Chimney And Fireplace Safety
One of my favorite things about a Michigan winter is the opportunity to get a fire roaring in the fireplace. And judging from my neighbor's woodpile, I am not the only one who loves using the fireplace.
But before we light up the first fire of the season, we'd be wise to take a look at our fireplace and chimney to make sure everything is in order.
Energy Loss
Fireplaces are the largest unsealed opening in the home, and according to government estimates (if you trust them), they cost American families over $7 billion in wasted energy costs due to something called the "stack effect."
During the heating season, the warmer indoor air escapes through the chimney (or other openings). The rising warm air reduces the air pressure in the house, which in turn draws cold air into the house through areas like open doors, windows, or other openings.
This is air that you have already paid the power company to heat, and it is replaced with cold air. That can hit the wallet really hard.
Side note: We don't get a free pass in summertime -- the stack effect is reversed, so we can still easily waste energy.
So step one is to close the damper when the fireplace is not in use... something that an estimated 80% of homeowners inadvertently forget to do for at least part of the winter. But even if the damper is shut, it is not air-tight. Glass doors don’t stop the drafts either. The fireplace is like a giant straw sucking your expensive heated or air-conditioned air right out of the house!
Another option for those who aren't regularly using the fireplace: there are inflatable plugs that can seal the openings. I'm not too famillar with their effectiveness, but they are out there.
There are lots of other sealing options out there. Maybe I'll review some in a future post.
Oh, and before I forget, there are other problems with leaky chimneys, including downdrafts, odors, noise (especially around Metro Airport), and even insects.
Fire Prevention
Clean chimneys are typically safe places to make a fire. Dirty chimneys are not.
- Vacuum or dust the hearth area weekly to prevent dust and soot buildup. Do not sweep or vacuum until all the embers have been extinguished for at least 12 hours.
- Burn only seasoned, well-dried wood to minimize dangerous creosote buildup.
- Inspect the firebox, flue, and chimney annually for creosote accumulation.
- Do not use water to drown a fire unless there is an emergency. It will make a paste of the ashes, which is difficult to remove.
- Never use an abrasive cleanser inside the fireplace. Many leave a flammable residue.
- When cleaning the fireplace, sprinkle damp coffee grounds over the cooled ashes to keep down the dust.
Quick Thoughts:
Chimney Caps
A chimney cap is a square device that has a wire-mesh underbelly. It prevents animals, debris and even rainwater from entering the chimney and causing problems.
Repair Chimney Damage
Any structural damage will compromise the efficiency of a chimney. A loose brick or a damaged chimney lining can cause a chimney fire to get out of hand.
Fireplace Screens
Wire-mesh doors or glass doors should cover your fireplace whenever you have a fire lit, since these prevent embers, smoke and sparks from popping out of the fireplace and rugs or carpets on fire.
Stray embers can start a fast-spreading fire that is difficult to contain.
Clear The Front of Fireplace
Move objects at least three feet away from the hearth, and avoid storing anything to either side of it. Even if a stray spark were to escape, the chances of quick involvement of the house are lower.
Since winter is unavoidable, let's make the best of it and safely enjoy the fireplace over the next several months!
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