How Should You Be Preparing Your Fireplace This Fall?

As we move into the next season, we feel the weather getting crisp, the leaves are falling from the trees, and the smell of others’ burning wood in the air. It’s time to prepare yourself for the season of burning. Safety should always be considered first. Here are some tips to not only have a safe season, but also how to burn more efficiently and with style.

Safety

• Have you scheduled your chimney sweep and inspection this year? Well, if not, now is the time to make that call. Burlington Fireplace has the experience and knowledge to keep your chimney clean and alert you to any issues you may have with your fireplace and chimney. Creosote builds up in your chimney liner when wood is burned in your fireplace. The accumulation of creosote is flammable. As the chimney gets hot from the fire, the creosote may catch fire. Annual cleanings are recommended. 
• Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Now is the time to check the batteries in the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. 
• Venting and draft come in the category of both safety and efficiency. Check the chimney cap for obstructions. A blockage will send toxic gases back into the home. The damper should be in good working order to allow for adjustment and draft control.

Efficiency

The weather is changing. It’s the time of year when you contemplate putting on your heat. The last thing you want is to have heat escaping up your chimney. Here are a few things to do.

• Keep your damper closed when the fireplace is not in use. This will keep the warmth in your house and prevent a cold draft from coming in. 
• Drafts and gaps. Check for any drafts around the opening of your firebox. Consider using a fire-resistant sealant if you are feeling a draft. If cracks are noticed, bring this to the attention of a professional. 
• Add a glass door to the fireplace. This will hold the heat in the fireplace, distributing it into your home, even as the fire burns down.

Time to Change It Up

Change of season brings a desire to change up the home. Now is the time to bring on a fresh new look to the mantel. Are there any updates that you have been thinking of? 

Prepare for the Season

Before we get into the full burning season, stock up on your wood. Bring some in for easy access. Burning seasoned wood will give you the best experience. When choosing wood, buy hardwood such as maple, hickory, or oak. These types will burn the cleanest and hottest. Once you have prepared for the season, you can sit back and enjoy the comfort of your home.

We are a full-fledged, family-owned, and operated fireplace and chimney company proudly serving Southeastern Wisconsin since 1995. Fireplaces are our life, and we try our best to help everyone out with simple questions, all the way to the specifics of design and installation. We truly enjoy meeting and helping out each of our customers and would very much appreciate the chance to bring warmth and comfort to your home. We will be happy to meet with you.