It’s that time of year that you are beginning to think about a crackling fire on cool fall and winter nights. Here at Foster-Taylor Fireplaces, we want to make sure that you and your fireplace are ready for that first experience. In order to make sure that your fireplace is ready to be used, we recommend the following tips:
Check Your Chimney and Chimney Cap
A good rule of thumb is that if you have been in your home for awhile and have never had anyone check the chimney, you should probably hire a chimney sweep to not only clean out all of the thick soot and creosote out of the chimney, but also to inspect your chimney inside and out to make sure that there is no maintenance or repairs which need to be done. Preventative maintenance can prevent house fires, as well as ensure that you aren’t bringing toxic fumes and chemicals into your house from the build-up inside your chimney. You will want to have them look at your chimney cap too. Cracks and tears in the mesh of the chimney cap can let in unwanted critters, as well as pose the risk of a fire hazard.
Inspect Your Flue, Damper, and Hearth
This type of fireplace maintenance is a DIY project. You can visually inspect your flue for any cracks or build-up of soot. Make sure your damper is working properly and can easily open and close before and after your first fire of the season. Keeping your damper closed helps to keep out bugs and animals, especially birds, after your fire is extinguished. Use a shovel, broom, or even a vacuum cleaner to clear your hearth of unwanted ashes and leftover wood pieces and kindling. For a wood fireplace burn, you may want to start with a small pile of leftovers to help the new wood and kindling catch a flame. However, you want to leave enough room for air to flow through to help build your fire.
Spark Guard Maintenance and Installation
If you don’t already have fireplace doors or a mesh in front of your fireplace, you may want to consider purchasing a spark guard to keep sparks and embers from popping and flying out onto your floor. No matter the type of flooring you have, it can get damaged from live fire pieces landing on it and burning through.
Firewood Supply
If you have a wood burning fireplace, you will want to stock up as early as possible on firewood, so you don’t have the hassle of “hunting” for it. With as little as 2.5 months of cold weather in the Greater New Orleans area, not many vendors sell firewood all year round, so finding firewood later in the season may be a challenge. When burning your fire, be sure to be somewhat conservative on the amount of wood you use. While adding firewood and tending the fire is part of the enjoyment of having your fireplace, burning a fire too hot can damage your chimney and fireplace parts.
Check Your Pilot Light
If you use the convenience of a gas fireplace starter which requires a pilot light, be sure to check your pilot light to make sure it is lit, is getting enough gas flow, and is working properly. You might also want to test your fireplace ignition switch or control early in the season, so if you have to get it repaired, you don’t have to wait too long for a technician.
Most importantly, be sure to enjoy the first fireplace burn of the season and the cool, fall weather in Southeast Louisiana. It can one of the best things about living in this area! For any repairs, parts, or supplies you may need for your fireplace, Contact Foster-Taylor Fireplaces, stop by our showrooms on the Northshore in Mandeville and on the Southshore in New Orleans!
