Fireplace 101: Smart Use. Safe Homes. Expert Advice.
Whether you’ve just moved into a new home or you’ve been enjoying your fireplace for years, knowing how to operate and maintain your system safely is essential. At Fireplace Place, we believe informed homeowners are safer, and we’re here to help you understand how to use your fireplace correctly. We typically see two kinds of customers:
New homeowners who want their fireplace inspected before using it, and rightly so. A standard home inspection isn’t enough. Most home inspectors aren’t qualified to assess the safety or function of a fireplace or chimney. That’s where we come in.
Long-term homeowners who’ve used their fireplace for decades are surprised when we uncover serious safety issues. The response is often, “I’ve been using it for 30 years with no problems.” But the truth is:
It works fine… until it doesn’t.
Fireplaces are not “set it and forget it” features. The belief that an occasional sweep is all your system ever needs is costly and can be dangerous.
Can you maintain your fireplace on your own?
We’re often asked about DIY fireplace maintenance. Here’s our honest answer:
Starting a fire inside your home is one of the most dangerous things you can do. If you’re not trained, don’t try to maintain or repair the system yourself. While you can perform some basic fireplace maintenance on your own, such as cleaning the glass and removing ash from fireplaces, we highly recommend getting professional assistance for more complex tasks, such as chimney repairs, inspections, and sweeps. Annual professional maintenance is recommended for all fireplaces, including gas and wood.
