When cold winds blow outside, there’s nothing more comforting than the glow and warmth of a wood fireplace indoors. This doesn’t only keep you and your family warm but also adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of your home. If you have a fireplace, regular maintenance and cleaning are essential. Here are some tips to help you improve the efficiency of your fireplace to ensure it operates safely:
1. Ensure The Wood Is Dry
One of the main issues that result in a poorly burning fireplace is the type of wood being burnt. This is why it’s important only to use and burn wood that’s fit for fireplaces. Ensure the wood is not wet, rotten, green, has mold, is produced like plywood, or has been treated and painted. Another thing to keep in mind is that nothing else should be burnt in your fireplace except for dry firewood. If you want to increase the heat output, double-check if the wood is dry enough. Brown color, peeling bark, and splitting ends are some tell-tale signs.
2. Get a Moisture Meter
Another way to check the moisture content on the logs is with a moisture meter. This will help provide accurate moisture readings, ensuring the wood is dry enough to burn in a fireplace. It’s best to choose wood with less than 20% moisture reading as they light faster and better.
3. Clean The Chimney Regularly
Whether you use your chimney regularly or occasionally, cleaning and maintenance are mandatory. It’s recommended to get your chimney professionally cleaned at least once a year. This helps eliminate all waste gases and smoke from your house. Getting your chimney cleaned will also ensure there’s no dirt or blockage that reduces the draft. Call in a professional right away to sweep your chimney clean before you light the fireplace.
4. Keep The Damper Open
Whenever you’re lighting a fire, keep an eye on the dampers to check if it’s fully opened. If not, the smoke and other gases can make their way into your home rather than going up the chimney.
An open damper will also help increase the draw on your fireplace from the chimney so that the fire will light quickly and easily.
If the sealing damper is working poorly, call in a professional to replace it right away. You can opt for a top-mounted damper as this closes tighter, helping to prevent heat loss.
Whether you’re looking for chimney repair services or fireplace services, we’ve got your back. Our experts at CT, Chimney Repair, have been in the business for several years, and we offer premium quality services in the CT region. So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today to learn more.
