Question 1

What’s the best kind of wood to burn in my fireplace?

Accepted Answer

You can burn just about anything, but oak and other hardwoods work best because they don’t contain as much sap or pitch oil, which means they burn cleaner than woods like pine and eucalyptus. Regardless of what type of wood you want to use, make sure it’s completely dry before burning it. If the wood is too wet, it’ll pop, smoke and leave residue on the chimney flue walls. You can dry out wood by splitting it and letting it sit for at least two days.

Question 2

How often should I have my chimney cleaned?

Accepted Answer

If you use your fireplace often (four days a week during the cold season), you should have it checked once a year. The same is true if you use wood that smokes a lot or contains a lot of water. If you only use your fireplace a few times a year and burn dry wood without a lot of sap or pitch, you can wait longer between chimney cleanings.

Question 3

Do I need to have my gas or gel fireplace cleaned?

Accepted Answer

No, because those are clean burning fuels that don’t accumulate in chimneys. The exception is if you’ve replaced your old wood burning stove or fireplace with a gas fireplace. In that case, you’ll want to get your chimney professionally cleaned so you’re starting with a clean slate. Otherwise, the gas or gel fireplace has the potential to ignite leftover buildup in the chimney.

Question 4

Why is my chimney smoking?

Accepted Answer

If you notice your chimney smoking, it’s either because it’s too short or it has a drafting problem. Sometimes this happens when homeowners remodel or install a more powerful kitchen fan than they’ve had in the past, which can cause smoke to be pulled back into the room. In any case, it’s important to determine why the smoke is coming back inside and then fix the problem. The solution could be as simple as turning off the furnace while the fireplace is burning or adding glass doors to the fireplace.

Question 5

Can you recommend the best type of fireplace for my home?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. I’ll determine your specific needs and help you choose the perfect fireplace. I can even give you the names of several local fireplace stores that I’ve worked with over the years.

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