There’s little that is more relaxing than snuggling up by a fireplace. But as cozy as it makes your house feel, a fireplace can also be very dangerous if precautions are not taken. Fireplaces combust wood in a non-professional and very inefficient manner, compared to a boiler or generator. Therefore, there is the risk of embers and sparks causing fires or excess heat, carbon, and particulates damaging the fireplace, nearby walls, and the chimney. In addition, combustion in fireplaces – with no temperature or air controls – potentially causes very high emissions of products of incomplete combustion, such as particulates, VOCs, and CO.

It’s important to properly take care of your fireplace and chimney to prevent unwanted fire hazards. Perform these maintenance tips for your safety:

• Ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed throughout your home and batteries are changed regularly.
• Have your chimney regularly cleaned to reduce buildup of creosote (condensed carbon and particulate compounds), which can restrict air flow into the fireplace, affecting combustion quality, and is itself a fire hazard within the chimney.
• Have a flue liner in place to reduce the possibility of creosote buildup and replace damaged liners to allow heat to escape properly.
• Keep the fireplace clear of debris and flammable items.
• Start fires slowly and safely. Never burn charcoal or use lighter fluids to start a fire in your fireplace (or anywhere else inside your home).
• Don’t overload the fire. Putting more wood or other items than necessary into the fire can overheat your chimney, walls and roof.
• Kids want to see Santa Claus, but keep them away from the fireplace, even when not on. Install a gate around the fireplace to prevent kids from getting too close.
• Always be sure the fire is completely put out before leaving the room.

Be aware that even with proper safety precautions, fires can take place. Be sure to map out escape routes if fires break out near or around your fireplace.

CCES has the experts to help with the combustion of your professional equipment (boilers, engine generators, etc.). Contact us today at 914-584-6720 or at karell@CCESworld.com.