How To Maintain Your Home's Fireplace And Chimney

A beautiful brick fireplace is one of those rare amenities in a home that adds a rustic

, warm atmosphere that can't be replicated any other way. They can also serve as an extra source of heat, allowing you to cut down on your gas or electric bill. Still, if an old chimney and fireplace looks worn and run down, it can make your home feel much less inviting. Plus, if a chimney is not well maintained and smoke does not escape easily, it can become a hazard to your family and home. Here are a few important points about chimney maintenance that every homeowner with a fireplace should be aware of.

Chimneys are notorious for getting clogged by soot, debris, and even animal bird nests. To make sure that your chimney is clean and ready to go, it is recommended you have it inspected at least once a year to make sure everything is top condition. Most people can make a quick check of some of the parts, like sensing if the damper or the flue has any leaks, but your fireplace still requires a thorough examination by a professional to make sure that there are not additional problems you are not aware of. This type of inspection can also make sure that the structure and materials in your chimney are in solid condition. A professional will also be able to gauge how well the different components of the chimney are functioning, like the flue, damper, pilot and burners (if it is a gas fireplace), etc. This type of inspection can also save you money, since the technician might suggest ways for increasing the efficiency of your fireplace.

Some of the maintenance tasks you can handle yourself, though they generally are limited to cosmetic care of the exterior of the fireplace. For example, make sure the brass edges of your fireplace stay well polished, since this is the part most people tend to notice. Also, make sure you take preventive steps so that the fire in your fireplace does not get out of hand. Keep the area properly ventilated and if you have a log fireplace, make sure that a proper screen is positioned to keep any sparks from flying out onto the carpet. Also, keep it cleaned and empty of ash so that the soot does not get into your living room.

With these tips in mind, you can continue enjoying the comforts and elegance of your home's fireplace.

by: Art Gib

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