Because fireplace use increases over the winter months, it is critical that you maintain your fireplace properly. 42 percent of all home-heating fires are started by fireplaces or chimneys.
Follow these helpful fireplace safety recommendations to be cozy and toasty while avoiding fire dangers.
Clear The Area
Despite the fact that gas and electric fireplaces have lower clearances than wood-burning equipment, never stack combustible things close or on the mantle. Books, newspapers, and fabric should never be kept next to a fireplace.
Set Up A Chimney Cap
A chimney cover will help both wood-burning and gas fires. They keep animals, rain, snow, and debris out of your chimney and help to prevent downdrafts. Stainless steel caps do not rust and are reasonably priced.
Carbon Monoxide And Smoke Detectors
These devices should be installed in all homes, but especially if you have a fireplace. Make sure you have at least one smoke detector near your fireplace. Others should be placed near bedrooms and on every floor of your home.
Make Use Of A Fire Screen
Most people assume that fire screens are solely used to keep sparks and flames out of wood-burning equipment. Gas fires, on the other hand, are dangerous to youngsters.
A gas fireplace’s glass may reach 400 °F in 6 minutes and can stay hot for up to 45 minutes after you turn it off.
Electric Fireplaces Do Not Cause A Circuit Overload.
Electric fireplaces are, in essence, warmers. As a result, they ought to be treated with care as they take current from the outlet, wiring, and fuse or breaker box.
Use only the grounded, heavy-duty cord that came with the fireplace, not an extension cord, and don’t overload the circuit with several devices.
Make Use Of The Timer
Leaving an electric fireplace on all the time might result in an overheated circuit. Choose a fireplace with a timer and use it every time you use it.
Fireplaces That Burn Wood
Maintain Cleanliness
Every year, clean your wood-burning fireplace and chimney. Creosote buildup is a leading source of high-intensity chimney fires that inflict significant structural damage.
Rely on a professional because they have the necessary tools and knowledge to assess their condition. They will inspect the flu, vent, and chimney as well as the unit’s performance.
Burn Cured, Dry Wood
The wood should be at least 8 months old and completely dry. Avoid burning scrap lumber, treated or painted wood, or other materials that emit dangerous chemicals into your house. Hardwood has the longest and cleanest burn.
Small Fires Should Be Burned
Overloading the fireplace with wood can result in more smoke and creosote, and a high fire can cause the chimney to fracture. Avoid igniting fires using combustible liquids. Instead, use kindling.
Close The Damper
When you’re not using your fireplace, close the damper. It prevents warm air from flowing up the chimney, which saves money on heating expenses. To boost performance, replace a poorly sealing damper with a top-mounted device.
Fireplaces that use gas
Fireplaces That Use Gas.
Inspections And Cleaning On A Regular Basis
Cleaning and servicing are also required for vented gas fireplaces. “Appliances fuelled by natural gas or propane may not generate the apparent soot that appliances fueled by other fuels do, but they can deposit corrosive compounds in your chimney,” according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America. In many situations, these acids may wreak havoc on your chimney without causing any apparent signs until the problem becomes dangerous or costly to correct.”
The improper operation might result in partial combustion as well as water condensation. Incomplete combustion is more expensive, and moisture can cause interior and structural damage.
Speak with your agent if you haven’t evaluated your homeowner’s insurance in a while. Because fireplaces increase the risk of a fire, it is critical that you have adequate and accurate coverage.
