Fireplace Safety
Brrrr! It is cold outside! Winter is the perfect season to relax in front of a warm, cozy fire. But before you flip that switch or light the wood, there are some safety precautions you should take. Preparing your fireplace for the season will help you safely enjoy the warm comfort without any headaches. Agape reached out to local fireplace experts, English Sweep, for some safety tips!
Gas Fireplace
If you have a gas fireplace, you may think those pretty, fake logs are simply decorative, but it is important to never rearrange the logs in your gas fireplace. The logs are designed by the manufacturer and are arranged specifically so they don’t interfere with the flow of gas. Rearranging the logs could potentially produce deadly amounts of carbon monoxide!
You also want to make sure the damper is open before every use. When enjoying your gas fireplace, be sure to use the barrier screens.
Finally, if you smell gas, leave your home and call the gas company immediately!
Wood Burning Fireplace
As with gas burning fireplaces, before using your wood burning fireplace, make sure the damper is open. You should only burn well-seasoned wood that has been split and sat for 1 year. Seasoned wood burns longer, more efficiently, and has fewer issues with starting fires. Freshly cut wood, however, burns highly inefficiently. If the wood is damp, it is harder to light and will produce a lot of unwanted smoke!
Use fire screens to avoid embers popping out of the firebox and never leave your fire unattended. Be sure to keep any combustibles (such as lighters, matches or fuel) away from the fireplace opening.
If you have a gas or wood burning fireplace, be sure to have your system inspected annually. Various factors can cause damage, and hidden issues within the flue or chimney may not be visible to the naked eye. Regular inspections can help identify problems early, preventing more extensive damage! To keep your fireplace running smoothly, contact English Sweep to schedule your annual inspection. If you would like to install a new fireplace or update the appearance of your existing fireplace, contact Agape Construction!
