It takes more than the occasional sweep to keep your fireplace and chimney in top shape. These quick, homeowner-friendly habits help you burn safer, keep your system cleaner, and improve efficiency between inspections.
If you notice strong smoke smells, poor draft, water leaks, crumbling mortar, or you’ve had a chimney fire—stop using the fireplace and schedule an inspection.
Best practices for safer, cleaner burns
1) Only burn firewood
Don’t burn garbage, treated wood, painted scraps, or random “burnables.” Those materials can release chemicals, create heavy residue, and increase soot/creosote buildup.
2) Burn dry, seasoned wood
Wood should be split and dried for 8–12 months (often longer) with airflow. Wet wood smokes more, burns cooler, and increases creosote.
3) Start small, then build
Start with a small, hot fire and add logs gradually. Smoldering, low-air fires create more smoke and creosote than clean, hotter burns.
4) Manage airflow correctly
Make sure the damper is open while burning. If you’re using glass doors/screens, follow your fireplace’s guidance—airflow restrictions can reduce draft and increase buildup.
5) Detectors are non-negotiable
Use smoke and carbon monoxide detectors—ideally near the fireplace area and near bedrooms. Test them regularly.
6) Keep up with inspections & cleaning
Regular use can build up creosote if the system isn’t cleaned. If you burn frequently, you may need more than one cleaning per year. An inspection also catches water intrusion and structural issues early.
Quick reference checklist
- Burn seasoned wood (dry, split, stored with airflow).
- Avoid slow, smoky fires—aim for cleaner, hotter burns.
- Keep the damper open while burning.
- Never burn treated/painted wood or household trash.
- Keep CO + smoke detectors working and tested.
- Schedule inspections before problems become expensive repairs.