Winter is here, and what better way to cozy up than by the warm glow of a crackling fireplace? The joys of sipping hot cocoa while basking in the comforting heat from the best fireplace is a real treat. But hold on, just a minute. Before you get too lost in your winter wonderland fantasy, note that many homeowners make mistakes with their fireplaces. Some of their houses caught fire. So, let’s talk about those mistakes and learn how to avoid making such mistakes.
Skipping Regular Maintenance
Maintaining a fireplace may not be the most glamorous task on your chores, but it’s an important one. Unfortunately, many homeowners make the mistake of skipping regular maintenance, thinking their fireplaces will continue functioning smoothly without any attention. However, neglecting proper care can lead to a host of issues down the line.
Failing to schedule regular inspections can result in hidden problems going unnoticed. Cracks in the chimney or flue liner, for instance, could allow dangerous gases like carbon monoxide to seep into your home undetected. By having a professional inspect your fireplace annually, you can catch these potential hazards before they become serious threats.
Burning Unseasoned Wood
When wood is cut, it contains a high amount of moisture. In order for the wood to burn efficiently, this moisture needs to evaporate. This process takes time and is known as seasoning the wood. If you burn unseasoned or green wood, it will create more smoke and produce less heat. The excess moisture in the wood also causes creosote buildup in your chimney. This is a golden ticket to a fire hazard.
That’s why be sure you plan ahead to burn seasoned wood properly. Buy your firewood well in advance so that it has ample time to dry out before winter arrives. Properly seasoned firewood will have a lower moisture content and will ignite easier, produce more heat, and burn cleaner.
Not Opening the Damper
The damper plays a crucial role in allowing proper airflow and ventilation, which is essential for a safe and efficient fire. When the damper is closed, it prevents smoke from escaping through the chimney and instead fills your home with unpleasant odors and potentially harmful gases. It can only lead to respiratory issues and even carbon monoxide poisoning if left unchecked.
Not opening the damper also hinders the fire’s ability to burn properly. Without adequate airflow, the flames may struggle to ignite or remain weak throughout your time by the fireside. To avoid this mistake, always double-check that the damper is fully open before lighting up your fireplace.
Not Playing It Safer
When it comes to using a fireplace, safety should always be the top priority. Unfortunately, many homeowners make the mistake of not playing it safer when enjoying their cozy fires during the winter months. This includes leaving flammable objects too close to the fireplace. Always remember that an open flame poses a risk, and taking precautions is essential.
Another safety measure often overlooked is failing to use proper fireplace tools. Attempting to tend the fire with inappropriate utensils can result in burns or other injuries. Invest in a set of sturdy and heat-resistant tools specifically designed for handling hot materials in your fireplace. Aside from that, you can also use some help from functioning smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms near their fireplace area.
Using a fireplace can be a wonderful way to add warmth and ambiance to your home during the winter months. However, by avoiding these common mistakes and being proactive about proper care and usage of your fireplace this winter season – you can enjoy cozy nights by the crackling flames without worrying about unnecessary risks or complications.