Tips For First Time Fireplace Owners
Having a fireplace in your home for the first time is an exciting experience that offers year-round enjoyment. It keeps you warm and cozy during the winter and serves as an inviting centerpiece that you can decorate for different seasons when it's not in use. Whether you’ve just moved into a home with a fireplace or installed a new hearth to help reduce your central heating costs, here are a few essential safety tips that every first-time fireplace owner should know.
1. Schedule a Chimney Inspection with a Certified Chimney Sweep
Before lighting your first fire, it is essential to have a Level 2 chimney inspection by a Certified Chimney Sweep to check for health, safety, and structural hazards, such as checking for:
- Cracks or damage in the flue liner.
- Excessive build-up of creosote (a highly flammable residue).
- Structural damage to the masonry or firebox.
- Obstructions (like animal nests or debris) can restrict the venting of deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gas from your home.
2. Install Smoke and CO Detectors
Chimneys are safe when properly maintained, but without annual inspections and periodic sweeping, there is an increased risk of fire and exposure to toxic carbon monoxide (CO) fumes. Ensure you have working smoke detectors on every level of your home, and, critically, install carbon monoxide detectors near your fireplace and sleeping areas. CO is an odorless, colorless gas that can have deadly consequences.
3. Source Seasoned Firewood
The quality of the wood you burn directly impacts the safety and efficiency of your fireplace. Seasoned firewood has been dried for at least six months to a year and has a moisture content of 20% or less. Burning green (wet) wood creates excessive smoke and accelerates creosote build-up inside your chimney, drastically increasing the risk of a chimney fire. Some local favorites to try and spice up your atmosphere include:
- Cherry has a pleasant, mild, and slightly sweet aroma. It burns hot with minimal sparking, making it perfect for first-time fireplace owners who want a warm and cozy ambiance.
- Mesquite is a Texas stand-out for its bold, earthy, and smoky flavor. It burns intensely and is a top choice for those who love a deep, quintessential campfire experience.
- Oak is dense, burns slowly and long, and provides steady, intense heat. Its mild, pleasant smoke makes it a versatile choice for a long winter night by the fire.
- Pecan is often an underrated wood that offers a gentle, nutty, and sweet scent. It burns hot with a lighter fragrance.
4. Ensure the Damper Is Fully Open Before Lighting a Fire
The damper is a metal plate or valve located just above the firebox that controls the airflow in your chimney. Before you strike a match, always ensure the damper is completely open. A closed or partially closed damper will prevent smoke and harmful gases from escaping up the chimney, forcing them back into your living space.
5. Build a Fire in the Fireplace the Right Way
A well-built fire is easier to ignite and burns more efficiently. Start with dry kindling and progressively move to smaller logs, always keeping the fire centered on the grate. Avoid packing the firebox too tightly, and never use flammable liquids like gasoline or accelerants to start the fire, as this can cause dangerous flare-ups or even an explosion.
Call the Master’s for Professional Chimney & Fireplace Inspections in the DFW Metroplex
Make sure your chimney and fireplace are not safety or structural hazards. Our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps will thoroughly inspect your chimney and fireplace, perform any necessary cleaning, and recommend any repairs required to ensure code compliance. Call the Master’s today and enjoy a more efficient fireplace. We proudly serve residents from Houston to Oklahoma City, including Lewisville, Highland Park, and The Woodlands, TX.
