The time of year you probably most associate with fireplace use is winter. When the cold winds blow against your face, and you see your own breath in the air, the warmth of a fireplace can bring a strong feeling of comfort. Winter consists of many cold days and nights, meaning your fireplace will be used more and more. The more you use your fireplace, the more ash, soot, and burned wood will appear in the fireplace. “But I don’t even use my fireplace outside of those times in winter, so why should I care?” you may be asking. Here are some reasons why you should stay on top of fireplace maintenance and cleaning.
1. An Unclean Gas Fireplace Will Lead To Fogged Fireplace Glass
Most fireplaces have a glass panel to protect children and pets from harm and keep particles out of the living space. However, where gas fireplaces are concerned, even a protective panel of glass is not immune from the impact of natural gas and grime buildup. The more a gas fireplace burns gas for fuel, the more fogged or whitened the glass panel will become, making it difficult to really see and admire the lively fire. If you want to keep your cozy winter aesthetic alive, make sure to take time to clean the glass panel with fireplace glass cleaner and paper towels. If you are frequently using your gas fireplace in winter, then a weekly cleaning of the glass should keep it crystal clear.
2. Wood-Burning Fireplaces Can Have Buildups of Ash, Soot, and Creosote
If you burn wood for your fireplace on a regular basis during winter, keeping it clean after use is a high priority for fireplace maintenance. What burnt wood remains is ash, soot, and creosote. Creosote is the leftover oil coating on wood that remains after burning. You can clean these types of residue from your fireplace with the aid of a fireplace shovel, a deep cleaning solution, a broom or brush, a dustpan or bucket, and a vacuum hose. You should utilize the maintenance routine with the same frequency you clean the glass panel. Neglecting to clean a fireplace of these types of debris can leave you and your home vulnerable to fire damage.
3. An Unclean Fireplace Means The Risk For A Home Fire Is High
If your fireplace does not have a glass panel or is connected to a chimney, your home is at a greater risk of catching on fire. According to FEMA, clean fireplaces and chimneys cannot create house fires, but unclean ones can catch fire. The more diligently and consistently you can perform fireplace maintenance, the more you lower your chances of your home catching fire. A clean fireplace guarantees a safe home.
4. An Unclean Fireplace Can Lead To Sickness And Other Health Complications
Aside from possible home fires, leaving a fireplace unclean can result in you or your loved ones getting sick or experiencing other health complications, especially if you or your loved ones already suffer from respiratory complications such as asthma. These health complications can include skin or eye irritation, various respiratory problems, and, at worst, carbon monoxide poisoning. Fireplace maintenance will also help in maintaining the health of you and your loved ones at home.
We Will Answer Your Questions And Address Your Concerns
We hope that looking at these four major reasons why fireplace maintenance matters will encourage you to be consistent with keeping a clean fireplace during the winter months. Contact us at Fresh Air Duct Cleaning, and we will answer any questions and address any concerns you might still have about proper fireplace maintenance.