How to Have a Healthy Hearth
The days are getting colder, and nothing beats the winter chill like a cozy fire in your fireplace. Follow this maintenance plan to keep your fireplace in tiptop shape, and you can cuddle safely:
FOR ALL FIREPLACES
- Keep furniture, curtains, and other flammables at least three feet away from the fire.
- Don’t let children stand too close to the fire. They might get burned, or their clothes or toys could ignite.
- Never burn garbage, charcoal, or coal. Also do not burn paper or cardboard, because stray embers can cause fires indoors or on the roof. Wrapping paper may emit toxic fumes when burned.
- Don’t leave the fire unattended, and keep a fire extinguisher handy.
- Make sure the fire is out before going to bed or leaving the house.
- Install smoke alarms throughout your home, test them monthly, and change batteries annually.
GAS FIREPLACES
- Have your fireplace serviced by a professional annually. He or she will clean the fan, clear the vents if blocked, and make other adjustments.
- Make sure pipes connected to the fireplace are clear.
- Turn the gas off completely when the fireplace is not in use.
- Keep the chimney swept and the flue open.
WOOD-BURNING FIREPLACES
- Keep your roof clear of debris, and remove branches that obstruct the chimney or vents.
- Install a cap on the chimney to prevent debris and animals from getting in.
- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a professional.
- Always use a sturdy fire screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room.
- Open the flue or damper before starting a fire, and keep it open until the ashes cool.
- Use a fireplace grate and proper tools to tend a fire.
- Never use gasoline, charcoal lighter, or other fuel to start or relight a fire. The vapors can explode.
- Burn only properly seasoned hardwood that has dried at least six months and doesn’t appear green. Unseasoned logs lead to more creosote buildup, as does overly dry wood.
- Don’t overload the fireplace. A couple of logs are usually enough.
- Follow the manufacturer’s directions when burning artificial logs, and use one at a time.
- Soak ashes in water and place them in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid outside and away from the house.
This article was reprinted with permission from Liberty Mutual Group. For more information, call us at 860-659-4111, ext 539 or toll free 800-245-5558, ext. 539.