Fall Fireplace Tips & Tricks

The leaves are turning, the days are getting shorter, and cooler temperatures mean that fall and winter are right around the corner. A warm, crackling fire is one of the best parts of fall, but it comes with responsibilities to ensure safety and efficiency. Here are some simple tips to keep your fireplace in tip-top shape this fall.

Schedule a Professional Chimney Inspection

Before you light the first fire of the season, schedule a professional chimney inspection and cleaning to ensure your fireplace is ready to use. Over time, creosote (a highly flammable byproduct of burning wood) builds inside the chimney. Left unchecked, this residue can lead to a chimney fire. A certified chimney sweep will remove creosote, animal nests, and other debris while also checking for cracks and damage that could impede performance or cause a safety issue.

Burn the Right Firewood

Not all firewood burns the same. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and hickory are ideal because they burn hotter and longer than softwoods. Make sure the wood is seasoned, meaning it’s been dried for at least six months. Fresh or “green” wood contains too much moisture, which leads to smoky fires, more creosote buildup, and less heat output. To test your firewood, knock two logs together. Seasoned wood makes a sharp crack, while green wood sounds dull.

Use a Fireplace Screen or Glass Doors

Sparks and embers can easily escape from an open fireplace and ignite nearby rugs, furniture, or flooring. A sturdy fireplace screen or properly installed glass doors provide a layer of protection. Screens also add a decorative element, while glass doors improve efficiency by radiating heat into your living space.

Keep the Hearth Area Clear

It’s tempting to decorate the mantel with fall garlands or stack firewood nearby for easy access, but keeping the area around your fireplace clear is essential for safety. Experts recommend maintaining at least a three-foot distance around the hearth. This helps reduce fire hazards and provides a safer environment, especially if you have children or pets.

Check the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

When you use the fireplace, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are a must. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, “Nearly three out of five home fire deaths were caused by fires in properties without smoke alarms.” Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are inexpensive, easy to install, and can literally save lives.

Test the batteries in your detectors and make sure they’re functioning properly every year before you use your fireplace.

Start Fires Safely

When building a fire, use small pieces of kindling and newspaper or fire starters—never lighter fluid, gasoline, or other flammable liquids. Stack logs in a crisscross or teepee shape to allow for proper air circulation, which helps the fire catch quickly and burn efficiently. Once the fire is going, add larger logs gradually rather than piling them all at once.

Maintain Good Airflow

Fireplaces need oxygen to burn cleanly and efficiently. Make sure the damper is fully open before lighting a fire, and keep it open until the embers are completely out. If your home is tightly sealed, slightly cracking open a window in the room can provide fresh air for combustion. Proper airflow reduces the smoke and minimizes carbon monoxide buildup.

Properly Dispose of Ashes

Ashes can stay hot for hours, sometimes even days after a fire has gone out. Always wait at least 24 hours before removing ashes and use a metal shovel to transfer them into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Store the container outside, away from your home and combustible materials. Many homeowners like to recycle cooled ashes for their gardens, as they can enrich the soil with minerals.

Consider an Energy-Efficient Insert

While open hearth fireplaces are classic, they’re not very efficient because most of the heat they generate goes up the chimney. A wood-burning or gas insert fits right into your existing fireplace and is designed to maximize heat output while using less fuel. Not only do they increase efficiency, but they also reduce emissions, making them a safer and more eco-friendly choice.

Contact Chimney Solutions Today!

Chimney Solutions is the go-to chimney and fireplace professional in Chattanooga and the surrounding areas. Our technicians are certified by the National Fireplace Institute and the Chimney Safety Institute of America. From cleaning to installs, we’ve got you covered. Call us today to schedule your chimney cleaning and inspection.