How To Get Your Fireplace Ready For the Winter

by Daniel Lussier

Do a Yearly Inspection

Any fireplace should be inspected and thoroughly cleaned at least once a year by a chimney professional to remove any build up of creosote, which is a flammable byproduct of burning wood. This will help keep your fireplace safer.

Repair any Cracks or Damage

Check your chimney’s structure inside and outside for any cracks or damage to the bricks. If the chimney needs fixing, hire a professional mason to make the repairs.

Check your Damper and Cap

Inspect both your damper and cap to make sure they’re in proper working order. A damper that is stuck and won’t open properly will not be able to function properly and you may end up with smoke in your house. A well attached cap helps keep animals and birds out of your chimney.

Clear out Ashes Regularly

Clean out the ashes from the firebox before first use, and then regularly whenever ash builds up more than an inch. Wait until the ashes are cold before sweeping them out, as they can stay hot for up to three days. Wood ashes can be disposed of outside, as they are great for garden beds and compost piles.

Reduce Energy Losses from your Heating System

Plug it up. If you don’t actually plan on using your fireplace, it’s better to plug it up for the Winter. Insulate, plug and seal up your chimney flue to keep cold air from coming into your home and warm air from escaping.

Keep the damper closed when not actively using the fireplace. An open damper is like an open window, and in Winter months it will allow warm air to escape from your home, straining your heating system.

Install heatproof glass doors. Tempered, heatproof glass doors coupled with a heat-air exchange system will help blow warm air back into the room rather then letting it out through the chimney. Doors around the fireplace will also help keep sparks from flying onto your floor and potentially damaging it.

With a little bit of preparation, your fireplace can be a cozy way to relax and heat your house more efficiently, saving you big energy costs. The tips above will help you get the most out of your fireplace and keep it functioning longer.