Tips for Maintaining Your Fireplace

A fireplace can add warmth and coziness to your home, but it also requires maintenance to ensure it operates safely and efficiently. Here are some tips for maintaining your fireplace that will keep it in good condition for years to come. At Phillips Lifestyles Service Department, our professionals can help.

1. Clean Regularly: It’s important to clean your fireplace regularly to remove soot, ash, and other debris. This will help keep your fireplace working properly and prevent any potential fire hazards. You can use a fireplace shovel, broom, and dustpan to clean the ash, and use a damp cloth to wipe down the fireplace and hearth.

2. Inspect the Chimney: It’s also important to inspect your chimney regularly to ensure it’s in good condition. Look for any cracks, gaps, or other signs of damage that could allow smoke and sparks to escape. If you find any issues, it’s best to have them repaired by a professional chimney sweep.

3. Check the Damper: The damper is an important component of your fireplace, as it helps to regulate the flow of air and prevent heat loss. Make sure the damper is open when you’re using your fireplace, and close it when you’re not. If the damper is damaged or won’t stay open, have it repaired or replaced.

4. Use the Right Fuel: If you have a wood-burning fireplace, make sure you’re using the right kind of wood. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and birch burn more efficiently and produce less smoke than softer woods like pine. Avoid burning treated wood, as the chemicals used in the treatment process can be toxic when burned.

5. Store Firewood Properly: If you have a wood-burning fireplace, make sure you store your firewood properly. Keep it away from your home and any other buildings to prevent insects and other pests from entering your home. Stack the wood neatly and cover it with a tarp to protect it from the elements.

6. Install a Screen: A fireplace screen can help prevent sparks and embers from escaping, as well as protect your carpet and furniture from ash and soot. Choose a screen that fits your fireplace and is made of a durable material like metal or glass.

In conclusion, maintaining your fireplace is an important part of keeping it in good condition and ensuring its safe operation. If you need assistance or questions answered, call our service department and our professional staff will assist. By cleaning regularly, inspecting the chimney, checking the damper, using the right fuel, storing firewood properly, and installing a screen, you can keep your fireplace in top condition for years to come.