7 Ways to Get the Most from your Fireplace

A fireplace is a popular feature in many homes, but its ability to transfer heat can be less than optimal if it’s not used efficiently. As we journey into the heart of winter, here are some timely tips for getting the most warmth out of your next fire.

1. Keep up with professional inspections.

A structurally sound chimney is essential for a safe and efficient fire. Annual inspections prevent minor issues from becoming a more significant problem. By proactively maintaining your system, you can be sure your fireplace and chimney are in prime condition to work effectively. During an inspection, your technician will check your chimney and fireplace from the inside out; looking for structural damage and signs of moisture, inspecting the damper, and removing grime and creosote buildup.

2. Monitor for any changes or problems.

Keeping track of the performance of your fireplace and chimney is important to catch any changes or irregularities. If you think your system isn’t operating as it should, contact our professional chimney technicians to address your concerns.

3. Schedule professional cleanings at least once a year.

Soot and creosote are a natural byproduct of burning wood that coat the inside of your chimney. When built up, they reduce the overall diameter inside your chimney, impacting its ability to effectively draw air from your fireplace. A clean, obstruction-free chimney improves the overall draft, maximizing the potential draw of your fireplace, feeding more air to the fire, helping it burn correctly, and increasing its heat output.

4. Clean the inside of your fireplace.

In addition to professional sweepings, periodically clean the inside of your fireplace to help your fires burn properly and more efficiently. Sweep up excess ash when it reaches the bottom of the grate to encourage proper air circulation for efficient-burning fires. Leave one or two inches of ash within your fireplace at all times to help insulate the new bed of hot coals in the next fire and improve its heat output.

5. Use the right wood.

Using the right kind of wood will guarantee that your fire lasts a long time and produces the most heat possible. The high moisture content of green or wet firewood causes a fire to be inefficient and burn out more quickly. For a warmer, longer lasting fire, burn seasoned or dried hardwood, such as maple or oak.

6. Fully open the damper before starting a fire.

In order for your fire to burn effectively, it needs plenty of oxygen. Open your damper all the way to allow for maximum draw of air up the chimney. This will increase the airflow and allow your wood to burn hotter and faster. Be sure to close the damper between fires to prevent the loss of warm air from your home.

7. Circulate the air.

As most fireplace users know, the warmth from your fire tends to stay in the area immediately around your wood-burning appliance–rather than circulating efficiently through your home. You can help move trapped hot air near the ceiling by running your ceiling fan counterclockwise at low speed. This helps redirect warm air from the ceiling down the walls and into the living space.

Chimney Inspection, Cleaning, Service, and Repair in NH and MA

Using the right wood-burning techniques and regular fireplace and chimney maintenance will help you get the most out of your system. If your chimney and fireplace are due for service or are in need of a repair, contact Admiralty Chimney’s CCP-certified technicians. We’re your full-service chimney company.

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4 Common Chimney Problems and How to Troubleshoot Them

Your wood-burning fireplace gets all the praise and attention for the warmth and relaxation it provides, but if it wasn’t for your chimney, the magic just wouldn’t happen. Known as the backbone of your heating system, your chimney works hard so you can have a safe and beautiful fire. Any problems that arise should be addressed in order to maintain its safety. In this month’s blog, the CCP-certified chimney pros at Admiralty Chimney share four common chimney problems and how to troubleshoot them.

1. Creosote Buildup

Creosote forms when the smoke from your fire cools and condenses, leaving a black, hard substance in your flue that’s very similar to tar. Even though creosote is a natural byproduct of burning wood, it is highly flammable and can become a fire hazard. Builtup creosote can also restrict airflow, causing smoke to enter your home, instead of being released outside. You can prevent creosote buildup by having your chimney professionally cleaned.

2. Chimney Obstructions

Critter nests, outdoor debris, and even a curious animal that’s stopped by to “inspect” your chimney, can block your flue from exhausting smoke and fumes, putting you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. A quality chimney cap, with mesh on all four sides, is the best way to prevent anything from getting inside your chimney. To ensure your cap remains in good working condition, be sure to keep up with your annual inspections.

3. Closed Damper

The adjustable steel flap above your firebox and inside your chimney is responsible for regulating the amount of heat in your home. Your damper should be fully open when a fire is first lit, then adjusted as the fireplace warms to maintain a draft and allow smoke to exit through your chimney. Sometimes the damper’s hinge mechanism gets stuck or stops moving smoothly due to dirt, creosote buildup, or corrosion. This can be easily identified and fixed during a standard chimney inspection.

4. Cracked Masonry

Moisture that seeps into your chimney through cracks or chipped bricks is the biggest enemy to your chimney system. Water can damage your masonry, lining, firebox, and damper, as well as the walls and ceilings in your home. Maintenance, such as tuckpointing and waterproofing, ensure that water doesn’t infiltrate your chimney system, protecting your masonry from damage. There are times when brickwork becomes so damaged because of moisture, that the bricks need to be replaced. Schedule any masonry work in the springtime when the outside temperatures are optimal for a proper repair.

Chimney Inspections are Key to Keeping Problems at Bay

It’s important to be intentional about the maintenance and upkeep of your wood-burning system. Scheduling a cleaning and inspection with a licensed professional will give you peace of mind that your fireplace and chimney are safe to use. At Admiralty Chimney, our CCP-certified chimney experts can alleviate your concerns and provide answers to your questions.

Chimney Cleaning, Inspection, Service, and Repair in NH and MA

Most common fireplace problems are easily identified and solved. If you have questions about your fireplace and chimney, contact our team today. We’re ready to help.

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Fireplace Safety: What NOT to Burn in your next Fire

Your fireplace is the coveted spot in your home during the cold weather, offering a place of coziness, comfort, and respite on a chilly day. While it can be tempting to toss a few household items in your fireplace to get the fire going, it’s important to remember that this quick fix can have long-term health and safety consequences. Before you start your next fire, read what the pros at Admiralty Chimney say should not be burned in your fireplace.

Cardboard

Cardboard is often treated with chemicals that when burned can release hazardous fumes into the air that are harmful to breathe. It is also possible for burning cardboard to escape through an unscreened hearth, or float up the flue through an uncapped chimney. This is especially dangerous since any burning cardboard that enters the chimney can ignite creosote within the flue.

Colored Paper

The inks used in newspaper inserts, coupon handouts, glossy magazines and other items contain metals and pigments that release toxic fumes when burned. Like cardboard, bits of burning paper can float up and out an uncapped chimney, putting your roof and nearby structures at risk of fire.

Seasonal Decorations and Wrappings

The holidays bring with it festive decorations and wrappings that contain chemicals and coloring that can generate hazardous fumes. They are probably very light and can easily go airborne once they catch on fire.

Wet Firewood

Unseasoned, or wet, firewood can contain up to 45 percent water. Burning high-moisture content wood will smoke and lead to rapid creosote buildup in the chimney liner. Reduce the risk of buildup by burning only dry firewood and having your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected.

Christmas Trees and other Evergreen Wood

It can be tempting to cut up and burn your live Christmas tree in your fireplace. But your tree, wreath, and other evergreen woods are not safe to burn. In addition to not being properly seasoned, evergreen wood contains high levels of resin that catch fire quickly and produce a hot flame. This wood burns so fast that the fire will fizzle out quickly, and the high resin content leaves heavy creosote deposits in your chimney.

Garbage

Many people have fallen into the habit of tossing a used plastic-foam cup or paper plate into an open fire. Most consumer products contain chemicals that produce hazardous fumes when burned. Toxic trash items contain plastic, which releases a category of toxins known as dioxins. When inhaled, this level of toxin can lead to major health risks, such as internal organ damage, respiratory symptoms, and headaches.

Fresh Fruit Peels

Adding scents to your fireplace delivers aromas of oranges, lemons, and apples, however fresh, moist fruit peels will smolder in a fire, and lead to abundant smoke and creosote buildup. A better course of action is to dry your fruit peels at a low temperature in the oven, and then toss them on your fire. You’ll still get the fresh scent you want, but without the moisture.

Dryer Lint

Dryer lint may be an effective campfire starter, but keep it out of your fireplace. The synthetic fibers in dryer lint can release dangerous chemical fumes into your home and chimney.

Professional Chimney Inspections

Talking with your CCP-certified chimney technician during your annual inspection is a great time to get answers to your questions. Whether it’s asking what is safe to burn or about the condition of your system, they have the expertise to provide you with the information you need to keep your home and family comfortable.

Chimney Inspection, Cleaning, Service, and Repair in NH and MA

Is it time for your chimney cleaning or inspection? Contact Admiralty Chimney’s CCP-certified technicians. We’re always ready to take special care of your fireplace system.

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