Now that winter is approaching, even residents of central Texas might be interested in warming themselves by the fire. However, if your fireplace has gone unused for several seasons, take preventative measures—such as arranging for chimney cleaning—first. Below are some safety tips to keep in mind.

How to Take Care of Your Fireplace

1. Perform an Inspection

Before lighting a fire, do a walk-around and take note of any damage or abnormalities. For instance, look for loose bricks, cracks, crumbling mortar, and other irregularities. Also, don't ignore any unusual odors or new drafts. Strange smells could mean that wildlife has died or taken up residence in your chimney. Make sure the damper opens and closes properly.

2. Install a Fireplace Screen

If you do not already have one, install a fireplace screen to contain sparks. A key cause of winter house fires is popping embers leaping from the hearth and igniting carpeting or furniture. A fireplace screen prevents this. They are relatively inexpensive and are available at most department stores through fall and winter.

3. Schedule Chimney Cleaning

After months of use, the inside of your fireplace and chimney lining may have collected creosote, an oily residue left behind by wood smoke. This substance is flammable and can ignite and lead to dangerous house fires. Even if contained to the chimney, a creosote fire can cause clouds of black, foul-smelling smoke to billow into your house. Regular chimney cleaning is essential to keep creosote deposits to a minimum.

If your fireplace has not seen a chimney sweep in a while, contact All Service in New Braunfels, TX, for chimney cleaning. They service Seguin, San Marcos, Schertz, and beyond, specializing in duct cleaning, termite treatment, and animal control. Call them at (830) 626-2847 to schedule service or visit their website to view their active coupons.