It’s definitely not too early for the first fire of the season, and you have more than likely already had several. The fireplace creates not only warmth for your residence, but also provides both comfort and ambiance. You should schedule regular inspections, services, and cleanings for your fireplaces and furnaces to make sure they are operating efficiently. These inspections will help prevent house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Here is a checklist to keep you safe this winter:
- Clean and Inspect your Chimney
- Cap Your Chimney: This will make sure birds and other animals do not create nests in your chimney
- Heat or Prime the Flue: When you go to start a fire, make sure you “prime” the flue, which simply means holding lighted paper towards the back of the fireplace to create the rising flow of hot air.
- Use Dry, Hard Wood: When you build your fires, make sure you avoid using debris, plastics, or chemically created materials. Use hard, dry wood like oak.
- Clean Up Ashes: When you are cleaning the fireplace, make sure the ashes are not still burning, and dispose of them appropriately.
- If your fireplace starts via natural gas, then here are some tips:
- If the flame on your starter stops, then you should wait 5 to 10 minutes to ensure all the gas has dissipated.
- Make sure you check for unusual odors both before and after the use of your gas fireplace. If you smell gas you should contact the gas company as soon as possible. You may witness odd smells or odd colored flames when operating your gas fireplace, these are tale tell signs of a problem.
These are just a few reminders and precautions to take this winter season as you try to stay warm. If you are interested in additional information on improving your fireplace or safety precautions, here is a great resource to check out: Better Homes and Gardens, which will discuss the various options you have when it comes to fireplaces and the pros and cons of each style. Even if you are in Charleston, SC, a fireplace can truly add comfort and joy to your home. I hope this blog has been insightful, and if you would like additional information or would like to discuss the real estate market in Charleston, contact me today!
Bob Chambers is Broker-in-Charge & Owner of Infinity Realty located in Mount Pleasant. Mr. Chambers is responsible for fostering relationships in the community, managing sales staff, heads office operations and helps clients buy and sell homes in the Tri-County area.