| Follow this maintenance plan to keep your fireplace in tip-top shape. Nothing beats the winter chill like a cozy fire. Cuddle safely with these tips: -Keep furniture, curtains and other flammables at least three feet away from the fire. -Don't let children stand too close. -Never burn garbage, charcoal or coal. Do not burn paper or cardboard because stray embers can cause fires indoors or on the roof. Wrapping paper may emit toxic fumes when burned. -Don't leave the fire unattended, and keep a fire extinguisher handy. -Make sure the fire is out before going to bed or leaving the house. Gas Fireplaces -Have your fireplace serviced by a professional annually. He or she will clean the fan, clear the vents if blocked and make other adjustments. -Make sure pipes connected to the fireplace are clear. -Turn the gas off completely when the fireplace is not in use. -Keep the chimney swept and the flue open. Wood-Burning Fireplaces -Keep your roof clear of debris and remove branches that obstruct the chimney or vents. -Install a cap on the chimney to prevent debris and animals from getting in. -Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional annually. -Always use a sturdy fire screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room. -Open the flue or damper before starting a fire, and keep it open until the ashes cool. -Use a fireplace grate and proper tools to tend a fire. -Never use gasoline, charcoal lighter or other fuel to start or relight a fire. The vapors can explode. -Burn only properly seasoned hardwood that has dried at least six months and doesn't appear green. Unseasoned logs lead to more creosote buildup, as does overly dry wood. -Don't overload the fireplace. A couple of logs are usually enough. -Follow the manufacturer's directions when burning artificial logs and use one at a time. -Soak ashes in water and place them outside and away from the house in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Sources include: National Fire Protection Association, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| A Healthy Hearth |
| -To help avoid insect pests, never store firewood on the ground or touching your house. -Burn only seasoned wood (seasoned logs seem light in weight and have dark ends with cracks or splits). -The best trees to burn (most heat value) are American beech, apple, ironwood, red oak, shagbark hickory, sugar maple, white ash, white oak, and yellow birch. -Wood is often sold by the cord or 1/2 cord. A cord of wood is a pile of logs 4 feet wide by 4 feet high by 8 feet long and weighs about 2 tons. Don't buy more than you can store for a season. -Make sure the damper is open before lighting a fire. -If a fresh air vent is present, clear away any ash or logs that may obstruct airflow. -Only burn wood with a safety screen present to prevent the spread of burning ashes. *Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at www.housemaster.com. |
| Firewood Tips |
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| Sheri Breeze Phone - (585)704-3860 |