Fireplaces are beautiful, provide wonderful ambiance and warmth and can be deadly if not properly taken care of.  Now that the weather is getting chillier, more and more Northern Virginia/South Carolina residents are using their fireplaces to help stave off the cold.  Since heating fires are responsible for over a third of the residential fires every year in rural areas, I thought it would be a smart idea to share some fireplace safety and care tips so that you can enjoy your fireplace without worry.

According to the US Fire Administration, you should have a professional chimney sweep inspect and clean your chimney or wood stove at least once a year.  The buildup of creosote (that ugly black soot-like substance) can create a fire hazard in your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home since it is extremely flammable.  If you use your fireplace a lot during the winter months, you may need to have it cleaned more than once during the season.

Holiday decorations look great around the fireplace.  However, steer clear of placing flammable objects near the hearth, where random embers may land.  Keep glass doors cleaned and open when burning the fire so that oxygen can help burn the wood completely and help prevent the buildup of creosote.  Glass doors should be cleaned with warm soapy water rather than harsh chemicals.  Use a metal mesh screen to help keep the crackle of a roaring fire contained in the fireplace.  Always make sure the flue is open while using your fireplace.

When you aren't using the fireplace, keep the glass doors closed.  This allows any toxic fumes to travel up the chimney and outside rather than into your home.  It also prevents cold air from leaking into your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home.  Make sure your fire is completely out before leaving it unattended.  Dispose of fresh ash and debris in a metal container that is kept away from flammable objects.

Seasoned, dry hardwoods like ash, oak, birch and maple are best when building a fire.  Moist soft woods, like pine, fir, cedar and spruce, tend to build up creosote at a much quicker pace.  As the water inside the wood heats up, it pops, creating the "crackle" that is fun to listen to but can be a fire hazard as well.  While roaring fires can warm cold toes, keep your home fires small to produce less smoke.  Never burn your trash in your fireplace and never leave the fire unattended.

With energy costs on the rise, many homeowners turn to their fireplaces and wood-burning stoves as a source of heat.  Follow these fireplace safety and care tips to keep toasty during the chilly Northern Virginia/South Carolina weather as well as ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones.  Have a Happy Thanksgiving, too!

Gene Mock, your Northern Virginia, South Carolina and Washington DC real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Northern Virginia Homes blog here: http://northernvirginiahomes.net/2011/11/23/fireplace-safety-and-care/.