Winter is almost here, which means it’s almost time to get the fireplace started up for the first time. But if you haven’t lit the fireplace since last winter, there can be some things you need to do to prepare. In this blog, we’ll look at everything you need to do to prepare your fireplace for the winter.
Prepare Your House
When you haven’t used your fireplace in a long time, it’s easy for clutter to fill up in the area. However, this clutter can actually be a fire hazard. Before you light your fire for the first time, make sure to clear any objects in front of it, especially anything flammable or that might give off unpleasant odours when heated.
It’s also extremely important to replace the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your house. The increased use of the fireplace means an increased risk of fires and carbon monoxide leaks. Replacing batteries and performing regular checks can ensure the safety of everyone in your home.
Check Your Chimney
Chimneys need to be checked after months of not being used. Chimney caps are used to keep leaves, rain, birds, and debris out of your chimney, but they can become damaged or go missing with harsh weather. you should therefore check to see if it’s intact and replace it, if necessary, before winter arrives.
It’s also essential to check for any large trees that might have branches close to the chimney. Tree limbs are a fire hazard and can also damage the chimney cap if they get blown or fall in a windstorm. Make sure to trim any tree limbs nearby before lighting your fireplace for the first time.
If you haven’t used your fireplace in a while, a build-up of soot, creosote, and other debris can put you at risk of a chimney fire. However, you can hire a chimney sweep to clean your chimney before you light it. It’s also good practice to schedule a yearly sweep to keep the risk of fire to a minimum.
Prepare Your Firewood
If you have a wood-burning stove, you will need to stock up on dense, seasoned wood like oak to burn throughout the winter. By using denser wood that has been cut and stored in a dry place for at least 6 months, you can reduce the buildup of ceosate that recently cut, or softwoods tend to produce.
If you are cutting your own firewood, you will need to split it, so it fits into your stove. Each piece should be ideally 6 inches in diameter for the most efficient burn. You will also need to test the moisture using a moisture meter. The moisture percentage needs to be below 20% for it to burn well. However, you will need to have cut and stored your wood for at least a year before it fully dries out.
Clean Your Fireplace
Some fireplaces have blowers that spread warm air throughout the room, if you have a fireplace with one, you should ensure it is properly clean before the cold weather hits. If you don’t clean your blower, you may find that it just blows dust around the room rather than effectively heating your home.
Schedule a Service
You should always ensure you have a professional inspect your wood-burning or gas fireplace at least once a year. A professional can look for gas leaks, worn areas, and any other issues that might cause a safety hazard or loss of function later on in the winter. They can then provide you with a report with anything that needs replacing or repairing. By being on top of your fireplace maintenance, you can ensure a safe and efficient heat source throughout the winter with a reduced risk of costly bills later down the line.
Looking for a New Fireplace for the Winter?
If you’ve noticed your fireplace just isn’t performing so well, or it’s looking a bit dated in your home, we can help. At Wakefords, we offer great quality fireplaces and stoves to match many interiors. There’s nothing cosier than starting the fire in the winter and having family time, and we can help make this happen. Get in touch with us if you’re looking for a new fireplace, or if you have a fireplace that needs servicing ready for the winter.