We and our clients live in the arctic tundra. And by “arctic tundra”, we mean Maryland. Lately there have been more snow and ice storms than we’ve had in years!
Suffice it to say, many Marylanders are spending lots of time cuddled up by their fireplaces. After the winter season that we’ve been having, it is important to put “cleaning and maintaining your fireplace” on your spring to-do list. Whether you have a wood-burning fireplace or gas, there are steps that you need to take to maintain it as a safety measure for your home.
Tips for Maintaining a Wood-Burning Fireplace
- Clean out the interior of the fireplace regularly. This will make your fireplace more efficient. Fun fact: you can use the ashes in your garden. They make great nutrients for plants!
- Ensure that your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are working.
- Remove soot and creosote build-up. This is the dark residue that can build up on the walls of your chimney, and it is highly flammable. You may need to hire a professional.
- Inspect your chimney for cracks or rust. Check the chimney cap and screen, and replace if necessary.
- When using your fireplace, stick with seasoned hardwoods like oak, maple and birch. Avoid softwoods like cedar and pine. The hardwoods burn longer and produce less creosote.
- Consider hiring a professional to do a chimney sweep. This will help to ensure your fireplace is running safely and efficiently.
Tips for Maintaining a Gas Fireplace
- Have an inspection done annually. A professional inspector will check for gas leaks and make sure that the fireplace is venting properly through the chimney. The inspector will also clean the fireplace, which will include cleaning any decorative pieces or ceramic logs and dusting out debris, pet hair, or other particles.
- You can clean your gas fireplace yourself. Just be sure to read the manual and that the gas is turned off. This should not replace having an annual inspection and cleaning performed by a professional.
- Check your chimney to ensure there are no cracks, crumbling bricks, or damp patches on the surrounding walls. Again, hiring a professional to complete an inspection is the safest way to go.
Spring is right around the corner, and once you’ve cleaned and maintained your fireplace, hopefully it can take a break until next year. Hang in there, stay safe, and stay warm!