Nothing makes a home feel cozier than the warm glow of a fire on the hearth. However, a poorly-maintained fireplace can put your home in danger. To avoid fire- and gas-related hazards, it’s crucial to keep maintenance as a high priority.
Keep reading to get maintenance tips for gas and wood-burning fireplaces, as well as some decorating ideas to spruce up the hearth in your home!
Maintenance Tips for Gas Fireplaces
Even though a gas fireplace doesn’t actually burn wood, it’s still important to inspect it for any potential issues while you clean it.
- First, clean the front and back of the glass cover to get rid of dust, hair, and cobwebs. Refrain from using any flammable cleaning solutions! A microfiber cloth or a damp rag should do just fine.
- Make sure the glass and the gasket are fitted securely into the door. Carbon monoxide could leak out if there’s a loose fit.
- Inspect the vents for anything that might impede ventilation. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, clogged or blocked vents are a common problem. If you do not address a severe ventilation issue, you could be exposed to lethal levels of carbon monoxide.
Maintenance Tips for Wood-Burning Fireplaces
Wood-burning fireplaces provide an inviting, rustic ambiance that’s hard to beat. However, that ambiance does come at a bit of a price in the form of maintenance.
- Get your chimney professional swept approximately once a year (or about every 80 times you use your fireplace). Chimney sweeping removes soot as well as creosote, a highly flammable byproduct of burnt wood.
- Clean the firebox (the place where the fire burns) weekly or more often if necessary.
- Remove ashes once they touch the bottom of the grate (the stand on which the firewood rests). However, leave about one inch of ash to provide insulation for the coals.
Easy Decor Ideas for Fireplaces
Not sure how to make your fireplace stand out as a focal point? Try these classic design tips for a look you’ll love today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
- Center a mirror on top of the mantel. This will automatically make the room look larger. If you opt for a taller mirror, it will also make your ceiling look higher.
- Incorporate natural elements. Wood, stone, and botanical textures have a calming effect and can make your fireplace look cozier and more inviting. Try incorporating a houseplant on the mantel or rotating seasonal greenery in an earthen vase.
- Create a gallery wall. Have some paintings, prints, or photos that you’d love to display where you’ll actually see them? Stagger them over your fireplace. If you’re worried about a look that’s too mismatched, keep the frames and mats the same color.
- Keep a stack of firewood nearby. Even if your fireplace doesn’t burn wood, storing a tidy woodpile nearby will provide a more authentic, homey look.
- Add some candles. Bring some glow to the mantlepiece by grouping candles along the top. For a cohesive look with some visual interest, stagger the candle heights, but keep them all the same color. Contact us today to learn more!
Whether you need assistance with fireplace maintenance, repairs, or replacement, our experienced team at Woodward Heating Air Plumbing is only a phone call away: (503) 739-8035.
