During these dark and cold winter months there is nothing like spending the evenings sitting in front of a warm crackling fireplace with a mug of hot cocoa in hand. While sitting there enjoying your beverage the farthest thing from your mind is probably fireplace safety, but it should be on your mind. Did you know that over 33% of Americans use fireplaces and wood burning stoves as a primary heat source in their homes? Using wood burning appliances is a very economical way to heat your home during the colder months, but just like your car, your fireplace requires regular maintenance to ensure that it is burning safely and efficiently.

 

fireA perfect wood burning fire.

 

You know what they say, “If you play with fire, you’re going to get burned.” 36% of all residential fires are caused by heating fires. Many of these fires start because of creosote buildup in the chimney and stovepipes.

 

Creo – What???

 

When you burn wood, it emits gases. These gases combine and condense down as they make their way out of the chimney. If the smoke that contains these gases is cooled down below 250* they turn into a liquid and then solidify, which results in creosote. Over the course of a season creosote deposits can become several inches thick.

 

creosote_in_chimneyCreosote buildup in a chimney.

 

This creates a problem, because the highly flammable creosote deposits reduce the airflow through the chimney and a thick accumulation of it creates a fire hazard. If a hot fire is built in the stove or fireplace, and the air control is left open, this may allow hot oxygen from the fire into the chimney where it can come in contact with the creosote. The hot oxygen can ignite the creosote causing a chimney fire.

 

creosote diagramCreosote can accumulate in many places.

 

In order to properly maintain wood burning chimneys and heaters the creosote buildup must be removed. Usually the safest and most effective way to remove creosote is to call a chimney specialist. They have all of the proper tools and safety equipment to quickly remove the buildup. You should have your wood burning stove and chimney annually inspected, regardless of the creosote situation. If they notice creosote buildup during their inspection they can remove it at that time, too.

 

 

Keep It Clean

A clean fire is a safe fire. The U.S. Fire Administration urges people to take action towards burning a safe fire by:

Remove debris and ash: One of the most important, and easiest, ways to keep your fire burning safely is to regularly remove debris and ash from the hearth area. Before removing the ash, allow it to cool and then dispose of it in a metal container with a lid. Once the ash is in the container, soak it with water.

Burn the correct fuel: Only burn seasoned hardwood, and avoid using moist wood as it speeds up creosote buildup. Side note: As tempting as it may be to burn all of your junk mail in the fireplace, it is much safer to shred it instead.

Get outside: Keep your roof clear of leaves, pine needles, and other debris and remove any branches hanging above the chimney, flues, or vents.

Keep it covered: Cover the top of the chimney with a mesh screen spark arrester.

 

spark arrestorA simple screened spark arrester.

 
 
 
Have you had your chimney inspected and cleaned this season?
 
While we are on the topic of home maintenance and repairs, do you need to winterize your home while you are at it? Check out our posts on winterizing your pipes and windows