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December
28
28
Fireplace Maintenance and Safety Tips to Know This Winter
Oh, the weather outside may be frightful, but sitting at home by the fire sure is delightful this time of the year. Our real estate agents love warming up by the fireplace with our loved ones and watching the snowfall outside. Though fireplaces are rightfully loved for their warmth in both function and appearance, homeowners must not forget that these appliances are inherently dangerous. We recommend that all homeowners with a working fireplace follow these maintenance and safety tips — even if you don't use the fireplace often.
- Always Have Your Fireplace Serviced Annually
Just like any other appliance or structure of your home, your fireplace needs routine maintenance. The best way to care for your fireplace is to have a professional assess the firebox, smoke chamber, and chimney each year before you use it. These professionals will check the chimney for cracks, make sure the cap and damper are working properly, and ensure that everything is up to code. - Don't Use Your Fireplace as a Furnace
Your fireplace is a great resource to temporarily add warmth to your home. However, it's not a furnace and shouldn't be used as a primary home-heating solution. At most, your fireplace should only be used for around four to five hours at a time. You should also give it time to cool after using it before starting it up again; remember, some materials can still retain their heat for days even after the fire is out. - Know What Can & Cannot Burn in Your Fireplace
An indoor fireplace is not the same as a bonfire or even a firepit. One of the most important factors that distinguish a fireplace from another fire source is the type of material you should burn. You can use coals or wood. If you choose wood, make sure it's seasoned hardwood that is dried out. Burning softwoods or "green/wet" woods will not provide a thorough burn. These woods will also cause more creosote buildup, which can be dangerous. - Learn How to Use the Fireplace
If you do not know how to operate your fireplace, you should ask a professional to teach you. This includes learning how to maneuver the wood while it's burning and clean up the ash when the fire is out. Ash should be disposed of properly outside, not in a wastebasket or sitting in a vacuum cleaner. - Protect the Area Around Your Fireplace
At any time, a coal or splinter of wood could exit your fireplace, so it's important to protect the immediate area around it. Buy a gate or screen to create a barrier between the fireplace and the room. Never place flammable objects like carpets near the fireplace. - Protect the Area Around Your Chimney
Although you won't have any worry about fire damage on your roof, your chimney does need protection from the elements. Make sure you trim back tree branches that hang over the chimney and use a screen guard to prevent bugs, debris, and rodents from crawling inside. - Make Sure Your Smoke Alarms are Working
There are a few important safety tips that most homeowners always remember, such as never leave your fire unattended or let a child play near the fireplace. However, one thing that some homeowners forget is to have their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms checked. These should be checked bi-annually to ensure they are working properly.
Are you searching for a new home with a cozy fireplace? We can help. Contact us today to tour our warm Augusta homes for sale.