Fireplace Safety & Furnace Maintenance

Having an indoor fireplace or furnace can be a nice addition to your home during colder months. While these amenities elevate the value of your home, they do require some maintenance and a general understanding of safety measures. 

Circulate the air

Whether you decide to crack a window or leave a fan running, keeping the air circulating is ideal to prevent the warm air from occupying ceiling space and redirecting it down into your living space.  

Get familiar with your damper and flue

A damper is a moveable plate that sits directly above the fireplace, right before the flue – which is the duct that smoke uses to exit your home. It’s important to make sure the damper stays free of debris, as debris prevents it from opening and closing. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure your flute is open before you start a fire to allow the smoke to leave out the chimney. 

Clean out ashes regularly 

Keeping your fireplace clean is going to prevent damage and a build-up of soot. When cleaning the ashes out of your fireplace, use a metal shovel to scoop out big amounts of ash and then sweep up the remaining smaller amounts. While it is a good idea to leave a thin layer of ash for charcoal or coal to rest on, it should only be a small layer. 

Check smoke alarms & trim limbs 

Making sure that your smoke alarms are up to date and trimming the limbs of the trees that could encounter smoke are safety preventive measures. Additionally, it’s a good idea to make sure that there are no flammable items within proximity to the furnace or fireplace. These precautionary actions will ensure safety.

Do a regular service check 

Your gas furnace should be serviced at least one time a year, and ideally should be inspected in both the spring and the fall. If you perform the inspection yourself, check or replace the air filter, the fan, the pilot light, and the heat exchanger. Maintaining the quality of these items will lengthen the lifespan of your furnace. 

Having an indoor fireplace or furnace can make your home even more comfortable and cozy during the upcoming cold months. These tips will ensure your safety and the quality of these favorable amenities.