Helpful Tips for Maintaining Your Fireplace

There’s nothing better than curling up next to your fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate while watching a movie on a cold night. With that said, your fireplace can pose a safety risk if not maintained properly; regular cleanings and upkeep will ensure it produces warmth and enjoyment for many years to come. Consider these helpful tips for maintaining your fireplace to make sure it keeps your family warm throughout the cold months to come.

Remove Ashes After Every Use

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, you should consider removing the ashes after each use. Believe it or not, excess ash can cause an unwanted house fire or decrease the overall air quality inside your home. Whether you use your fireplace once a month or a few times each week, you should vacuum out the ashes once they cool.

With that in mind, you shouldn’t use a regular vacuum to do this; you must have a special ash vacuum. Otherwise, the hot coals or ashes can cause damage or end up scattered in the air.

Clean Your Chimney Annually

Cleaning your chimney is incredibly important, and you must do it at least once a year. Because debris and creosote build up inside the chimney, it may cause a house fire if you don’t take care of it. If you cannot clean it yourself, consider hiring a professional to rid your chimney of creosote and debris buildup.

Avoid Hanging Stockings on Your Mantel

Although it’s common to hang stockings on your mantel during the holiday season, you should consider putting them elsewhere. Believe it or not, putting them so close to the fireplace is a hazard for your family. All it takes is a spark landing on the fabric to cause a fire, and it’s not worth the risk. Instead, hang your stockings all together on a prominent wall away from the fireplace.

Burn the Right Firewood

Burning wood is very common, but you must know the best possible wood to use in your fireplace. For instance, you should avoid burning freshly cut wood because it produces too much smoke. On the other hand, you should opt for seasoned wood that’s been dried for at least a year. With a guide to fireplace fuel sources, you’ll understand the best ways to fuel your fireplace and enjoy warmth all season.

With these helpful tips for maintaining your fireplace, you can prevent fire hazards and other safety risks. Fireplaces are excellent home features, but they can be a pain if you don’t know how to take care of them. Enjoy the warmth and authentic crackles from your fireplace this fall and winter.