Temperatures are beginning to fall, days are becoming shorter, and the night air is crisp and chilly. It’s nearly that time of year again: fireplace season! 

If you have a fireplace in your house, you know that nothing beats the ambiance of a crackling fire on your hearth. 

While this is the case, knowing the measures to follow before lighting your fireplace for the first time at the start of the colder seasons is essential to prevent chimney fires and have an easy time. These measures include: 

Inspect the chimney

The first thing you should do with your fireplace is arrange a professional inspection. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that you inspect all wood-burning chimneys for fireplaces and stoves at least once a year. 

Hiring a licensed chimney inspection specialist to evaluate your fireplace is critical to protecting you and your house. 

Annual inspections are critical for identifying potential safety problems, including accumulation or structural flaws. 

An inspection of a gas or electric fireplace can indicate if there is a faulty component. A skilled inspection eliminates problems and detects them early. This is a critical step in ensuring your fireplace is functioning well. 

An examination will check that the chimney is sound, that the flue lining is clear of cracks, and that there are no possible moisture problems. Finally, by having a professional examination, you may look for any issues that could lead to carbon monoxide dangers.

You can inspect the fireplace yourself, but for the best results, let an experienced chimney inspection professional help you.  As a rule of thumb, ensure that the professional is experienced and knows what they are doing. 

If you have never dealt with an inspector, there are a number of things you should look out for. A good way to tell whether the contractor is right for you is to ask them questions. Some of the questions to ask include:  

• How long have you been in business?
• Do you have positive feedback or recommendations?
• Have you come across any unresolved complaints?
• Do you or the company for which you work for have commercial liability insurance?

Clean the chimney

Cleaning your chimney is necessary if you have a wood-burning fireplace. Creosote can build up in your chimney over time and with use. Creosote is a highly combustible mixture of tar and soot. 

To avoid chimney fires, you should clean your chimney at least once a year, depending on how frequently you use your fireplace or stove. If you use it frequently, you may need to clean it more frequently.

If you are uncomfortable or unsure about cleaning your chimney, it is best to employ a professional chimney sweep. They have the knowledge and equipment to clean thoroughly and safely.

Chimney cleaning is necessary not just for safety but also for the performance of your fireplace. A clean chimney improves ventilation and heating effectiveness while decreasing the risk of fires.

Inspect the hearth and surroundings.

In addition to cleaning your chimney, you should also clean the area around the fireplace. This is because the safety of a fireplace extends beyond the fireplace itself. 

Remove all flammable things, including curtains, periodicals, books, and clothing, to name a few. Check and remove anything that is hanging from your mantel. 

Second, ensure that the room in which your fireplace is placed is well-ventilated and devoid of combustible vapors. By cleaning your chimney and the area around the fireplace before lighting a fire, you are helping to prevent any unexpected accidents.

Check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

You should inspect smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly to ensure they work properly and keep your house safe.

Find out if the detectors are powered. Most detectors are battery-powered, hooked into your home’s electrical system, or a mix of the two. Inspect the power source for any problems.

You also should check the test button. To start a test of the alarm, press this button. You should hear a loud, piercing sound. If not, replace the batteries or investigate any electrical problems.

Replace the batteries if you have battery-powered detectors. You should do this at least once a year or as recommended by the manufacturer. 

Dust and dirt can collect on the sensors, reducing their sensitivity. Clean the vents and sensor openings regularly with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.

By inspecting and servicing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly, you can guarantee that they are working properly and providing the necessary safety for your home and family.

Use quality firewood

Make sure the wood you’re burning is completely dry. This is because damp or green wood generates more creosote while producing less heat. 

There is a lot of moisture in firewood when it is freshly chopped, and you don’t want this. 

To reduce the moisture, you need to season the wood. Seasoning firewood might take 3-12 months (sometimes even longer).

Store the wood properly.

You should store the firewood outside. Store your woodpile away from structures, particularly your home or garage. 

You should keep the firewood at least five feet away from your house. This ensures that termites and other pests do not migrate from the wood into your home.

Where you store the wood outside should be in an area that receives a lot of sun and wind exposure. 

Parting shot

During the colder months, fireplaces offer warmth and charm to your house. If this is the first time you are lighting a fire after a long time, you should take the necessary steps to enjoy a fireplace safely and responsibly.

As a rule of thumb, review the fireplace safety rules and anything you may have forgotten from the last fireplace season.

Hire a professional chimney cleaning services Upper Marlboro to clean your chimney, assess your surroundings, test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and help gather excellent firewood.

Taking these crucial procedures before lighting your fireplace will ensure a warm and risk-free experience.