Fireplace Maintenance for Safety

Maintaining your fireplace appropriately ensures the safety of your home and family.

Sitting in front of a roaring fireplace is a great joy during cold weather, but maintaining it properly is essential. Taking care of your fireplace can reduce accidents and fire hazards that can endanger you and your family.

Types

With today's new technology, fireplaces come in many varieties. Consumers can purchase for their homes an electric, stand-alone model, a traditional wood-burning fireplace or a gas fireplace. All types require the appropriate maintenance in order for them to be enjoyed safely for years to come.

Wood-burning Fireplaces

Gas fireplaces require special maintenance in order to ensure safety. Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of cassandra lavalle

According to the Hearth Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA), preventative maintenance is essential when using a wood-burning fireplace. The HPBA advises that the chimney be inspected each year and cleaned by a professional to check for obstructions or a buildup of creosote. The chimney should be capped to keep animals from getting inside.The fireplace should be kept clean, and any ashes removed should be put in a fire-resistant container. These measures will reduce the chance of fire and other issues.

Gas Fireplaces

Gas fireplaces should receive routine maintenance to keep them in good working condition, and they should be installed by a professional. If a fireplace of this type malfunctions, then it can be a dangerous situation. Gas fireplaces should have their fan and air passages cleaned and vents checked to ensure that they are clear and working properly, their millivolt output adjusted and their logs cleaned and batteries checked in the carbon monoxide detector.

Electric Fireplaces

Electric fireplaces are among the safest varieties to have in your home, but they also require care and maintenance for proper functioning. When you set up your fireplace, make sure you do not place it on thick carpeting, as it can block the air inlets that can interfere with the heater. This measure can prevent a fire. The unit should be inspected regularly to make sure that the thermostat is working properly and that the inside of the unit is clean. If you do clean or perform maintenance on the unit, make sure to unplug it first.

Maintenance/Prevention

Maintaining your fireplace, no matter what type it is, is essential to prevent accidents and fire. Each type should be treated with care and regularly inspected to ensure that all parts are in good working order. It is best to have a professional inspect your fireplace, especially the gas or wood-burning type.

References

• HPBA
• Quake Pro