There is an undeniable sense of comfort that comes with a pile of crackling logs on a cold day. While owning a fireplace is comforting as you know you have a place to warm yourself when it gets cold, you should know that it comes with responsibilities. 

As a rule of thumb, you must ensure you run your chimney safely without the risk of a chimney fire. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to ensure that this is the case. Some of the things you need to do include:

Have your chimney cleaned regularly.

At least once a year or at the beginning of the heating season, have your chimney cleaned by an experienced sweep. 

When hiring a chimney cleaner, prioritize those certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America or any other reputable organization. 

The chimney sweep should also have the right tools, such as specialized elongated brushes to remove soot and creosote. 

Before commencing the cleaning, request a written estimate that delineates the extent of the work to be undertaken and the corresponding expenses involved. 

Doing this will assist in mitigating unexpected occurrences and potential misinterpretations in the future. This is because cleaning contractors are known to change their prices when they start the project, which can be frustrating. 

You protect yourself from the contractors pulling this move when you have a written agreement. 

It’s also wise to engage in a detailed conversation with the chimney sweep about the scope and requirements of the job. 

During the discussion, inform them about the specific issues or concerns you may have regarding your chimney or fireplace. You should also tell them how you have been caring for the fireplace and what you would want to be done. 

To certify that the contractors know what they are doing, inquire about the methods and equipment used for the cleaning process.

You want a chimney sweep that adheres to professional standards and uses the right tools, including brushes, rods, and vacuum equipment, to eliminate creosote, debris, and blockages from the chimney.

A chimney sweep of high repute will demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, and a willingness to address any inquiries you may have. 

The service provider should tidy up after completing their tasks, ensuring your home is left in the same state they initially encountered.

Have the chimney inspected by an experienced contractor

Besides having your chimney cleaned regularly, you also should ensure that you have it inspected at least once a year or before the start of the heating season. 

You can inspect the chimney yourself, but if you have never done it before, let professionals inspect it. 

Professionals can identify potential hazards during their inspection. These hazards include defects such as holes in the flue, hearths that do not adequately protect the floor from hot ashes and sparks, or inefficient tall chimneys. 

The chimney inspections will involve the examination of creosote, a potentially hazardous tar-like substance that is produced as a byproduct of wood fires. 

Additionally, the inspections will identify rusted flues and other typical issues, as well as the presence of any unwanted feathery or furry intruders, such as squirrels and birds, that have the potential to enter your chimney and create disturbances.

Just like cleaning the chimney, you must ensure the professional you hire is experienced and knows what they are doing. 

During the hiring, don’t just hire any contractor. Take your time to interview the contractors and ensure they have handled similar projects. 

Build a safe fire.

When building fires, you need to ensure they are safe. You need to consider several key points to do this. 

One is to keep the hearth clear of old ashes, using dry wood and never closing the flue or leaving the fire unattended until the embers cease burning. 

To effectively ignite your fire, employ a strategic approach to stacking logs. The fundamental concept is to arrange the logs to allow oxygen and flames flow between them. 

One proven technique you can use is to create a tent-like structure by placing kindling in the center and then leaning logs vertically around it, with their ends meeting at a point on top. 

Another effective method entails stacking parallel logs in two to three perpendicular layers.

Have the right chimney accessories.

You need accessories in your chimney that ensure your unit is as safe as possible. These accessories include: 

Metal grating. A metal grate serves as a small metal stand for your wood. It facilitates the upward flow of air beneath the logs, enhancing ignition.

Wire or metal screen: These accessories prevent the emission of sparks from the fireplace. They ensure that nothing becomes dislodged and becomes a hazard. 

Shovel and broom: A compact shovel effectively and safely removes cold ashes from your fireplace, even several hours after the fire has been extinguished.

A compact metal waste receptacle: This is a container for safely disposing of ashes away from your premises. It prevents fires that might result from placing ashes in paper bags and leaving them unattended on your porch.

Fire extinguisher: A fire extinguisher should be readily accessible to put out any fires that might come about. You also should ensure that you have functional and tested smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Have your unit repaired on time.

Even the best-maintained chimney breaks down. Many homeowners ignore their chimneys, especially when they have minor issues. Don’t do this, as minor issues worsen over time, rendering your chimney inefficient and unsafe.

To stay on the safe side, always move quickly and ensure your unit is repaired on time. 

You should fix the chimney issues as soon as you feel your unit isn’t functioning as well as it should. 

Like any other chimney task, you must ensure that the chimney contractors Upper Marlboro you hire are experienced and have been in the business for a long time.