Preventative maintenance and proper operation techniques are necessary when using wood burning fireplaces. While you and your family enjoy the holidays together roasting chestnuts on an open fire, the heating and air conditioning experts at Anchor Heating & Air Co. want to help keep you safe.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE: Before you light the first fire of the season, there are some important preventative maintenance steps you should take first.
SAFETY TIPS
- Make sure the damper is open and ashes from previous fires are removed safely.
- Store removed ashes in a non-combustible container with a tightly fitted lid and place outside the house.
- Use a fireplace grate and proper tools to tend the fire.
- Use paper or other type of kindling to help start the fire. NEVER use gasoline, LIGHTER FLUID OR ANY LIQUID ACCELERANT. If using a manufactured fire log, nothing is required to start the fire except a lighter or match.
- Keep glass doors open, but close the fire screen during a fire.
- Do not burn garbage, rolled newspapers, charcoal, plastic or Christmas trees in the fireplace.
- Never leave fire unattended and keep small children and pets away from the fireplace.
- Before leaving the house or retiring to bed, make sure the fire is completely out. Do not close the damper until the embers have completely stopped burning.
GAS FIREPLACE SAFETY:
Sitting around the fireplace with family is a time-honored tradition and often a major source of heating. We hope these tips will help your fireplace provide years of comfort, warmth and relaxation as you keep your family safe.
Investing in the comfort for your family is what our Anchor Comfort Specialists help you do best. Give us a call at (770) 942-2873 or visit us online if you would like to learn more about Anchor Heating & Air Conditioning and how we can help keep you and your family comfortable and safe this holiday season. Remember, when the temperature continues to fall, give Anchor Heating & Air a call!