Does your house have a furnace or does it have a fireplace? If your home has a furnace, then you may not have been acquainted with the benefits of having a fireplace. Not only do they appear magnificent when lit, but they also are a source of saving money.
During inspections, the technicians will say words like hearth when talking about the fireplace. What is a hearth you may ask? It is the brick, stone, marble, or cement slab that sits/extends out from your fireplace. This protects your home from radiant heat, floating embers, sparks, and loose burning logs. This particular attachment is quite simple to insert and easy to customize.
Over the years, chimneys were initially used are the primary source of warmth. Nowadays, chimneys are becoming a staple trademark of home-decor. What are some tips that could help keep your chimney in pristine condition?
Call to Schedule a Fireplace Chimney Sweep
Chimney sweepers really exist, and not simply just pop up in children’s movies such as Mary Poppins.
Our chimney sweeps offer a visible inspection of the hearth and chimney. The technicians will look for creosote and all types of blockages. If left untreated, creosote can lead to chimney fires. Prior to the first use of your fireplace, it is best to have an annual inspection to ensure the maximum enjoyment of your chimney.
Leave Some Ash & Clear Area
During the months of using your fireplace, it is encouraged to clean the firebox (location of the burning logs) each month. When cleaning the firebox, it is best to leave less or close to an inch of ash in the chimney. For the next use, the coals from a fresh fire will maintain warmness more efficiently. When scooping up the rest, be extremely cautious to set them outside. Even if a fire has been extinguished, ashes can continue to be hot for a long time.
There should be a minimum of 36 inches between the hearth and your furniture. This is to keep sparks from igniting the upholstery. Even if you use a furnace, it is important to display a screen to trap sparks. Always keep your fireplace chimney clear.
Closing the Damper
Remember airflow is key to keeping smoke out of your house. The damper is a hinged flap located about the hearth which controls the amount of air allowed to pass through the fireplace chimney. It is extremely important to have it open while there is a burning fire. To prevent heat loss and cold air exchanges after the fire is extinguished, you should shut the damper.
Having a Fireplace Chimney Cap
There is trouble waiting to happen with an open portal at the top of your chimney. Installing a chimney cap partly shuts the opening to stop animals like squirrels and raccoons from entering, building nests, and keeping smoke from leaving the fireplace.
Type of Wood to Use
When warming a fire, make sure to only supply it with seasoned wood – logs that have been dried out for at least a year. Wood that has been exposed to environmental factors, or wet wood, can create bad fuel and cause smoky fires. Logs should be placed in close proximity to one another when building a fire.
Stay Away from Hanging Things
Like any old tradition, hanging things on a mantel or furnace are nice but they rapidly become risks when are in close proximity to flying sparks. With Christmas here, never throw wrapping paper into a fire. The finishing products used on the paper can lead to a flash fire, these can easily spin out of control.
If you have any questions or concerns about your fireplace chimney and the correct usage, you’re welcome to contact us. Give us a call and we will assist you with any concerns you may have.