Winter is when people use their fireplaces the most, inviting warmth and light into the darkest – and coldest – days. There’s no doubt that fireplaces are well loved this time of year…but just because you’re interacting with them more doesn’t mean there’s no room for the unknown. As a matter of fact, there are many myths about fireplace and wintertime use.
Let’s shed a little light on these myths, so you can get to know your fireplace a bit better – and how to use it as safely as possible. Need to schedule a service? We’re here for you. Call or book online now.
Myth: Fireplaces Are Inefficient
Some people believe that fireplaces are inefficient, relegating them to the realm of charming, but not particularly useful. This isn’t entirely true. Open hearth fireplaces can lose a fair amount of heat up the chimney, but not all fireplaces are created equal.
Take, for instance, high efficiency fireplace inserts. These modern upgrades can drastically improve the performance of a fireplace – and without compromising its classic aesthetic appeal. Inserts burn their fuel – typically wood, gas, or pellets – with a high level of efficiency, and they lose much less heat to the chimney. In general, gas fireplaces tend to operate more efficiently than wood ones, and can be operated with precision control to achieve and maintain your ideal room temperature.
While some fireplaces are more efficient than others, it’s a myth to say that they’re inefficient in general – especially thanks to modern engineering and efficient upgrades!
Myth: You Can Burn Almost Anything in Your Fireplace
There’s no harm in tossing that paper cup or gift wrap in the fireplace, right?
Wrong.
There are certain materials that should never be burned in a fireplace – as a matter of fact, most things shouldn’t be. This isn’t just arbitrary fussiness. Burning unsuitable materials can pose significant health and safety risks. For example:
- Painted or treated lumber can release arsenic and other toxic chemicals into the air when burned.
- Trash like wrapping paper, plastics, and cardboard can release dangerous fumes when burned, as well, and paper products can burn too quickly and be damaging or difficult to control.
- Green wood or wood that’s damp burns poorly, producing less pleasant flame and more smoke. This can accelerate stubborn, combustible creosote build up in your chimney.
So what can you burn? Well-seasoned firewood. Seasoned firewood has been dried for at least six months so the natural moisture level is reduced, helping it to burn safely and efficiently.
Myth: You Can Skip Scooping Ashes in the Winter
Wood ash should be entirely cleared out of your firebox in the off season. But what about in the thick of the burning season?
A thin layer of ash can help insulate the firebox, which has some benefits. But leaving too much can impact the efficiency of your fires. How? It can restrict airflow to the fire, and oxygen is one of the things fires most need to burn. Less airflow means that you’ll use more fuel to generate the same amount of heat.
Regularly and carefully removing cooled ashes and keeping them outdoors, away from structures, in a fireproof container lowers the risk of burns or reignition. Scooping fireplace ashes may not seem exciting, but it’s not without perks – wood ash has many household uses.
Myth: Infrequently Used Fireplace Don’t Require Maintenance
Some myths are harmless, but this one should come with a warning label. Some believe that a rarely used fireplace doesn’t need inspections or maintenance. In fact, regular upkeep is essential for any fireplace, regardless of how often it’s used.
Your fireplace and chimney don’t remain quietly protected when not in use. They’re exposed to the elements and subject to deterioration year-round, even if no fires are lit. While burning will certainly increase some maintenance needs (such as the need to remove soot and creosote), others simply continue with time. Leaves, wildlife nests, and other debris can make their way into your flue and create blockages. System components and seals can corrode. Moisture, weather events, and other stressors can cause damage or breakdown in the chimney structure.
Left unchecked, systems can become unsafe for even occasional use and leave your home vulnerable to damage. Whether your fireplace is used a little or a lot, be sure to have it inspected professionally each year, and swept and maintained as recommended by your technician.
Myth: Chimney Repairs Can’t Be Done in Winter
Pennsylvania winters bring cold, wind, ice, and snow – not ideal conditions for a repair, it seems. But concerns about the elements shouldn’t be a reason to put off chimney repairs if they’re needed.
Often, chimney repairs can be performed in the winter. Professional chimney sweeps are equipped to work in various weather conditions. At the least, if you notice concerning signs, it’s important to reach out so the condition can be assessed and a plan for remediating the concerns developed. Otherwise, there’s a risk of increasing the severity of the damage by the time spring arrives.
Questions or Need a Chimney Service? Trust Us
At Integrity Chimney, we have a strong commitment to serving our customers. No homeowner is an expert on every home system – that’s why you have us! We know chimneys and fireplaces inside and out, so we can dispel the myths for you, as well as provide any service you need. We’re also fully licensed and insured, so you can trust us to serve and protect you (and your home) to the best of our ability.
Call or book online now to get started.
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