How to prepare your fireplace for fall and winter

Key takeaways

• Every fireplace type needs pre-season attention, but the scope of work varies significantly.
• A professional inspection before the burning season is the single most important step for wood-burning and gas fireplaces.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors before the season starts.

A fireplace that sat idle all summer needs attention before you light the first fire of the season. The type of maintenance depends on whether you have a wood-burning, gas, electric or pellet-burning unit, but the goal is the same: Make sure the system is clean, safe and ready for regular use.
Here is what to do for each type.

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Wood-burning fireplaces require more upkeep than any other type. The primary concern is creosote, a dark, tar-like byproduct of combustion that accumulates on the interior walls of the chimney. “Creosote builds up over the summer, and that's the number-one cause of chimney fires we hear about,” said Scott Ramspott, founder of Spotix, a North Liberty, Iowa, fireplace company.

Schedule a professional chimney inspection. Chimneys, fireplaces and vents should be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits and correct clearances, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Make the appointment before the burning season begins. A certified chimney sweep will examine the flue lining, firebox, smoke chamber and chimney cap, and remove any creosote or debris.

Check the damper. The damper is a hinged metal plate or valve used to seal the fireplace when it is not in use. It should be in the fully open position before you light a fire. If you wait until you have lit a fire to check, it will be much more difficult to safely open the damper. Open and close it several times to confirm it moves freely.

Inspect the firebox. Look for cracks or damage in the firebox and chimney. Cracked firebrick can allow heat to reach combustible materials behind the wall. If you see damage, have it repaired before using the fireplace.

Clean out old ash. Remove ash and debris from the firebox before the first fire. During the burning season, soak ashes in water and let them sit for at least several days, according to the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District. Then seal the ashes in a fireproof metal can for at least a week before disposing, the district said. Leave a thin layer of ash, about an inch, in the firebox to help insulate and distribute heat.

Use the right fuel. Only well-seasoned wood should be burned in a fireplace.

Seasoned hardwood has been dried for at least six months and produces less creosote than green or softwood. Do not burn wrapping paper, cardboard, treated lumber or trash. These materials produce excessive creosote and can release toxic fumes.

Practice safe burning. Burning more than three logs at a time increases heat saturation, which could eventually ignite combustible materials next to the fireplace and chimney.

Use a fireplace screen to contain sparks, and do not leave a fire unattended.

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Gas fireplaces do not produce ash or creosote, but they are not maintenance-free. Components wear down over time, and issues with gas connections can develop without visible warning signs.

Schedule an annual professional inspection. Although gas is generally a clean-burning fuel, the chimney can become non-functional from bird nests or other debris blocking the flue. Modern furnaces can also have many problems when they are vented through average flues intended for older furnaces.

A licensed gas technician should inspect the burner, pilot assembly, gas valve, thermocouple and venting system once a year.

Clean the glass and interior. Use a specialized fireplace glass cleaner on the glass front. Vacuum dust from lava rocks and decorative logs. Inspect gas connections and valves for leaks. Clean the blower if your unit has one. Always turn off the gas and let everything cool before starting any cleaning or repairs.

Also make sure the glass seal is snug, said Ramspott. “A cracked seal is more common than people think, and it's a safety issue, not just maintenance,” he said.

Check for gas leaks. If you notice a strong gas smell, have trouble lighting the pilot or see unusual flames, turn off the gas and call a technician right away. A gas leak detector is a useful tool to have on hand for periodic checks.

Test the ignition system. Before the first use of the season, turn the unit on and confirm the pilot lights properly and the burner ignites without delay. If the pilot will not stay lit or the flame is yellow instead of blue, the thermocouple or gas valve may need service.

Electric fireplaces are the lowest-maintenance option. They do not produce combustion byproducts, do not require a chimney and do not pose a carbon monoxide risk. But they still need periodic care to operate safely and efficiently. “It’s the easiest of the bunch but still check the cord and outlet before you flip it on,” Ramspott said.

Dust the unit regularly. Electric fireplaces accumulate dust over time. Regularly dust the exterior with a soft cloth. Use a gentle glass cleaner to remove smudges and ensure a clear view of the flame effect.

Clean the heating element. Ensure the unit is unplugged before gently vacuuming or using a soft brush to remove dust or debris from the heater. This ensures optimal heating efficiency and prevents potential fire hazards.

Inspect the power cord and wiring. Regularly inspect the power cord and wiring for any visible damage. If you notice frayed wires or exposed components, address them promptly to prevent electrical issues.

Do not use an extension cord to power an electric fireplace. Plug it directly into a wall outlet.

Check the bulbs. The flame effect in electric fireplaces is often created using light bulbs. Periodically check these bulbs for signs of wear or dimming. Replace them promptly to maintain the realistic flame effect.

Maintain airflow. There must be proper ventilation around an electric fireplace to prevent overheating. Avoid placing objects directly on top of the unit and ensure ample airflow space.

Pellet stoves burn compressed wood or biomass pellets fed from a hopper into a burn pot by an auger. A hopper is a storage container for the pellets, and an auger is a screw-shaped device that moves the pellets. They are more efficient than traditional wood-burning fireplaces but have mechanical components that require regular attention.

Clean the burn pot after every use. Ash accumulates in the burn pot and can block airflow, reducing efficiency and causing the stove to shut down. Empty the pot and scrape off any clinkers, which are formed by non-combustible residue from the pellets. “People skip this every year, then wonder why the stove jams the first cold night,” Ramspott said.

Vacuum the interior weekly during heavy use. Ash and fine dust build up inside the firebox, on the heat exchanger and in the exhaust passages. Use an ash vacuum, not a standard household vacuum, to clean these areas.

Inspect and clean the exhaust vent. Pellet stoves vent through a pipe to the outside. Check the vent pipe and cap for blockages, bird nests or corrosion before the burning season and periodically throughout the winter.

Check the auger and hopper. Make sure the auger feeds pellets smoothly and that the hopper lid seals properly. A jammed auger or an air leak at the hopper can cause ignition problems or inconsistent heat.

Schedule a professional cleaning annually. A technician can inspect the motor, blower, igniter, gaskets and electrical connections, all of which wear over time.

Regardless of what type of fireplace you have, a few tasks apply across the board before the season starts:

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries and confirm that units are within their expiration date. This is especially important for wood-burning and gas fireplaces, which produce combustion byproducts. 
  
• Check the chimney cap. A missing or damaged cap allows rain, debris and animals into the flue. Replace it if needed. 
  
• Inspect the area around the fireplace. Move furniture, curtains, books and other combustible materials at least three feet from the fireplace opening or unit. 
  
• Stock supplies. For wood-burning fireplaces, have seasoned firewood, a fireplace screen, a shovel and an ash bucket on hand. For gas units, keep the manufacturer's manual accessible. For pellet stoves, store pellets in a dry location. 

A fireplace that receives attention before the season starts is less likely to cause problems during it. Most of the work takes an afternoon. The professional inspection and cleaning, which are the most important steps for wood-burning and gas units, typically costs between $150 and $300 depending on the area and the condition of the system.