Keeping the chimney clear is the secret to a successful fire in your fireplace

A lot of people look at fireplaces as just one more thing that will require constant maintenance. In reality, to maintain a fireplace in decent condition does not require much time, and isn't expensive. When you compare the cash you save on heating bills when you frequently use the fireplace, you will appreciate its cost-effectiveness.

The most important step in fireplace maintenance is keeping the pipe and fireplace open and clean. Chimneys must be cleaned no less than once a year; and should be handled by a expert chimney sweep. On the other hand, if you have the correct tools, you can sweep the chimney manually. You can locate numerous wood burning fireplace accessories plus tools on the web to help keep your fireplace spick and span. While purchasing a quality set of fireplace tools, make certain that the set has a small shovel and brush so that the ashes can be scooped up from your fireplace. Lots of people place their ashes in a paper bag to be disposed of, but prior to doing so, make sure that the ashes are cold before placing them inside to avoid a fire. Because of that risk, I prefer using a steel ash bucket or coal carrier to take out the ashes. I frequently purchase these tools at web based discount fireplace accessories stores and have been very satisfied with the service.

To maintain a a trouble free home, you have to keep the fireplace dirt free. Congested or blocked flues and chimneys could lead to smoke and CO backing up into your residence. This can be more than just an annoyance, it could also be a health matter. To add to the problem, soot and creosote deposits can build up inside your chimney that could lead to chimney fires, which are really difficult to extinguish and can cause permanent damage to your house.

Creosote is a yellowish to black oil, that becomes deposited on the walls of your chimney as a result of ordinary wood burning. Creosote is extremely combustible and can burn at temperatures up to 3,000° F. If a creosote fire ignites within your chimney, you must call the fire dept. without delay. You will not be able to extinguish the fire yourself.

Creosote builds up over a period of time so using the fireplace a couple of times should not cause sufficient amounts to be produced. However, following a whole season of use, it is strongly suggested to get your chimney professionally cleaned. Between cleanings, you can obtain bottles of creosote remover, which will make easier to remove creosote deposits from within the fireplace itself. Creosote is an really sticky substance which requires a special cleaner to get rid of it.

Chimney sweeps usually scour only your chimney, therefore by keeping some creosote remover available should be useful in keeping the fireplace clean. Creosote will also build up on other surfaces, such as the glass doors inside your fireplace and andirons. Using a bottle of creosote remover, you will clean these items without a lot effort.