Importance of Chimney Maintenance

Fireplace safety begins with proper care.

A fireplace is a great amenity in any house. It can keep you warm in the winter, provides a welcoming ambiance and of course give you a perfect place to hang your stockings. However, like any appliance, you need to make sure you properly maintain and clean your fireplace. Without proper maintenance and cleaning, you may be increasing the danger of fires in your home.

To properly care for your fireplace, you need to know what kind of fireplace you have and how to properly clean your specific fireplace. There are two main types of fireplaces, gas and wood burning. Both gas and wood burning fireplaces need to be inspected yearly but they pose different dangers.

Wood burning fireplaces can build up creosote, a flammable substance. Gas fireplaces can produce carbon monoxide if not properly vented. While the newer gas fireplaces are vented through the side of the house, old wood fireplaces that have been converted to gas still use the chimneys.

A fire in your chimney is an extremely dangerous event and temperatures can quickly reach up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Most chimney fires start due to a buildup of creosote, which can ignite at 451 degrees Fahrenheit. Signs of a chimney fire include loud noises from the chimney, a buildup of smoke and flames falling down into the fireplace. If you see these signs, you should get out of your house and call 911. You shouldn't assume it will burn out.

Because of the danger, you should know how to deal with home emergencies before starting any fire in your fireplace and have a working fire extinguisher