Safety First: Essential Tips for Fireplace and Insert Maintenance

Fireplaces are the heart and hearth of many homes, but that warmth shouldn’t come at the cost of safety. A well-maintained fireplace is a joy to use, but neglecting yours can have devastating consequences. We’ve compiled these essential tips for fireplace and insert maintenance to help you keep your home safe and your days worry-free.

Annual Fireplace Maintenance

For optimal performance and safety, we recommend scheduling an annual maintenance of your fireplace. For gas or pellet appliances, our Energysavers technicians are highly trained and experienced at performing a deep clean and thorough inspection. This includes:

• Comprehensive Cleaning: Our technicians perform a meticulous cleaning of your gas or pellet fireplaces/inserts, from the glass and surrounding area to all critical internal components.
• Combustion Blower: We disassemble and clean the combustion blower to remove any accumulated dust or debris that can impede airflow and hinder efficient heat distribution.
• Exhaust Path: We ensure a clean path for exhaust gases by inspecting and cleaning the venting system and exhaust flue. This prevents dangerous buildup and ensures safe and efficient operation of your fireplace.
• Heat Exchanger: Pellet fireplaces rely on heat exchangers to efficiently transfer heat. A thorough cleaning removes any built-up soot or debris that can impede heat transfer, allowing your fireplace to operate at peak performance.
• Pilot Assembly: A focused cleaning of the pilot assembly is essential for proper gas flow and ignition. This prevents clogs, ensures a reliable flame, and maximizes efficiency.
• Check Gas Pressure and Ensure Appropriate Air Flow Settings: Our technicians will verify that the gas pressure is within the manufacturer’s specifications for safe and efficient operation. They will also ensure the air flow settings are properly adjusted to optimize combustion and minimize harmful emissions.
• Glass Inspection and Cleaning: The glass on your fireplace needs to be maintained as well. Our technicians will inspect your fireplace glass for cracks or damage and recommend replacement if necessary.

Have a wood fireplace? We strongly recommend getting it annually inspected by a CSIA certified chimney sweep like Granite Ridge Chimney. They will perform a thorough inspection of your fireplace and chimney and take care of any wood-burning fire hazards, like creosote and ash buildup.

Seasonal Maintenance

In addition to yearly maintenance, seasonal maintenance of your fireplace is equally important and offers several benefits that can save you money in the long run, extend the life of your fireplace, and keep your home safe and comfortable. We highly recommend performing these essential tasks to keep your fireplace in top condition:

Spring Cleaning: After the cold weather subsides and you’ve stopped using your fireplace or insert regularly, it’s recommended to have your fireplace/chimney reinspected. Animals may have built nests or debris may have accumulated, creating a fire hazard. The offseason is also the perfect time to schedule an inspection as you won’t have to compete with everyone trying to book an appointment in the fall ahead of the cold season.

Fall Cleaning: Even though fall is a busy time to find a qualified technician, having your fireplace professionally inspected by a certified technician before the first use of the season is essential. They will remove any residual soot or buildup and inspect your fireplace unit carefully for any hazards which can cause house fires or gas leaks.

Check for Cracks and Damage: Exposure to heat and weather can cause cracks to develop in the firebox, flue liner, or chimney itself. Left unaddressed, these cracks can allow sparks and smoke to escape into your home, creating a potentially catastrophic fire hazard. Schedule a home inspection with a certified expert who can identify and recommend repairs for any damage they find.

Safe Practices

Inspect Your Fireplace: Before each use of your fireplace, look for cracks in the firebox, loose bricks, or damaged mortar. Address any concerns before use. Remember, even small cracks can allow smoke and harmful gases to leak into your home. Clean the glass regularly and interact with your fireplace unit at least weekly to keep it functioning properly. For gas units, keep batteries present in case of a power outage. For wood units, empty ash regularly to prevent buildup.

Keep it Clean and Clear: Maintain a 3-foot clearance around the fireplace opening from furniture, decorations, and flammable materials. This includes curtains, throw rugs, and even holiday decorations. For wood fireplaces, keep in mind that a stray ember can ignite a nearby object in a flash.

In addition, check the glass (if applicable) of your fireplace insert for cracks or damage and clean off any buildup with a glass-safe cleaning solution. If you’re not 100% sure about how to safely clean your fireplace or fireplace insert, consult your local fireplace retailer.

Have an Extinguisher Ready: Keeping a UL-listed fire extinguisher readily available near your fireplace but not directly next to it is a good idea. Familiarize yourself with its operation so you can react quickly in case of an emergency. Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher can be critical in containing a small fire before it grows out of control and causes serious damage.

Remember

Taking these simple steps can significantly reduce your risk of an unexpected house fire. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way in protecting your home and your loved ones. Don’t wait for a preventable accident to strike. Make fireplace and insert maintenance a priority this season. By following these tips and scheduling regular professional inspections, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable home hearth centerpiece that provides warmth and comfort for a long, long time.

Contact Energysavers today to schedule a professional inspection. Our technician and installation teams are highly trained, fully licensed, and certified by the National Fireplace Institute®. They will perform a comprehensive inspection to guarantee that your gas or pellet appliances operate safely and efficiently.

About Energysavers, Inc.

Founded nearly 50 years ago, Energysavers is family-owned and operated out of Meredith, NH. We are proud to provide quality, dependable pellet stoves, wood stoves, fireplaces, hot tubs, saunas, outdoor grills, and more. Visit the storeroom and choose from the many models and sizes we have in stock and receive the best price and quality service. Call us today at (603) 279-7961 or visit our website or store to schedule a home inspection.