Whether you’ve had a fireplace for ages or only recently had a heating contractor install one, safety is essential when it comes to these home features. Beyond the usual precautions, such as being observant and using a guard cover to contain embers, there are a few more ways to protect your house from accidents. To make the most of your fireplace, take note of the following.

How to Make Your Fireplace Safer

1. Check Your Alarms & Detectors

Like every piece of technology, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors can malfunction or fail. To ensure they’re functional all-year-round, check them every month, replace the batteries every six months, and replace the entire device every ten years. Always inform your household members when you’ll be doing tests, especially if there are young children or individuals who are sensitive to sounds.

2. Use the Right Firewood

If you have a traditional wood-burning fireplace, the wood must be sufficiently dried before you can use it. This typically isn't an issue with commercially available lumber, but if you're looking at other sources, make sure they're either kiln-dried or seasoned. Kiln-dried firewood is essentially baked to remove as much moisture as possible, whereas seasoned firewood dries out naturally for several months, if not years. Both have their benefits, so consult your heating contractor if you're unsure which would be best.

3. Get an Annual Fireplace Inspection

Before cold weather hits, have a professional heating contractor check out your fireplace to confirm all components are working as they should. If there's a vent or chimney, they'll also check whether there are any pests or buildups of flammable creosote or tar. Depending on the amount of buildup or how long it's been since your last chimney sweep, your contractor may suggest this service.

If you’re interested in a new fireplace before the cold weather arrives, make an appointment with Rapids Sheet Metal Heating & Cooling. They’ve served the Wisconsin Rapids, WI, area for more than a century. Whether you need a complete fireplace installation or just minor repair, this heating contractor can do it all. Learn more about their fireplace options online, or call (715) 301-0256 today if you have any questions.