Fireplaces are wonderful for both staying warm and adding ambiance to your home. However, they do require some work. To get yours ready for the winter season, follow our tips below.
Start with a chimney sweep
The first step in getting your fireplace winter-ready is hiring a professional chimney sweep. While prep can be safely done “DIY”, this is one job you really should outsource. Not only is it dirty work, it can also be dangerous to your health, and an accident could compromise the your chimney. Have this done once a year, and be sure the sweep checks the damper and cap.
Examine your fireplace for abnormalities
Note anything that seems wrong. This could include cracks in the stack, strange smells or a draft. Speak with your chimney sweep about these issues or research them for yourself to determine what could be the cause, then schedule repair if needed.
Pay special attention to the brick and mortar
Brick makes up the structure of your fireplace, and although very sturdy, can wear down over time. If there is anywhere the brick and mortar is worn down or damaged, call in a repair professional to get it looking and functioning like new once more.
Clean out the blower
Not all fireplaces have a blower, but if yours does, you need to give it special care. Blowers in fireplaces rarely have filters, which means buildup occurs easily. Too much buildup and your fireplace can become a fire hazard. Clean it thoroughly at the start of the season and check it throughout to ensure all is well.
Test your alarms
You know by now that your home should have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, but these only protect you if they are working correctly. Fireplaces can pose both smoke and carbon monoxide hazards, so you should test them at the start of the season and then periodically to ensure the batteries are working.
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