| Chimney maintenance is very important due to the | | | | system. |
| facts regarding fireplace fires. Statistics show that | | | | 3. Is your damper fully open to draft right before you |
| every year there are a high number of fireplace fires | | | | light a fire. When lighting the fire, always make sure |
| due to poor maintenance. A lot of people will use | | | | that the damper has been opened properly and is |
| newspaper to start their wood fires. This kindling could | | | | venting and drafting properly. |
| turn into a disaster and cause black smoke along with | | | | 4. If you have done everything right, this will minimize |
| carbon monoxide to enter your home due to improper | | | | health and safety risks associated with a fireplace. |
| maintenance. | | | | 5. Lower your energy costs by reducing the influx of |
| Your fireplace is great for Family get-togethers which | | | | cold air into your home. If your damper does not |
| makes it warm and cozy as the weather begins to | | | | properly close, consult with a Chimney Professional to |
| get colder. You can help your family by doing the | | | | repair or clean it. They could also recommend installing |
| following to make your lives safer. | | | | a damper at the top of the fireplace which can be |
| 1. Have a Professional Chimney Sweep inspect, | | | | opened and closed from the inside your home. This will |
| evaluate and clean your fireplace and chimney every | | | | seal out drafts when the fireplace is not being used |
| year. It might look safe but is it really! It is better to be | | | | during the summer or winter months. |
| safe now than sorry after a disaster that hits your | | | | In conclusion, Fireplace and Chimney Safety is |
| family. | | | | important. Maintenance is the key that can prevent |
| 2. Birds and other critters like to live in warm areas of | | | | serious accidents in your home. Safety is number one |
| your home. When it gets cooler, you chimney is the | | | | when dealing with this issue. If you need any additional |
| perfect place to hangout. To prevent that, install a | | | | safety information on this topic, visit the Chimney |
| chimney cap to prevent animals, critters and other | | | | Safety Institute of America. |
| debris from getting in. Check with your local Chimney | | | | If you have any questions, feel free to visit our website |
| expert to install a cap for you. If you are a DIY person, | | | | or call us. |
| check with an expert on how to install this type of | | | | |