Don’t forget to read your manuals for your new fireplace, stove, or insert!
At New Buck Chimney Services, we are passionate about providing our customers with high quality fireplace and chimney maintenance services. While there are a number of procedures that should only be done by a certified chimney professional, it is possible for homeowners to partially take charge of their own chimney maintenance.
The best way to know how to maintain your fireplace or heating appliance is by reading the operating manual. Oftentimes, the operating manual provides a guide for preventable maintenance, most of which doesn’t need to be done by a chimney professional.
At home fireplace maintenance
Some homeowners believe that an annual chimney sweeping and inspection is all that is needed to keep their fireplace system in good condition, doing little other than cursory cleaning the rest of the year. While chimney sweeping is an important part of good chimney upkeep, it is not the only form of preventable maintenance that can be done.
There are a number of ways homeowners can do their own preventable fireplace maintenance. One of the best resources for information is your unit’s operating manual. Because even similar fireplace units have differences in features, it is important to learn as much as possible about your particular unit.
Below are some general tips on at home fireplace maintenance. Keeping your fireplace well maintained in between professional maintenance can extend the life of your fireplace unit as well as significantly decrease the likelihood of unexpected damage or repairs.
Wood burning fireplace maintenance: The firebox should be cleaned every time the fireplace is used. This includes removing any ashes, soot, or other debris in between every use as well as checking the inside of the firebox for signs of damage. When cleaning the inside of the firebox, steel bristled brushes can be used to loosen soot and ash while a vacuum with a HEPA filter can be used to remove it.
Gas fireplace maintenance: Despite the fact no ash is being produced, the inside of a gas fireplace should also be regularly cleaned. Clean soft bristle brushes can be used to gently remove any soot or dust that may accumulate on gas logs; likewise, soft rags can also be used to dust or polish fireplace components. Care should be taken not to jostle or move gas logs, as any shifting whatsoever can impact their ability to burn correctly.
If you experience any significant change to your fireplace’s performance, contact a chimney professional to help identify the source of the problem.
Learning about your fireplace
Learning about your particular fireplace or heating appliance is an important part of being a responsible homeowner. By reading the manual, you can educate yourself on the nuances of your particular unit. This is important as it may help you identify a potential problem as soon as it occurs.
While regular professional chimney maintenance such as chimney sweepings and inspections is important, it is not substitute for reading your operating manual. Learning about your fireplace or other heating appliance can help you feel more confident performing regular maintenance. This can keep your fireplace in good condition longer, allowing you to enjoy it for years to come.
Even if you know your owner’s manual cover to cover, trust the experts at New Buck Chimney Services to take care of all of your major chimney and fireplace needs. Contact us here today to schedule your appointment!