But, before you light that first autumn blaze, it is essential to ensure both your fireplace and chimney are in peak operating condition. Proper preparation not only enhances the efficiency of your hearth appliance but also safeguards your home from potential hazards. Let’s explore how to get your fireplace ready for the burning season.
In the meantime, if you have any …burning questions about your hearth or chimney, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team of professionals here at Highpoint Chimney Services. Reach out online or give us a call at 908-864-4114 to get started today!
How Do I Prepare My Hearth Appliance for Fall?
Preparing your hearth appliance for fall goes beyond simply stacking logs and striking a match. In order to achieve both an enjoyable and efficient burning season and keep your appliance in tip-top shape, it’s important to follow a few simple steps:
- Schedule An Annual Chimney Sweep & Inspection: The most important first step in preparing your fireplace and chimney for the burning season is to schedule your preventative maintenance services: a chimney cleaning and inspection. Whether you utilize a fireplace, stove, or insert, all flame-producing appliances should be looked over by a professional every year before the burning season begins. During an inspection, our pros will get a close up look at the inside of your system to ensure that all is where it should be and in proper working order before then clearing out any blockages or debris in a sweeping service.
- Take Inventory of Your Fireplace Accessories: In order to safely and properly enjoy a fire, you need to make sure your accessories are all in good working order, too – after all, you can’t stoke a fire with your hands! How is your hearth pad? Fireplace grate? Are your tongs still operational? Make note of things that you need to replace and get the whole surrounding area ready to host flames once again
- Check Your Damper: Though this is something we will check during those routine maintenance services, it’s not a bad idea to check out the state and functionality of your damper. Because the damper allows for adequate airflow to aid in combustion, it’s important that yours is in good shape before you start using your appliance regularly again.
- Clear Out Old Ash: During the burning season, it’s a good idea to leave a bit of ash behind after every fire to help insulate the firebox and make it easier to ignite fires in the future. But, if you have yet to clear out all the accumulated ash from the previous season, this prep work for fall is the perfect time to remove it all for a fresh start.
- Book Necessary Repairs: If you know that something within your appliance is behaving strangely or damaged in some way, don’t wait till the burning season is well underway to schedule repairs. Prompt and timely repairs are incredibly important in not only preserving the life and performance of your chimney system, but also help to ensure your family stays safe and you won’t have to pay the price of an intensive repair.
- Get Your Fuel Supply Ready To Go: Make sure you have plenty of well-seasoned firewood (dried for at least six months) chopped, stored, and at the ready for the first sign of a blustery day. If you fuel with gas, check that your connection to the gas source is stable and there is nothing impeding the flow of fuel to your appliance.
What Are the Signs of Chimney Damage?
Spotting chimney damage early can save you from costly repairs and ensure your fireplace remains safe to use. While it is not always obvious that a chimney or fireplace is damaged and in need of repair, there are some signs that indicate chimney trouble:
- Loose, cracked, or missing mortar joints between bricks
- White staining, or efflorescence, indicating water infiltration
- Signs of water damage on the walls and ceiling surrounding the fireplace
- Strange smells – of mold or smoke – wafting into your living room even when no fire is burning
- Issues with airflow and draft that make it hard for a flame to ignite or stay lit
Ensure Your Fireplace Is Ready for Fall – Call the Pros at Highpoint
Don’t wait until the first cold breeze to discover your fireplace isn’t operational or performing as well as it was last year. Get that chimney inspection, cleaning, and other prep work out of the way so when fall finally does arrive, you and your fireplace are ready.
Schedule your fall tune-up services with the experts at Highpoint Chimney Services and ensure your hearth appliance is clean, safe, and ready to bring warmth and comfort to you and your loved ones all season long. Contact us today to learn more about our chimney and fireplace services or to schedule an appointment.
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