What’s the point of having a wood fireplace unless you stoke it up occasionally? Sure, it has an aesthetic appeal all its own – especially if you like looking at holes in a wall.

Nope, a fireplace is made to burn wood, add a certain glow to a room, and keep you at least semi-warm as you enjoy the experience.

Wood fireplaces also are meant to be enjoyed safely and securely. In that vein, we offer the following advice (or reminders) on how to accomplish both key objectives.

Burn only dry, cured wood. Hardwoods such as hickory, white oak, beech, sugar maple, and white ash burn longest, though dry firewood is more important than the species.

Burn firewood and only firewood. Crates, lumber, construction scraps, painted wood, or other treated wood releases chemicals into your home, compromising air quality. Log starters are fine for getting your wood fireplace going, but they burn very hot, so use only one at a time.

Always keep a fire extinguisher handy. A single spark can start a house fire —so it’s best to be prepared.

Relocate flammable objects. Make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of anything that is potentially flammable like furniture, drapes, newspapers, books, and more.

Damper training. Be certain the damper or flue is open before starting a fire. Keeping it open until the fire is out will draw smoke out of the house. Do not close the damper until the embers have completely stopped burning.

Have your fireplace and chimney inspected. Call a chimney professional for an annual inspection and cleaning of your fireplace. If left unattended, the creosote that builds up inside the chimney can ignite and cause a serious home fire.

Feeling the Heat?

No matter how toasty a roaring fire might make you feel, it’s no substitute for a furnace or boiler.

But even home heating systems need regular maintenance to perform at their best. That’s why we encourage you to contact C&D Heating & Cooling today to schedule a heating system cleaning and inspection. It’s a great way to keep your home nice and warm – and repair free – all winter long.