Tips for Sustaining a Cozy Hearth All Night Long
A cozy fire makes for a comfortable and warm evening. But have you ever had issues keeping your fire going? There may be a few reasons for this, and we’ll take a look at some of the common reasons. Some reasons you may not even think of because they’re required long before you start to light up the fire.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance
When it comes to most chimney topics, there is a recurring theme pertaining to regular maintenance. All homeowners should schedule regular, annual inspections to catch any issues early. This can contribute to fire-related issues such as draft issues and fires going out prematurely.
In conjunction with an annual inspection, it’s highly recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to perform annual cleanings. This is a good rule of thumb, however, if your household enjoys more fires than the typical household, you may benefit from more frequent cleanings. Your local chimney professional can give you more guidance on this based on your usage.
Opt for Dry, Seasoned Wood
When you think of a cozy, comfy fire, you likely don’t imagine a smoky and stinky experience. If you’re encountering this during your fires, it may be because of the wood you’re using. It’s important to make sure that the wood you use is dry and hard if possible. Hardwoods include oak, birch, maple, and pine to name a few. These woods are naturally less moist and season better than softwoods. Also, storage is often important when it comes to proper firewood. Make sure that it’s as dry as possible and covered if left outside.
Prepping and Tending to the Fire
Leading up to actually lighting the fire, there are some vital steps to take. Below are some important things to consider:
- Sweep up any excess ash from the firebox of your fireplace. This will minimize smoke, smell, and the chance of dust.
- Make sure to open the damper — this helps to ensure a relatively smoke-free fire with adequate drafts.
- Collect dry kindling or small twigs to accompany your dry, seasoned wood. This will help the fire to light quickly and efficiently.
- Make sure to add new logs of wood before the fire goes out. This prevents smoke and will ensure you don’t have to restart the fire.
Need some improvements to your chimney?
If you’re in the Minneapolis area, Twin City Fireplace, Masonry, and Chimney are the full-service experts to call. We have locations in Edina and Woodbury, MN with highly trained and experienced staff to help with any questions pertaining to fireplaces. If you run into any major issues, we’re there to assist as well as quickly as possible.
We specialize in the sale, service, and installation of gas and wood-burning fireplaces for indoor and outdoor spaces. We’re also licensed general contractors, gas fitters, and skilled masons to give you a seamless experience from the first call to the finished installation. Contact us today in Edina at 952-941-2685 or Woodbury at 651-204-0112 or fill out our online contact form.