Wood-burning fireplaces offer a lot in terms of ambiance and warmth, but they do tend to require more maintenance on the part of the homeowner. That said, a bit more work is an easy sacrifice for those who find the timeless aesthetic of genuine wood-burning flames the perfect addition to any evening at home.

How can you keep your wood fireplace, stove, or insert in the best shape possible? We’ve got three big tips: 1) Book annual chimney inspections, 2) use your fireplace correctly, and 3) be aware of creosote and other fireplace risks.

Questions? Need to schedule? Reach out today – we’re here for you.

Book Annual Professional Inspections & Sweepings

Wood-burning fireplaces – in fact, any fireplace, stove, or insert, no matter the fuel – should be inspected and swept by a certified chimney professional at least once every year. In the case of wood systems, sometimes two inspections per year is recommended if you burn frequently all year long.

Why is this maintenance such a must? Over time, creosote, outside debris, animals, and more can make a presence in your chimney. If not removed, any of these things can pose serious fire hazards or affect draft and airflow.

In addition, a certified sweep can check for any structural issues, such as cracks, spalling, missing components, or deteriorated masonry, all of which could allow heat and smoke to escape in your living space or affect efficiency levels.

All in all, scheduling an annual inspection and sweeping before the start of each heating season ensures that your fireplace is ready to operate safely and efficiently – and that peace of mind is priceless. Don’t wait to schedule with our techs today.

Using Your Wood Fireplace Appropriately

What’s best practice when using your wood-burning fireplace?

• Use the right wood for burning. This means using seasoned firewood – and only seasoned firewood in your fireplace. No treated wood, wet wood, or painted wood, as all of these encourage smoke to form and creosote to build up.
• Regularly scoop your ash pile. Now, during your active burn season, leaving behind a thin layer of ash is fine – recommended, even! It helps to protect your firebox floor and insulate future fires. That said, don’t let your ash pile get too high during this time, and once the season is over, clear everything out, so your system doesn’t attract moisture.
• Check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. These are a non-negotiable. Make sure you have them set up in all appropriate areas of the home (on every level, outside bedrooms, etc.), and regularly check the batteries.
• Adhere to proper fireplace clearances. Make sure all furniture, decorations, curtains, and anything else potentially flammable is at least three feet away from your active fire.
• Don’t leave your fires unattended. All fires should be attended by a responsible adult. That means not leaving things running even if you’re only stepping out quickly – and you definitely shouldn’t leave anything smoldering before heading to bed. Accidents can happen a lot quicker than you think!
• Avoid overloading the firebox. Many think they can toss in a bunch of logs, then sit back and enjoy the fire without having to get up as often. The reality is that too many logs at once can smother the fire…which then leads to incomplete combustion, excess smoke, and more potential creosote buildup.
• Use only appropriate fire starters. With wood-burning fireplaces, kindling is always the safest bet for starting your fires. Otherwise, only use fireplace-approved fire starters – and avoid accelerants and lighter fluid, as well as household items, like paper with ink or chemicals, which release harmful toxins when burned.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Always have a fire extinguisher nearby and at the ready (and make sure you know how to use it!) in case a fire gets out of control. Be sure to regularly check its expiration date too.
• Avoid throwing trash into the fire. Wrapping paper, cardboard boxes, paper plates, plastic cups, and, really, anything other than unseasoned wood needs to stay out of your fireplace fires. We get the appeal of easy disposal, but these items can cause smoke to form and creosote to accumulate faster than what’s normal.

Be Aware of Creosote & Its Risks

You’ve heard us talk of creosote, but what is it? And why is it something to be wary of?

Creosote forms inside chimneys as a byproduct of burning wood. As smoke rises away from your hot firebox, it cools and condenses, leaving behind a residue (creosote) that gradually hardens and sticks to the chimney walls.

Now, creosote is bad for a number of reasons, one being that it can eventually restrict airflow and cause smoke and harmful gases, like carbon monoxide, to enter back into your home. The bigger issue, though, is that it’s very flammable.

If creosote ignites in your chimney, a chimney fire can occur. Chimney fires trigger all kinds of damage – think weakened masonry, warped metal components, etc. – and they can eventually spread to adjacent woodwork and other parts of your home, as well. What’s most concerning about chimney fires is their typically quiet nature. Most occur without the homeowners even realizing, meaning you could be using a fire damaged flue without even realizing it.

To reduce risks associated with creosote, our advice is simple: book annual chimney inspections. Our certified technicians not only correctly install the wood fireplace, stove, or insert of your dreams, but can provide regular professional inspections to ensure all is running right. Schedule now – call or book online today!

Keep Your Wood-Burning Fireplace Safer & More Enjoyable – Reach Out Soon

Maintaining your wood-burning fireplace doesn’t have to be complicated…but it does require some attention to safety and best practices. By scheduling annual inspections, using seasoned wood, and taking simple precautions against creosote buildup, you’ll ensure your fireplace is running safer and more efficiently whenever you need it.

At Fireplaces by Weiss-Johnson, we’re here to help you get the most out of your fireplace. Whether it’s time for an inspection, cleaning, or just some expert advice, our team is ready to serve Edmonton homeowners. Contact us today to schedule your service or book a consultation.