How to Care for Your Fireplace this Summer

While your fireplace is dormant this summer and won’t be in use for some weeks, it’s the perfect time to do a little fireplace care to make sure it’s ready to roll when the chilly days of fall arrive.  “A stitch in time saves nine,” is a wise old saying, so use some summer down-time to get your fireplace and chimney in top shape.

Chimney cleaning

Any home-heating appliance that’s connected to a ventilation system should be inspected annually by a professional to ensure nothing is broken or damaged and that the system operates properly and safely.  This is especially important with wood-burning fireplaces.

Virtually every fire-safety agency in the United States recommends yearly professional cleaning for two primary reasons:

1. To rid the flue of obstructions that may have gotten inside – this can include leaves, twigs, heavy dust, small-animal nests and the animals themselves, who often die inside chimneys

2. To remove creosote buildup and reduce the chances of a chimney fire

Obstructions cause smoke to travel inefficiently through the chimney.  When this happens during a burn, dangerous carbon monoxide can work its way back into the home.  Carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible, but it can be deadly in large amounts.

Creosote is highly flammable and is responsible for the vast majority of chimney fires.  Many of these fires are small and go out on their own without the homeowner even knowing about them.  But even the smallest fire can cause serious damage to the interior of a chimney.  Needless to say, a large chimney fire can be catastrophic.

Clean out the firebox

It’s nice to start the year with a really clean firebox, and it’s not hard to do.  First, remove all the ashes and other debris using a combination of a shovel and a vacuum.  Clean all the surfaces of the firebox and glass fireplace doors with a non-flammable agent.

Close the damper

It’s not uncommon for people to forget to close their fireplace dampers after the last fire of the season.  An open damper allows hot summer air to get into the home, while providing a clear path for cooler inside air to get outside.  During a chimney inspection and cleaning, the technician will also inspect the damper to ensure that it closes and opens completely.

For gas fireplaces

Although gas fireplaces don’t generate creosote that requires heavy-duty cleaning, they still need attention.  The primary task for gas units is making sure all connections are perfectly tight and not leaking any gas.  If you’re having any trouble with your control panel or remote, a summer maintenance visit from a fireplace pro is a good time to address it.

Chimney Specialists of Highland, WI, performs a lot of summer inspection and cleaning services for our customers throughout the greater Highland region.  If we find anything that’s broken or needs replacing, we can take care of that quickly.  For peace of mind this winter knowing your chimney and fireplace are in tip-top shape, call Chimney Specialists at (608) 929-4887 or
Toll Free at (800) 395-6660