Living in a home with a working fireplace is a benefit that is fading rapidly. With new home technology such as furnaces and space heaters getting upgrades constantly, the new heating tech has made the need for a traditional fireplace relatively obsolete. Newly developed homes often don’t think to add these amenities anymore, leaving those who prefer them out in the cold.

Upgraded technology is impressive, but there are few things that still give the authentic feel of a warm fire, and many people still desire that feeling. We are here to give you all the tips, tricks, and routines to ensure your fireplace can continue providing you with warmth and comfort for years to come. If you still have one that is.

When entering winter-season, most homeowners only think to check their furnace, but forget about other heat sources. It’s important to check all your sources like your furnace, fireplace, space heaters, and even lamps/lanterns. In the event of an emergency, having a working source of heat could be lifesaving. That is where a working fireplace could be incredibly handy.

Routines

Intend on using your fireplace for the first time in a while? If it has been dormant for some time, it’s smart to go through a simple routine for your safety. First step is to check the chimney for any build-up. Rid your chimney of any build-up, rodents, soot, dust, nests, etc. The soot build-up that occurs often can spark and catch fire, which can be incredibly dangerous.

The next step in your routine is to inspect the surrounding area. Ensure the brick and mortar surrounding your fireplace is still sturdy, and void of any cracks or breaks. If you do locate any alarming breaks in the containing area, it is time to call a professional to get it repaired.

Tips and Tricks: Gas Units

Now that your safety check has been completed, you can move on to quality improvements. If your home is modern, you will likely be running a gas fireplace. These gas run machines do have their benefits, but there are things to be cautious of. Get them checked and tuned-up before you use them and replace any broken parts.

It is also in safeties best interest to make sure the fireplace doesn’t have any combustible materials near it. Keep all rugs, drapes, curtains, and plant-life at a safe distance to avoid any fires. You should also make sure that your safety screen is stable and not seared into place.

Tips and Tricks: Wood Units

If you find yourself in the possession of an older, wood-burning unit, you will require some knowledge to prevent any dangerous situations. First, ensure the units integrity is still in-tact, because if it isn’t, you could find yourself at risk. If you find any breaking, leaks, or unintentional wholes it is time to replace your unit. These defects can be incredibly dangerous, allowing the flame to get into an open space, (meaning your home).

If your unit is still solid, then it’s time to ensure you have enough wood to keep the fire going. Make sure you are only burning cured and dried wood, and nothing else. Don’t burn anything other than wood unless you are 100% sure of its contents, because burning foreign materials is incredibly dangerous.

You should always close the damper when you are not using your fireplace., because leaving it out is a hazard. If your damper isn’t doing the job well enough, don’t be hesitant to replace it. It is also imperative that you double check your safety measures when using a wood burning fireplace. Have your carbon monoxide detector installed and operational. You should also be using a chimney cap if applicable.