloping our bodies feels perfect sometimes. However, owning a fireplace comes with specific rules and responsibilities. In fact, enjoying a lovely fire requires a safe and healthy fireplace. Many things can go wrong with your fireplace if you are not careful. Here are some helpful tips to keep your fireplace safe this winter.
Use Appropriate Firewood
Using cheap firewood may take some stress off your wallet, but you will pay for it in other ways. For example, species such as pine leave a lot of creosote in your chimney. This can create blockage in your chimney, allowing unpleasant-smelling smoke into your home. On the other hand, oak is dense, burns clean, and burns longer. This is essential for improving the air quality in your home and the life of your fireplace. Be sure to schedule a professional chimney cleaning to clear away the built-up creosote.
Clean the Firebox
Fireboxes need to be cleaned at least once a week during the cold months. Be sure to leave about an inch of ash leftover as it will insulate the firebox and help the coals to heat up faster and retain heat more efficiently during the subsequent use. And, during the summer, you must remember to keep the firebox clean.
Clean the Chimney
The National Fire Protection Association recommends you should clean your chimneys at least once a year. If you have not used your fireplace in a while, schedule a chimney sweep for a professional cleaning from top to bottom. This way, you can rest assured that the fireplace is safe and ready to be used all winter.
Never Leave a Fire Unattended
This may seem like an obvious rule, but you would be surprised at how quickly an unattended fire grows out of control. It may seem that fire escaping from the firebox is rare. However, things next to a fireplace can overheat and catch fire. Remember that it only takes one stray ember to spark an uncontrollable fire. Before going to bed or leaving the house, ensure the fire is out and the damper is closed to prevent air from coming in and relighting the fire.
Call the Experts at Champion Chimneys for Chimney Cleaning Today!
Champion Chimneys, Inc. is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured chimney service company that has served customers in Baltimore County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County, Maryland since 2001. Our team is trained and certified by Certified Chimney Professionals, Inc. (CCP, Inc.). Courteous service is our trademark, and our crews arrive on time in uniform, driving fully equipped trucks. We specialize in all aspects of your chimney system. Whether you need chimney and flue cleaning service or a full chimney rebuild or inspection, contact us at 443-Chimney today and let us fix all your chimney problems. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.