Home Care Guide: Fireplaces
Each fall, as fireplace usage begins, our service department receives calls regarding “smoking” fireplaces; that is, smoke is coming into the room and not going up the chimney. To avoid this problem and other potential difficulties with your fireplace, it is important to follow these simple guidelines:
- Modern homes are sealed against outside elements for air conditioning purposes. Hot air rising from a chimney must be replaced within the home or unequal pressures develop and smoke returns inside. To avoid this problem, open an outside door or window. Also, it may sometimes be necessary to close room registers, since the forced air heating and cooling system will compete with the natural fireplace draft.
- Never build a fire directly on the fireplace floor. Always use andirons or a grate, plus a well-fitted fireplace screen.
- Start the fire slowly so there is a gradual buildup of heat and smoke. You can also light a section of newspaper and hold it up into the flue to gradually heat it. This will start the updraft more easily and will help avoid cracking of firebrick due to sudden temperature change.
- Before using the fireplace, be certain the chimney damper is open. After use, close the damper so conditioned air will not escape through the chimney. If you have glass fireplace doors remember to close them when no one is in the room.
- Adding a handful of salt to the fire occasionally will help prevent the accumulation of soot, and it will add color to the fire. The chimney should be cleaned periodically. (See “Annual Checklist”.) This can be done at the same time the heating and cooling system is cleaned and inspected.
- Never burn treated lumber as it will emit creosote or poisonous gases which can build up in the flue or enter the house.
NOTE: Remember to store firewood outside, to avoid insects entering your home with the wood.
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