If you are a new homeowner, or just unfamiliar with a particular fireplace, we recommend that you make a test fire before you burn wood or a store-bought pressed log. Light a few sheets of newspaper and watch the smoke. If it goes up the chimney, all is well. If it comes into the room, you may have a cold flue. Try again with the damper fully open and a window cracked. If smoke still comes in, call us for advice.

Start with dry, seasoned wood. Place crumpled newspaper under a grate or between two logs. Add kindling on top. Open the damper fully. Light the newspaper. Once kindling catches, add larger pieces gradually. Never use gasoline, lighter fluid, or other accelerants. Allow proper ventilation by keeping a window slightly open if needed.

An upside-down fire is built with the largest logs on the bottom, then smaller logs, kindling, and newspaper on top. This method burns cleaner, produces less smoke at the start, and requires less maintenance. The fire burns from top to bottom, and the coals from above ignite the logs below.

A smoky fireplace can be caused by several factors: a cold flue, inadequate air supply, damper problems, chimney blockage, or incorrect fireplace-to-flue size ratio. Solutions may include warming the flue before lighting, ensuring adequate room ventilation, having the damper inspected, or installing a smoke guard to reduce the fireplace opening.

Fireplace odors are usually caused by creosote deposits, especially during humid weather. The odor can be reduced by having the chimney cleaned, closing the damper tightly when not in use, installing a top-sealing damper, or improving ventilation. A commercial chimney deodorant can also help.

Never leave a fire unattended. Use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks. Keep flammable materials at least 3 feet away. Never burn trash, cardboard, or treated wood. Have your chimney inspected annually. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

We recommend annual inspections for all chimneys. The frequency of cleaning depends on how much you use your fireplace or stove. If you burn wood regularly, annual cleaning is typical. If you burn less often or use gas logs, you may need cleaning less frequently. We'll advise you based on what we find during inspection.

A blocked chimney can cause two serious problems: water damage and carbon monoxide poisoning. Blockages from debris, animal nests, or collapsed liner material prevent proper venting. Signs include moisture on walls near the chimney, soot around appliances, or CO detector activation. If you suspect a blockage, call us immediately.

Regular chimney maintenance helps prevent fire and CO hazards. Creosote buildup is the primary fire risk. Cracked flue tiles, gaps in the chimney, and blocked vents can allow CO to enter your home. Annual inspection identifies these hazards before they become dangerous.

Older chimneys often lack proper liners, or have deteriorated clay tile liners. If your heating flue is unlined, has a cracked or broken liner, or is improperly sized for your current heating equipment, a stainless steel liner should be installed. This is especially important after upgrading to high-efficiency heating equipment.