During the chilly winter months, the fireplace in your Reno home tends to get a bit of a workout. Fireplaces are cozy and help stave off the cold. They can also be incredibly dangerous if not used properly. Here are the top five tips for using your fireplace safely:
Tip #1 – Only burn firewood in your fireplace. Paper articles, trash, scraps of wood from your weekend project…all these should instead be disposed of in their proper containers (use your recycling bins if you have them). Chemically treated wood can create a toxic cocktail inside your Reno home that can be deadly to your family. If you do use a starter log to get your fire going, only use one at a time. They tend to burn much hotter than normal, dry, cured firewood (which is the only type of wood you should be burning regularly in your fireplace).
Tip #2 – Keep your fireplace doors open when in use. This allows oxygen in to keep the fire burning and gives heat a chance to escape into the room, where you want it.
Tip #3 – When your fireplace is not in use, keep the damper closed. Chimneys are notorious for letting in cold air while allowing the heated indoor air to escape. This can cost you some serious money. If your damper isn’t sealing as it should, replace it immediately.
Tip #4 – Maintenance is critical. Have your chimney cleaned at least twice a year (once before heavy usage is planned and once after the heavy usage is over). You want to make sure the chimney remains free of harmful creosote buildup (that yucky black stuff), which can create a serious fire hazard. The smoke and ash needs a clear passage to the outside as well so it doesn’t invade your Reno home. To avoid outside elements from falling into your chimney, a chimney stack should be installed. A stainless steel model is the best.
Tip #5 - Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are important safety devices that should be installed in every Reno home. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that can leak into your home, causing suffocation. These should be placed near the fireplace as well as near the bedrooms on each level of your home.
Winter weather in the Sierra Nevadas is the perfect time to enjoy a nice evening curled up next to a roaring fire. Following these top five tips for your fireplace will help ensure that you enjoy it in your Reno home safely and comfortably for years to come. If you need help finding or selling a Reno home, please feel free to contact me anytime.
Charlene Hamilton, Certified Distressed Property Expert, Helping Reno Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure
Originally posted on my Reno Relocation blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2724483/top-five-tips-for-your-fireplace.
