A healthy wood-burning fireplace can save you energy costs and liven up your home in the cold months. However, there are some dangers and practices you need to be aware of when operating and maintaining a traditional hearth. This article will lay out a few tips for proper fireplace safety and maintenance, so continue reading to learn more.

Hire Chimney Sweeps

Check for smoke coming out of the fireplace into the home. If this is happening, the hearth is not functioning correctly. You also need to protect against backdraft, which sucks dangerous gases through the flue and into your home. The best way to prevent potential fire and smoke hazards is to get regular chimney inspections done by a professional. If you move into a new home with a wood-burning fireplace, ensure the chimney is cleaned and inspected.

Use Smoke Alarms

You must install working carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in your home. This is a simple step you can take to increase your fireplace safety and should be among the first things you check when moving into a house with a fireplace.

Avoid Combustible Items

Keep anything that can burn away from the fireplace surrounds Milwaukee. You might consider installing a guard if you have pets or children for additional safety. Nothing combustible should be within a foot above the lintel.

Burn the Right Wood

Avoid burning greenwood. Dried wood burns more cleanly and efficiently. Green or wet wood will create more smoke and leave your fireplace dirtier. You should also try to burn hardwoods like maple, oak or ash. They generate more heat and burn longer than softwoods, which will save you money on energy in the long run.

Getting regular maintenance and burning the correct type of wood will ensure you enjoy your fireplace for years to come. Nothing beats a warm fireplace in the winter, so keep your hearth clean and your chimney well swept.