Prepare Your Fireplace for Spring
Springtime is nearly here again, which means warmer weather and sunshine; it also means your fireplace won’t be used again until the temperatures cool off again in autumn. Here are a few tips to prepare your fireplace for spring so it is ready to go when the mercury begins to drop again.
Make Sure to have Chimney Inspected
Now is the ideal time to schedule a cleaning and inspection. Chimney sweep services are less in demand once the weather begins to warm up. They can take more time to thoroughly inspect your chimney and fireplace. If they detect any problems that require repair, they should find them in the spring. It will be keenly felt if you can’t operate your fireplace when the weather gets cold again. Getting your fireplace inspected, cleaned, and possibly repaired in the spring is common sense.
Close Off Your Damper
Closing the damper in your Chimney when spring arrives is wise for two reasons. It will keep your air conditioning bill from rising with the temperatures outside. How? It keeps warm air out of your house and keeps air conditioning from being wasted. The second reason is to keep unwelcome objects and creatures out. Rain, leaves, debris, and wildlife will all find their way into your Chimney if the damper is open in the spring and summer.
Cleanout the Firebox
If you have a traditional wood-burning fireplace, you understand how much ash and burned wood can pile up in the base of the firebox. It’s a chore to clean it, but it will look better, and there won’t be a fire hazard at the bottom of your fireplace. Using a vacuum to remove all the waste in the bottom of your firebox will make removing ash less of a chore. Cleaning your firebox can also kick up dust, so if you have allergies, use a mask and goggles while cleaning your firebox.
Preparing Gas Fireplaces for Spring
The initial step in cleaning any gas-burning fireplace is to ensure its gas valve is shut off and the pilot light is out before proceeding. Shutting off the gas ensures the fumes don’t enter your home and won’t make you sick.
The next thing to do is ensure you have the right tools for cleaning the glass in your gas-burning fireplace. Use soft cloths and not steel wool, which, while effective, will also leave deep scratches on the glass. If you are cleaning the fireplace’s interior, you may have to remove the glass. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or watch an instructive video before proceeding.
To Sum Up
An integral part of owning a fireplace is to prepare it not to be used. Readying your fireplace for spring will save you both time and money down the road. Be sure to use a professional chimney sweep service to have it inspected so you know it was done the right way.
Let Dubuque Fireplace and Patio Help Prepare for Spring
Don’t make the mistake of sealing up your fireplace for spring without inspecting it. We can examine your fireplace to ensure that it will be ready to go when cold weather comes around again. Get in contact with us today. We will be happy to discuss getting your fireplace ready for the long break between spring and fall.
