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If Your Fireplace Up to Snuff?

Reblogger
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker, 170 N Main Street, New City NY 10956

 

Who doesn't love cuddling up in front of a fire on those cold chilly nights, no matter  where you live or call home.  But, to ensure that it's a safe experience as well as an enjoyable one, here are some tips from Kerry Lucasse on how to keep that fireplace up to snuff.

Original content by Kerry Lucasse GA# 305421

Is your fireplace up to snuff?

5 Tips to stay safe

Fireplace safety tipsHere in Atlanta we only have a few short months to cuddle up in front of the fireplace with a good book (and/or a glass of wine!).  Before your home fires are blazing this winter, we wanted to make sure your fireplace is fully up to snuff!  If it isn't maintained properly, your  living, dining room or bedroom could quickly be filled with a cloud of soot or even a fire.  To ensure that you are protected and can enjoy your fireplace in the years to come, here are a five quick tips:

 

TIP #1 :: Call a Chimney Sweep -- every year

Have your chimney cleaned out at least once a year.  In colder climates where you use your fireplace regularly, you may want to have it cleaned twice a year.   Every now and then birds or small animals may nest in your chimney, so you want to make sure it's spic and span!

 

TIP #2 ::  Install A Chimney Cap

If your home doesn’t have a chimney cap, it's a good idea to have one installed.   The cap will help prevent leaves, animals, debris and event snow/rain from coming into the chimney.  

 

Is your fireplace safe?  TipsTIP #3 :: Close The Damper

If the damper isn't closed, your furnace (or air conditioner) may be working overtime.  Save lots of $$ when you close the damper when you aren't using your fireplace.   

 

TIP #4 :: Only Burn Firewood

A fireplace isn’t the spot to burn your old credit card bills, broken chair or ex-boyfriend photos. Plastic and painted wood can release dangerous chemicals into your airspace.  

 

TIP #5 :: Smoke Alarms

If you don’t already have them, mount smoke alarms near your hearth and in every bedroom. Consider installing combined carbon monoxide and smoke detectors if you have a home with a gas-burning fireplace.  If the smoke alarms are battery operated, make sure you change the batteries at least twice a year.

 

These five quick tips to make sure your fireplace is working properly can give you peace of mind, so you can comfortably cuddle up and enjoy many winter nights around the fireplace.

 

Be safe and have a happy holiday season!


Posted by:
  
Kerry Lucasse  ::  eXp Realty ::  Nest Atlanta Real Estate Group

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Posted by

Lora "Leah" Stern - Your Rockland County, NY REALTOR of Choice - (914) 772-4528

Your Rockland County, NY Real Estate SpecialistLeah Stern Signature Photo

Lora "Leah" Stern
Real Estate Salesperson
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
(914) 772-4528 CELL
(845) 634-0400 OFFICE
(862) 345-2463 FAX

If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs in Suffern, NY Rockland County or the surrounding areas, please feel free to contact me by phone at (914) 772-4528, email me at Leah.Stern@cbmoves.com or visit my website .

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Comments (8)

Gloria Todor
Premier Property Sales & Rentals - Springfield, PA
& Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA

Great re-blog for this time of year Leah.  I am amazed at the amount of houses in my area that do not have covers on their chimneys.  Even if houses do not have a fireplace, a cap on a chimney helps to keep a chimney safe.

All the best.

Gloria

Dec 07, 2013 10:50 AM
Lora "Leah" Stern 914-772-4528
Coldwell Banker, 170 N Main Street, New City NY 10956 - New City, NY
Real Estate Salesperson

Too many people love fireplaces but haven't a clue about fireplace safety.

Dec 07, 2013 11:00 AM
Kathy Sheehan
Bay Equity, LLC 770-634-4021 - Atlanta, GA
Senior Loan Officer

Fireplaces are often neglected and when that happens disaster can strike.

Dec 07, 2013 12:05 PM
Paul A. Perry
Certified Inspections, PC - Residential & Commercial Property Inspections - Crossville, TN
Home Inspector - Crossville & Cookeville, TN

Leah,

Good information in the post but I did notice that in the two pictures provided, neither of the fireplaces have a hearth large enough to meet minimum safety requirements. The minimum depth of a "non-cumbustible" hearth is 16 inches.  The depth (or length from the fire-box opening measured outward into the room) requirements grow larger depending onthe size of the firebox.

A professional inspection would be the safest idea for any home owner or client with a solid fuel burning fireplace. 

Dec 08, 2013 12:05 AM
Amanda Christiansen
Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843 - Fort Wayne, IN
Christiansen Group Realty

We see fireplaces neglected way too much in our area.  Great information here!                    

Dec 08, 2013 12:12 AM
Lora "Leah" Stern 914-772-4528
Coldwell Banker, 170 N Main Street, New City NY 10956 - New City, NY
Real Estate Salesperson

Kathy - So true.  Anything fire related requires extra caution and checking before making it safe for use.

Paul - Who knew.  That's why we need guys like you who are up on the local safety codes.

Jared - Fireplaces here get more of a workout and need to be in safe working condition before use.

Dec 08, 2013 06:29 AM
Ilyce Glink
Think Glink Media - Chicago, IL
Best-selling author, award-winning TV/radio host.

Great post Leah, thanks for sharing. There's nothing better than curling up next to the fireplace during the winter - except for when smoke fills the room because you forgot your damper was closed. Making sure your fireplace is ready for action is key to having a safe winter. 

Dec 11, 2013 07:18 AM
Lora "Leah" Stern 914-772-4528
Coldwell Banker, 170 N Main Street, New City NY 10956 - New City, NY
Real Estate Salesperson

Ilyce - I love firepoaces anbd that warm cozy feeling that eminates from them but you'rfe right, that all disappears if its not properly vented or cared for.

Dec 11, 2013 11:29 AM