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Use Your Fireplace Wisely
The
glowing embers and dancing flames of a fire can be mesmerizing, but
before you strike that match to light the first fire of the season, make
sure your fireplace is ready.
Wood-burning
fireplaces are meant to burn just that – wood; this is no place for
lighter fluid, charcoal, or disposal of excess paper products. In fact,
to avoid creosote build up in the chimney – which increases the risk of
fire, it’s best to stick to seasoned (aged), dry hardwoods.
Fireplaces
and chimneys should be professionally inspected every year, not just
for cleaning but to check for cracks and leaks that may not be visible
from the outside. Chimneys should be topped with a mesh screen to
arrest sparks as well as keep birds and animals from entering. Tree
branches as well as leaf litter should be kept clear of the chimney
opening.
Even
fire wood needs to be handled carefully. The best storage is at least
30 feet from the house (to reduce the chance of termites invading your
home), in an area protected from moisture.
When
lighting a fire, check to be sure the damper is open before starting.
Wood should be stacked horizontally, with gaps for air flow. Create a
grid pattern with several layers of wood (no more than 2/3 the height
of the fireplace opening) with the kindling on top. A small amount of
crumpled newspaper can be added to the kindling.
By
lighting the fire from the top, rather than the bottom, of the wood you
reduce the amount of harmful gases that are released by the fire. In
addition, this quickly removes the cool air in your chimney to draw any
smoke up and out. Use long-handled matches for greater safety when
lighting the fire. Any glass fireplace doors should be left open while
the fire is burning and a mesh screen placed in front of the fireplace
to reduce sparks.
The
goal is to have as little smoke as possible. Black smoke indicates the
fire is producing dangerous carbon monoxide and soot because it is not
getting enough oxygen. Gray smoke indicates too much combustible
material is going up the chimney instead of burning. In this case the
fire may be getting too much oxygen, the fire was not lit from above,
or the fire wood is damp.
Gas
fireplaces also require routine maintenance. Most retailers who
specialize in gas fireplace products offer these services. A
malfunctioning gas fireplace could have serious consequences if carbon
monoxide builds up in the room. In fact, it is advisable to have a
carbon monoxide detector installed in addition to regular smoke
detectors.
With
a little maintenance and care, your fireplace can provide you with many
warm and cozy evenings while winter winds blow outside.
Due to
the general nature of this article regarding the maintenance of your
fireplace, you should consult with a licensed or qualified chimney
sweep or specialist for specific details regarding proper maintenance
of your fireplace.
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