Enjoying a Fireplace in the Fall

Even though our HearthCabinet Ventless Fireplaces do not require chimneys or ongoing maintenance, we enjoy all types of fireplaces and encourage people to use them safely and keep them well maintained throughout each year. As it gets into the cooler fall and winter seasons, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a crackling fire with the crisp fall air. Although, fireplace owners must realize that as they begin to use their fireplace more in the colder months, fireplace maintenance and chimney cleaning are necessary to ensure a safe and enjoyable fireplace experience.

Fireplace Cleaning & Chimney Cleaning

For owners of conventional vented wooden or gas fireplaces, maintaining your fireplace (and chimney) is essential in preventing the risk of the health hazards of fire and smoke.  Ensuring your fireplace is clean and functioning properly should be done as you approach periods of heavier use. For many, an ideal time to do this is September, periodically through the winter, and then again as spring approaches.

Owners of wood-burning fireplaces must be aware of things like insects, leaves, debris, birds or other animals that can get stuck in chimneys and cause blockages that prevent adequate ventilation. This is hazardous considering these blockages can cause buildup of smoke, creosote, and carbon monoxide in the home. Creosote is a highly flammable by-product of burning wood and resin that can cause chimney fires if enough build up occurs. The chimney liner should be checked at least once a year or after about 80 fires by a certified chimney sweep.

One simple way to protect your chimney and fireplace is to use a chimney cap. A chimney cap will prevent any water or snow damage by limiting the amount of potential debris that could block the chimney. Chimney caps also help keep animals and birds from nesting inside.

Gas Fireplace Cleaning

When it comes to gas fireplaces, similar precautions should be taken for their gas lines. These should also be checked by a professional at least once a year to ensure there are no leaks or any gas build up present.

With the use of any fireplace, carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors should be set up in the fireplace room as well as in other rooms, especially bedrooms as required by code. Also, ensure that there is constant fresh air feeding the fireplace. Opening a window during use can be sufficient but its best to consult a fireplace professional.

Ventless Fireplaces

Conventional fireplaces that run on gas or wood can be costly when it comes to annual maintenance. Considering this many fireplace owners have taken a liking to the emergence of more modern ventless fireplaces. Ventless fireplaces, as the name suggests, do not require any ventilation as they do not have, nor require a flue or chimney. There have been a few states that have recently banned ventless gas fireplaces due to safety and health concerns. Luckily, there are other variations of ventless fireplaces that use safe, clean-burning alcohol gel fuels instead.

Ventless fireplaces that run on alcohol gel cartridges eliminate any odors, ashes and smoke that come with wooden or gas fireplaces. Along with their modern design, ventless fireplaces are easier to incorporate into modern home designs since they don’t require any mechanical connections. Considering these aspects, along with more states beginning to question the environmental impact of wood burning fireplaces, ventless fireplaces have become increasingly popular the past few years. Ventless gel fireplaces provide the same ambiance as traditional fireplaces, but with added safety features such as locking doors and fuel that you order in single-use prefilled cartridges.

Having a ventless fireplace also allows you more flexibility in terms of where you keep it. Without a need for it to be connected to anything, you can enjoy it on your patio while it’s still warm enough in the beginning of Fall, and bring it in to enjoy indoors once the temperatures drop. With no need to stack wood to bring in during the cold months, ventless fireplaces can often be easier to manage than traditional fireplaces.

Fall Fireplace Décor

As you use your fireplace more in the fall, consider adding some décor to your mantel. Seasonal things like leaves, pumpkins and wreaths add a nice seasonal touch, although can be considered a safety hazard when hanging over wood burning or gas fireplaces. This is another perk of more modern ventless fireplaces since the fire itself is secure and controlled within the fireplace unit. Despite the more modern feel of this new fireplace technology, you can incorporate stacking logs into your ventless fireplace to give it a more traditional feel.

Prepare Your Fireplace for the Fall

Regardless of what type of fireplace you want to enjoy during the fall months, be sure to consult a fireplace professional to ensure you have a safe fireplace to enjoy during the fall and winter months. Feel free to reach out to our fireplace experts today to see how we can help.