Fireplace Safety Myths Busted:  5 Common Missteps Homeowners Make

In today’s fast-paced online world, where over 90% of consumers start their research, you’ll find both accurate information and misleading content. When considering fireplace safety and fire prevention, it’s essential to distinguish fact from fiction. For Texas and Oklahoma homeowners who want to enjoy a cozy fire without worry, understanding the truth is the first step toward a safer, more efficient fire-burning experience. In this article, we will highlight five common missteps homeowners make and debunk fireplace safety myths.

Myth #1: It’s Safe to Burn Freshly Chopped Wood from My Yard

BUSTED: This is perhaps the most common and dangerous misstep. Freshly cut wood, often called “green wood,” can contain up to 50% water by weight. When this wood burns, much of the fire’s energy is wasted boiling the water out of the log, resulting in a smoky, inefficient fire that produces little heat. The smoke from green wood contains high levels of unburned particulates, which rapidly condense as sticky, flammable creosote inside your chimney flue. Creosote is the leading cause of chimney fires.

Fact: Only burn seasoned wood—that has been properly split, stacked, and allowed to air-dry for at least six months, preferably a year. Seasoned wood typically has a moisture content below 20%. 

Myth #2: TVs and Fireplaces Don’t Mix

BUSTED: While there are considerations, modern fireplaces and mounting technology make coexistence entirely possible. The danger isn’t the fireplace itself, but the heat, which can damage the TV’s internal electronics, shorten its lifespan, and void its warranty.

Fact: If you plan to mount a TV above a fireplace, you must have an adequate mantel or a heat shield installed to deflect rising heat. Professional installation often includes checking the surface temperature where the TV will be mounted to ensure it stays within the television manufacturer’s specified operating range.

Myth #3: You Don’t Need A Chimney Inspection Every Year

BUSTED: Even if you use the fireplace only a few times a year, an annual inspection is still imperative. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard 211 explicitly recommend yearly inspections.

Fact: Creosote buildup can happen even with light use, especially if you burn less-than-perfectly seasoned wood. More importantly, an annual inspection looks for hidden hazards like:

• Cracked or damaged components, such as the cap, crown, and liners.
• Animal nests and debris that could be blocking the flue vent.
• Water leaks in the chimney structure.
• Loose or missing bricks and mortar.
• Malfunctioning damper.

Myth #4: Piling More Wood Logs Is the Best Way to Increase Heat

BUSTED: Some residents mistakenly believe more wood equals a bigger, hotter fire that will last longer. However, overloading the firebox is dangerous. It can lead to excessive heat, which can damage the fireplace or stove and stress the chimney system. Also, a log pile that is too large can prevent necessary air circulation. Fires need proper airflow to burn cleanly.

Fact: The best way to get a lot of heat is to have a medium-sized, hot, clean-burning fire fueled by well-seasoned wood. Use a proper log grate and only add logs as the previous set has burned down to hot embers. This maximizes efficiency and minimizes creosote production.

Myth #5: More Ash Makes Starting a Fire Easier

BUSTED: While a small amount is beneficial, a deep pile of ash is a fire hazard that reduces efficiency. It blocks airflow from the bottom of the firebox, smothering the fire and making it difficult to sustain a hot, clean burn. The hot coals are pushed too close to the fireplace opening or the bottom of the stove, creating a fire hazard.

Fact: Clean out the ash when the pile is about one or two inches deep. Always shovel the ash into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid and keep it away from flammable materials for at least a week, as embers can stay hot for a surprisingly long time.

Let the Master’s Prepare Your Fireplace & Chimney for Winter

Don’t let a hidden fire hazard dampen your winter warmth. Our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps will thoroughly inspect and clean your chimney, correcting problems that can cause health, safety, or structural issues before you light the first fire of the season. Call the Master’s today and enjoy a more efficient fireplace. We proudly serve residents from Houston to Oklahoma City, including Irving, Grapevine, and Cinco Ranch, TX.