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October
18
18
Homeowners: Check Your Chimney Before Your First Fall Fire
One feature buyers often love in Alexandria homes for sale and Arden Hills homes for sale is a working indoor fireplace. It can make those fall and winter nights peaceful, cozy and relaxing. Making sure your chimney and fireplace is ready for the season is essential, and it's the first step to operating your fireplace safely. Use these tips to enjoy your indoor fireplace safely.
- Look over the fireplace and any accessible areas of the chimney. Repairing the chimney isn't really a DIY job, but you can check that the damper is operational, look for any areas that might need repair in the firebox, and do a basic check for obstructions like debris or even animals.
- Get your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned. A certified chimney sweep can do a thorough check of the chimney and flue to make sure everything is intact and functioning as it should be. They will clean the creosote and soot out of the inside of the flue and check for damaged bricks, tiles, or mortar, and blockages. These situations can lead to carbon monoxide in the home and possibly even a fire, so it pays to have a pro check and clean it regularly.
- Keep debris and animals out of the chimney. Trim away any tree branches and remove leaves or storm debris from around the chimney. Using a chimney cap can keep animals out while still allowing the smoke to exit the house.
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. They're a good idea in any home, but absolutely essential if you're using an indoor fireplace. Check them regularly to ensure they're functioning correctly.
- Keep the hearth area clear and use a fireplace screen. Keeping anything combustible clear of the area and using a screen to help prevent embers from escaping the firebox will both help ensure nothing accidentally catches fire.
- Burn only dry, seasoned wood in the fireplace. It creates less smoke and less soot and creosote build-up in the chimney. Additionally, some things such as painted or stained wood, plastics or even the inks on wrapping paper or magazine pages can release toxic chemicals when burned.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Every home should have one anyway, but again, it's a must when you have an indoor fireplace.
- NEVER use gasoline, kerosene, or lighter fluid to start a fire in the fireplace.
Using the indoor fireplace in your home can keep you cozy and help make some wonderful fall and winter memories for your family. Counselor Realty can help you find a home with an indoor fireplace or whatever else you might be looking for. Call today and find out what we can do for you.