It’s that time of the year again. Pumpkins adorn our walkways and porches and we’re all anxiously getting ready for the first ground frost to light up our fireplace. Unless you started up your fireplace this summer, it’s been sometime since you last used it. Your fireplace needs regular care and cleaning in order to burn safely. Creosote, a highly flammable substance that builds up in the chimney and flue, should be removed by a professional. Nobody wants to start a fire that burns out of control.Here are some tips to remember when you decide that it gets cool enough to light a fire:

1.You should clean your fireplace and its accessories routinely throughout the fall and winter to reduce the amount of soot, ashes, and creosote tars that accumulate.

2.Vacuuming the hearth area weekly will prevent dust and soot build-up. Remember not to sweep or vacuum until all the embers have been extinguished for at least 12 hours.

3.Burn only seasoned, well-dried wood to minimize dangerous creosote build-up.

4.You should inspect the firebox, flue, and chimney annually for creosote accumulations and remove them accordingly.

5.When you’re finished with your fire, you should never use water to put it out unless there is an emergency. Water will only make a paste of the ashes, which makes it harder to remove.

6.Abrasive cleansers leave a flammable residue inside the fireplace. Use soap and hot water to remove unwanted build-ups.

7.One trick when cleaning your fireplace is to sprinkle damp coffee grounds over the cooled ashes to keep down the dust.

8.Before it gets too cold, you should cap or screen the top of the chimney to keep out rodents and birds. Professional Chimney Services offers a full line of chimney caps and screens in our online store!

9.When you buy firewood or chop wood, storing it in a dry place away from the exterior of your home is safer for you and your family.

10.Not all homeowners may be comfortable climbing on their roof but we suggest that you inspect the fireplace damper for proper opening and closing in order to avoid any surprises.

11.Finally, checking the mortar between bricks and tuckpoint will prevent any flame from escaping the chimney.

If you have any questions or are unsure about any of the tips that are published in this article, don’t hesitate to contact us by filling out our contact form or calling us at 281-491-0433. A customer service representative will be more than pleased to provide you with more information about preparing yourself for the coming winter.