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Sitting in front of a roaring fire is a wonderful tradition to enjoy when the weather cools down. After you’ve had a chimney cleaning and start stocking up on fuel for your wood-burning fireplace, it’s important that you buy the right items to burn. There are some objects that homeowners assume are safe to burn, but they can damage your chimney’s liner or release harmful smoke.

Chimney Cleaning Guide to Non-Acceptable Fireplace Fuel

1. Treated Wood

Treated wood has chemicals that can produce toxic fumes as they burn, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hydrocarbons. This includes any wood that is stained or painted. You should also avoid any manufactured wood such as particleboard or plywood, which contains adhesives. This wood should be recycled instead of burned. 

2. Christmas Trees

chimney cleaningYour Christmas tree may seem like convenient fuel when the holiday season has ended, but evergreens are not safe to burn. Their trunks are full of a resin that burns very quickly at hot temperatures, releasing an excess of creosote.

Creosote builds up on the inside of your chimney and is highly flammable, so without regular chimney cleaning, it can spark a dangerous chimney fire. There are Christmas tree recycling services available that will pick up your tree for safe disposal. 

3. Cardboard

Cardboard is manufactured with ink, glue, and other chemicals. These release gas when they burn, which are harmful to both people and animals. They can damage the respiratory system or the brain. You should recycle cardboard in a designated bin when you’re finished with it.

4. Dryer Lint

Dryer lint sparks easily, which makes it a tempting option for tinder. However, the lint has all the chemicals present in your clothing and towels, such as dyes and fabric softener. This releases toxic chemicals that burn the eyes, cause severe migraines, and tax your respiratory system. Throw lint away with the rest of your trash when emptying your dryer.

5. Accelerants

Liquid fire accelerants such as gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene should never be used. They are designed to be extremely flammable, which may cause unpredictable flareups that spark a fire inside the home itself. The extreme and sudden heat from a flare-up can also crack the mortar in your chimney.

 

The Chimney Sweep will help you prepare your fireplace for safe enjoyment all season long in Kernersville, NC. They offer chimney cleaning, repairs, and maintenance for homeowners throughout the Triad Area. Since opening for business in 1980, they have built a reputation for their professional and knowledgeable service. Learn more about what they offer online and call (336) 993-8999 to schedule a chimney inspection.

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