Having a fireplace in your home is a wonderful experience. It adds to the charm, ambiance, and warmth of your home. However, there are nuances of fireplace ownership that you might not be familiar with if you’re getting your first fireplace. Here, we share some tips for those who are new to owning a fireplace.
Wood-Burning Fireplaces
1. Select and use the right type of wood.
Use seasoned hardwood for a cleaner and more efficient burn. Seasoned wood burns hotter and produces less smoke. Buy firewood locally to prevent spreading tree diseases and insects. Avoid any wood that’s been treated with chemicals or painted.
2. Learn how to properly light a fire.
You can learn by trial and error, or you could take the time to learn. Consider watching some videos or getting some help from our knowledgeable staff.
3. Understand the damper.
A fire needs proper ventilation. Open the damper before starting the fire and keep it open while the fire burns to allow for proper airflow and prevent smoke buildup.
4. Don’t forget about safety!
A wood-burning model has more safety considerations than other types. For example, make sure to:
- Maintain cleanliness.
- Use a fire screen.
- Schedule regular inspections.
- Have a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Install CO and smoke detectors.
Gas Fireplaces
1. Hire a professional to install it properly.
If you’re installing a new gas unit, make sure you hire a reputable company to install it. If you’re moving into a home with an existing fireplace, schedule an inspection to make sure it was installed correctly before use.
2. Read the manual.
Take the time to read through the manual. Familiarize yourself with the specific model and its operation as gas fireplaces can vary in operation and safety features.
3. Install CO detectors.
If you don’t already have them, have CO detectors installed nearby. Gas fireplaces are generally safe but it’s still crucial to have detectors in the proper places.
4. Prioritize safety!
As always, keep safety a priority:
- Use the right fuel.
- Learn the controls.
- Schedule regular maintenance.
- Maintain proper clearance.
- Shut it down correctly.
Electric Fireplaces
1. Ensure proper placement.
When you have your electric model installed, make sure it’s placed on a stable, flat surface with enough clearance all around it. Keep it away from water sources to prevent electrical hazards.
2. Don’t overload circuits.
Plug it directly into a wall outlet. Avoid using an extension cord or overloading the circuit.
3. Clean it regularly.
Clean the exterior of the fireplace regularly to remove dust and ensure proper ventilation. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines so you don’t damage the unit.
4. Use it safely!
- Read the manual.
- Learn the safety features.
- Schedule regular inspections.
- Turn it off when not in use.
- Use child lock features if it has them.
The Fireplace Experts in Ottawa
Whether you’re new to owning a fireplace or you’ve had one forever, you should always keep these tips in mind. This way, you can always enjoy the lovely glow and warmth of your hearth. For everything to do with your fireplace, from design and installation to repair and maintenance, trust the fireplace experts and call Team Harding. If it’s your first fireplace, we can work with you to find or design the perfect fireplace for your home. If you’re looking to modernize or upgrade your current fireplace, we can help with that too.
First fireplace?
Call Ottawa’s fireplace experts.
Join us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips and to see our promos.
Team Harding has been Ottawa’s leading home comfort specialist since 1994. We are a family-owned and operated local business and all of our installers and technicians are fully licensed.
