Fire Up That Fireplace - But First

We have had some very frigid (uncommonly cold for this time of year) temperatures lately!  Cozying up to the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate is one plus to cold weather. (that and basketball season). 

Here are a few tips to make sure you're maximizing your fireplace and chimney efficiency this winter:

1. Keep the fireplace damper closed unless you have a fire burning. Keeping the damper open can cause drafts and heat loss in the rest of the house.
2. Install tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system that blows warm air back into the room.
3. Check the seals around your fireplace flue damper—if the seals aren't tight, you could be losing home heating through the chimney.
4. Insulate your chimney. Exiting exhaust from chimneys can create creosote build-up and can decrease the efficiency of your fireplace. Liners provide maximum efficiency for your chimney and protect masonry from corrosive byproducts of the flue gases.
5. Get your chimney properly inspected by a chimney sweep certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America each year before it gets too cold. A certified chimney sweep can offer advice to help make sure all the components of your fireplace and chimney are functioning efficiently and safely.

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