February is a month that is right in the middle of winter and often one of the coldest times. It is a great time to cuddle up in front of the fire with your loved ones and spend time inside enjoying each other’s company.
You want to make sure that your fireplace is safe though so you can enjoy it and not have to worry.
Here are 9 tips on how to accomplish that.
- Watch the Soot. One way to cut down on the soot that comes from a fireplace is to use seasoned hardwood or manufactured logs that burn cleaner than real wood. But make sure that you only burn one log at a time if you are using a manufactured log as they burn hotter than regular wood and can damage metal chimneys if you burn more than one at a time. Also, avoid burning resinous woods like pine or evergreen.
- Go for A Slow Burn. We all at some point thought that a fire should be roaring in the fireplace in order to be effective but that is a myth. It is safer to have a slow and steady burn in the fireplace so that you don’t crack the chimney. Leave the blazer to the outdoor fire pit.
- Use A Screen. When your fire is going, open the doors to the fireplace if you have them, and opt to use a fireplace screen instead. The glass doors are only designed to keep drafts out when you are not using the fireplace.
- Stay Clear. When you are using a fireplace, make sure the area around it is clear of your belongings. You don’t want an ember to catch something and set it on fire.
- Never Leave a Fire Unattended. Make sure when you leave the room or go to bed, that the fire is completely out. An ember can fly out and start a fire incredibly quickly, especially if the item it lands on is highly flammable.
- Have good air circulation. Fires require a lot of oxygen to burn efficiently. Sometimes you may need to open a window to allow this to happen.
- Clean. You want to make sure you have a professional come out each year to clean your chimney and check everything over, but you can do minor maintenance yourself if you are handy.
- Carbon-Monoxide Detector. This is nonnegotiable. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be a threat especially to homes that are energy efficient and airtight. It is usually due to burning improperly or poor venting.
- Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy. Keep a fire extinguisher near the fireplace so that it’s handy – just in case. It doesn’t have to be a large one, but it does have to be the proper type for fireplaces.
I hope these tips have helped and that you enjoy many nights curled up by the fireplace and enjoying it.
You also want to make sure your homeowners insurance is up to date so just reach out to the John Scott Insurance Agency team and we will be happy to help you in any way we can.