Your fireplace is the perfect way to keep warm and cozy as the weather begins to cool! Keep friends and family safe and healthy by following these tips to prevent a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Maintaining Your Fireplace and Chimney

See our tips to maintain your fireplace and chimney.

Professional Cleaning

Have a professional chimney sweep inspect and clean your fireplace and chimney every year. Visit the Chimney Safety Institute of America for information on contacting a chimney sweep professional in your area.

Keep Critters Out

Prevent birds, animals and their nesting debris from getting in. Construction materials range from practical wire mesh to more elaborate and decorative caps.

A Working Flue

When lighting a fire, always be sure that the flue has been opened properly. Make sure it closes tightly after the fire is out to prevent cold air from coming in. To test how airtight your flue is, close it all the way and feel inside the fireplace for drafts – if you can feel cool air coming through and cracks or crevices, your flue may require repair or replacement. Chimney professionals will often recommend installing a damper on top of the chimney, which can be opened and closed from the inside and will seal out drafts when the fireplace is not in use.

For more tips, go to Tips.acehardware.com.

Published: 3/5/2020