As the weather gets cooler, it’s time to start preparing your fireplace for the fall and winter seasons. A well-maintained fireplace is essential for keeping your home warm and cozy through the cold months. Here are some tips to get your fireplace in top shape before you need to start a fire.
Clean the Fireplace
The first step is a thorough cleaning of the fireplace and chimney. This removes any soot, creosote buildup, and debris that accumulated over the previous season.
Sweep the Chimney
Chimney sweeps use long rods with brushes to scrub the entire length of the chimney. This dislodges any deposits and reduces the risk of a chimney fire. It’s best to have your chimney professionally swept at least once a year.
Vacuum the Firebox
Use a handheld vacuum to clean any ash, soot, or debris from the bottom of the firebox. Make sure to reach the corners and crevices where buildup can occur.
Clean Glass Doors and Screens
Dirty glass doors and screens block the fire’s warmth and beauty. Remove any buildup with a damp cloth and a bit of ash cleaner or mild dish soap. Rinse thoroughly.
Dust the Mantle and Surround
Use a small brush attachment on your vacuum to gently remove dust from the mantle, hearth, and surround. This improves the look while eliminating fall allergens.
Inspect the Fireplace
Before lighting that first fire, inspect the fireplace for any issues requiring repair.
Check for Cracks or Damage
Scan walls and floors for cracks or damage around the hearth. Have a professional make repairs to prevent carbon monoxide leaks or other dangers.
Test the Flue Damper
Ensure the flue damper opens and closes properly. Replace if it sticks or has gaps that would allow smoke back into the room.
Inspect the Grate
Look for grate bars that are broken, sagging, or missing. Replace damaged grates right away for better airflow.
Clean Out Old Ashes
Remove ashes from the previous season. Store in a metal container until completely cool before disposal.
Improve Energy Efficiency
There are several easy ways to boost your fireplace’s efficiency this fall.
Check the Seal on the Flue Damper
Place a dollar bill in the fireplace while the damper is closed. If it slides out easily when tugged, the seal needs replacement to prevent heated air from escaping.
Install Tempered Glass Doors
Glass doors keep warmed air circulating back into the room. Look for doors that allow you to enjoy the fire’s glow.
Use a Fireplace Insert
Inserts slip into the existing fireplace but have insulated walls to radiate more heat. High-efficiency inserts can cut heating costs substantially.
Switch Out Old Blowers
New fan-forced heat blowers push heat forward into the room much better than older models. Simple installation.
Add Firebrick Reflectors
Reflectors positioned at the back and sides of the firebox bounce heat forward increasing efficiency up to 10%.
Prepare Fuel for a Fire
Having plenty of dry, seasoned firewood makes it easier to start and maintain fires.
Stock Up Early
Don’t get caught without fuel. Most seasoned wood takes 6-12 months of drying. Stock up early in the year.
Look for Well-Seasoned Wood
Well-seasoned wood has a moisture content of 20% or less. It will have visible cracking on the ends. Burning wet wood smokes and doesn’t heat well.
Choose the Right Firewood
Hardwoods like oak, maple and ash make the best fires. Softwoods like pine burn faster, pop more, and build up creosote. Buy a mix for easier lighting and longer fires.
Properly Store Firewood
Stack wood up off the ground in a covered area. Allow for airflow around the logs to reduce drying time before winter use.
Buy Presplit Logs or Use a Splitter
Splitting logs allows for faster seasoning. Presplit logs dry quicker. Using a log splitter is much easier than a maul and wedge.
Consider Alternate Fuels
Ifquality firewood is hard to source, alternatives like wood pellets, compressed logs or fire bricks can give great results.
Be Ready to Light the Fire
Having tools and supplies on hand will make starting and tending a fire easier.
Locate Fireplace Tools
You’ll need a poker, tongs, broom, and shovel. Have them cleaned and accessible. Check handles for looseness.
Stock Fire Starters
Kindling, newspaper, and commercial starters help get the logs burning quickly. Have plenty on hand.
Check the Grate Height
Adjust a grate to proper height to allow air flow under burning logs. This provides oxygen to feed the fire.
Clear Combustibles
Move curtains, furniture, rugs and other combustibles a safe distance away from the front of the fireplace before lighting.
Have Wood Ready
Move an initial stack of dry firewood to a spot near the hearth before lighting for convenient reloading.
Safety Tips
Staying safe while enjoying a cozy fire involves following some key precautions.
Always Use a Screen
Metal mesh screens prevent flying embers or sparks from escaping where they could ignite creosote or other combustibles.
Let Ashes Cool Before Removal
Hot ashes can smolder and reignite even a day or two after the fire is out. Store in metal buckets away from the house.
Check the Flue Before Lighting
Always open the damper before lighting to allow smoke to vent up the chimney. Check for obstructions.
Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy
Have an ABC-type extinguisher near the hearth in case of an emergency or chimney fire. Know how to use it.
Don’t Burn Treated Wood
Wood labeled “treated”, “stained” or “painted” contains chemicals that emit toxic fumes when burned. Use only untreated wood.
Be Attentive When Burning
Stay in the room and attend the fireplace whenever burning a fire. Never leave a fire unattended.
Maintain Your Fireplace
With regular care and maintenance, your fireplace will provide enjoyment for years to come.
Annual Professional Chimney Inspection
Hire a certified chimney sweep to clean and inspect the entire system yearly. Watch them work to spot any issues.
Monthly Chimney Sweeping
Quick monthly chimney sweeps with a wire brush reduce risky creosote buildup from slow fires.
Check the Flue Mid-Season
Ensure the flue damper continues to operate and close properly throughout the season to maintain efficiency.
Monitor Creosote Build-Up
Check inside the flue monthly for creosote flakes or tar-like deposits that can fuel a dangerous chimney fire.
Replace Firebricks as Needed
Have damaged or missing firebricks replaced immediately to prevent wall damage and improve fire containment.
Freshen Up Paint and Caulk
Refresh high temperature paint and caulk around the hearth and chimney as needed to protect surfaces and seal out drafts.
Upgrade Your Fireplace
Consider some upgrades to enhance the capabilities, efficiency and enjoyment of your fireplace.
Add Gas Logs
Vent-free gas logs burn cleaner than wood while providing convenience. Models with remote controls are easy to adjust.
Install a New Woodburning Insert
Update an inefficient old masonry fireplace with a new high-efficiency woodburning insert for greater heating capacity.
Switch to a Gas Fireplace Insert
Inserts convert conventional fireplaces to gas. Heat output is adjustable for convenience and cost savings.
Update the Surround and Mantle
Freshen up the fireplace’s look by installing new facing material on the surround and a custom wood mantle. Add built-in storage.
Add a Heatilator System
Heatilators surround the firebox on the sides and top with a second wall of sheet metal to diffuse and distribute warmth better throughout the room.
Install a Blower Fan
Powerful fans direct heat away from the fireplace out into room. Look for models with built-in thermostatic controls.
Enjoy Your Fireplace This Fall
With a well-maintained and efficient fireplace, you’re all set to enjoy the ambiance and warmth of burning fires this fall and winter. Safety-check and prepare your fireplace using these handy tips to get the most out of your fireplace now and for years to come.
