5 Fireplace Safety Tips for this Winter Season
November 22, 2021
Having a cozy fireplace in your home for the holiday season is every homeowner’s dream. With that being said, fireplace safety is incredibly important especially when it comes to old New England homes. Anderson Fireplace provides homeowners with gas inserts, electric inserts and wood-burning options that are much easier than the real thing – but they look the same! With that being said, we understand some homes come with the traditional wood-burning options with a masonry chimney.
Many traditional and some modern fireplaces, if not used properly, can release harmful toxins into the air. Others may have strict cleaning procedures before its first use in the season. Fireplaces and chimneys are involved in over 40% of all home fires, so we want you to know how to properly prepare your home for this winter. Having a home with a fireplace is quite the luxury, but it is also a hands-on job when approaching the winter. Keep reading below to learn how to make sure your fireplace is winter ready!
Clean Your Chimney
According to the National Fire Protection Association, your chimney should be cleaned at least once a year. The best time of year to do this is right before the winter season when you first decide to spark up your fireplace. Doing it at the very last minute will make sure to clear any debris or pests from your chimney. Creosote, a dangerous toxin that is produced from burning fires, easily gets coated onto the inside of your chimney. As this builds up and with intense heat, it can light on fire and spread through your home. This is why cleaning your chimney is critical before the winter season.
Check For Damage
Fireplaces, stoves, and heating systems are important to make your home comfortable through the changing seasons. With that being said, this is no area to neglect or cut corners on. An undiscovered defect could turn into an expensive repair or worse – a chimney fire. Before using your fireplace, stove or gas insert this season, make sure to check it for any variety of damages. If you are unsure what to look for or need help understanding the ins and outs of your heating system, contact our experts today at Anderson Fireplace!
Cap The Chimney
Without a chimney cap, rain, snow, and debris can freely fall down your chimney. All of this will eventually warp the damper and clog the chimney. This can create a potential carbon monoxide risk if you use your fireplace when it is closed off. Every time the chimney is exposed to rain and snow, it can do more damage in the long term. It can make your home more at risk of a house fire and it may even weaken the structural integrity of your chimney. Serious deterioration can, eventually, cause the chimney to collapse. All of these expensive and harmful problems can be prevented by installing a chimney cap.
Hire a Professional
When it comes to fireplace safety, sometimes it is best to hire a professional. Messing around with something like fire and gas can put both you and your home at risk. Our team at Anderson Fireplace will come to your home and provide you with a hands-on approach to making sure your fireplace is ready for the winter season. Contact us today to learn more at 800-472-1717.
