‘Tis the season to fire up the hearth.
But, there’s still maintenance involved, and you will need to clean dust and debris annually.
You should also inspect gas connections and valves annually.
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Gas isn’t something to be taken lightly!
confirm you turn the gas off before conducting any maintenance or cleaning.
With a brush and a shovel, you’ll be an expert chimney sweep in no time.
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This will help you thoroughly clean a wood-burning fireplace after each use.
There should also be an ash bucket nearby where you’re able to dump ashes.
verify it has an airtight lid so you don’t run into a fire hazard.
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If you have a gas fireplace, a gas leak detector is a must-have.
This can save you from a toxic and potentially deadly gas leak.
Is your firebox painted black?
Here’s what it’s crucial that you do to confirm thefireplace is ready.
These two problems are why regular maintenance is so critical to keeping your fireplace functioning properly and safely.
Gas Leaks
Gas leaks are perhaps the most terrifying of fireplace issues.
Otherwise, plan on having your fireplace serviced annually to check for potential issues.
Here are tips to check that your fireplace stays in tip-top shape.
However, once a year, you should bring in a professional for a deep clean.
Gas fireplaces should be vacuumed and dusted at the beginning of the season.
Creosote is a tar-like substance that can build up in a chimney.
It is often black or brown, and it is extremely flammable.
It presents a fire risk if it’s allowed to accumulate and spread.
Once a year, it’s a good idea to bring in a professional to service your fireplace.
If you smell gas, immediately call a specialist to check out your fireplace for any leaks.
It’s not always obvious when there’s a problem.
A gas leak detector is also a good tool to keep on hand.
They’ll look for damage, wear and tear, as well as cracks and other issues.
They will run a test fire to confirm the entire system is functioning properly.
At the end of the inspection, they’ll provide you with suggestions of necessary maintenance and repairs.
