Fall Fireplace Maintenence & Tips

The leaves are turning orange, the air is getting crisp, and the smell of pumpkin bread baking in the oven fills the air. It’s fall in Western New York! So, ‘tis the season to start thinking about fireplace. Here are some fall fireplace maintenance & Tips to help you.

Whether you have a wood-burning or gas-burning fireplace, it’s crucial to thoroughly clean and inspect them because the cold weather is on the way. Doing so will help ensure your fireplace is safe and efficient all season. Here are fall fireplace maintenance & Tips to help you.

Wood-Burning Fireplaces

If you’ve been keeping up with our blog posts, you know a “clean fireplace is a safe fireplace.” Here are some fall maintenance tips for wood-burning fireplaces:

Clean the firebox and remove ashes: It will help to improve airflow, ensuring a hotter, more productive burn. You can recycle the ashes in your garden, use them to make homemade soap, polish your silverware, and more.
Inspect the damper: A faulty damper can restrict airflow and even cause smoke to fill your fireplace and home. The damper should open and close completely without much effort. Otherwise, it will need repair or replacement.
Clean the grate: Clean the grate outside to thoroughly remove the baked-on creosote and other combustion residues.
Restock with local firewood: Source local dry and seasoned hardwoods. Burning unseasoned firewood produces more smoke and flammable creosote, creating a fire hazard.
Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a qualified professional: This is the most critical step in fireplace maintenance. It will help prevent creosote buildup, the leading cause of chimney and house fires in Erie and Monroe counties.

Gas Fireplaces

While gas fireplaces require less maintenance than their wood cousins, they are not zero-maintenance appliances. These fall maintenance tips will help keep your gas-burning fireplace operating efficiently:

Clean the fireplace glass and burner: This will help improve your fireplace’s appearance and prevent smoke buildup that can clog burner ports.
Inspect the pilot light and make sure that it is on. If the pilot light is off, follow your fireplace owner’s manual instructions to relight it.
Check the gas line for any leaks. If you smell gas, do not use the fireplace and call your local Felgemacher Masonry and Chimney technician or qualified gas fireplace professional immediately.
Schedule an inspection: An annual inspection is necessary to detect gas leaks or potential equipment failures. The chimney professional will also check the vents to ensure proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup in your home. Carving and decorating pumpkins can be an exciting family project.

Fall Decorations for the Hearth

After your fireplace is clean and inspected, you can add a festive touch to your room by decorating your hearth. Numerous pumpkin farms in the Buffalo and Rochester areas offer a fun outing for families. Carving and decorating pumpkins can be an exciting family project.

You can use a giant pumpkin as a centerpiece or multiple miniature pumpkins, pinecones, and faux fall foliage to decorate around the fireplace and mantel.

Professional Chimney Cleaning & Inspection Services in Monroe County, NY

We’re in your neighborhood! Whether you have a gas or wood fireplace, insert, or stove, it is vital to have your chimney, vents, and attached heating appliances cleaned and inspected this fall to reduce the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. So, call Felgemacher Masonry & Chimney’s certified professionals at (716) 482-1820 in Buffalo or (585) 684-7197 in Rochester to schedule a visit with a Certified Chimney Sweep® today! You can also contact us online to schedule an appointment today!