How do you use a fireplace?
Question:We have no experience with a fire place. It is a wood burning fireplace in a home we just purchased. Does anyone have basic tips for use and what to burn? We are moving from a warm region that has no use for fireplaces to S.C. so we have absolutely no clue about use or care. Thanks for any help you can provide.
Answers:
First of all, I would hire a reputable (ask your neighbors) chimney sweep to clean out and inspect your chimney. Sometimes there is a creosote buildup in these chimneys that can eventually cause a chimney fire. Also, the chimney sweep will inspect the flue for cracks etc. This is also important as you should always have your chimney cleaned and inspected before use every fall. As for burning, I would be sure the flue is completely open and also use DRY, SEASONED wood. Also, you can ask your chimney sweep which woods are better for burning in a fireplace. Some wood produces more creosote buildup than others and most certainly a "wet" freshly cut log will not burn as well and will cause more build up of creosote.
You will really enjoy your new fireplace, but be absolutely sure before you use it that you DO hire a chimney sweep. You want to be sure you're safe and chimney sweeps are the experts on the safe use of a fireplace. Good luck!!!
well if you want to keep you and your family warm, then first get cut wood and put it in the fireplace. Then, burn a piece of paper and toss it in there. If you have something to close the fireplace so fire won't come out, then you're all set!
http://www.hpba.org/fileadmin/factsheets...
- MAKE SURE THE FLUE IS OPEN WHEN YOU START A FIRE! You will know that it isn't when the room fills with smoke.
- Don't count on it for heat. Think of it as a pretty thing to create atmosphere
- Do you have a cat? She may want to investigate it when there is not a fire. This means she will get soot on her paws... and then the carpet...
- When the fire is out and everything is cold, you can clean it out by sweeping (buy a set of fire place tools). A vacuum cleaner is great for finishing the cleaning. I like to use a shop vac for this. BE SURE THAT THE FIRE IS COMPLETELY OUT BEFORE ADDING ASHES TO GARBAGE!
- Coated, glossy paper, such as magazines, burn so poorly. Don't use this stuff. Newspaper is an easy tinder for starting fire.
- Your area may have occasional temporary burn bans that you need to comply with.
- Fireplace screens are good and bad. The point to them is to keep hot things from popping out and onto your floor. They also make the thing look nice when you aren't using it and they keep the cat out. The bummer is that they also trap more heat in than you would think. You really need to use them if you are burining anything that pops and spits out chunks on hot, burning coals.
- Since you are new to this, you may want to start with those fire logs that you can get at grocery stores until you gain confidence
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