Get the fireplace ready with 5 simple care tips

As the colder months begin to settle in and fireplaces across South Africa roar back to life, it’s worth remembering that a little maintenance can go a long way in keeping your fireplace running efficiently and safely all winter long.

Maintenance matters on all systems, from traditional wood-burning units to modern pellet fireplaces. Taking the time to check, clean, and maintain your system extends its lifespan and ensures that you get the most heat from every burn.

Follow these easy tips; to get your fireplace ready for use throughout winter.

Clear clutter

Your possessions accumulate around the fireplace when you are not using it during summer: magazines, new decor you just haven’t found a home for, and other odds and ends that tend to clutter an unused space over time.

Before using your fireplace again, clear all these items away. The same goes for rugs or furnishings you may have picked up over the summer. It is also important to ensure anything flammable is clear of the hearth before you start using your fireplace again.

Be sure to clean the hearth

Any solid-fuel fireplace (in other words, wood or coal) must have a hearth as per National Building Regulations. For the hearth to do it’s job, it needs to be completely free of combustible materials. When cleaning, clear away ashes and debris from previous fires and make sure your firewood is stored in a safe area.

Clean the chimney

Before lighting the first fire of the season, a thorough inspection of your chimney is recommended. Depending on what materials you burn, creosote and soot can build up over time, requiring cleaning to keep the fireplace in good condition.

GC Fires recommends cleaning once a year for regularly used fireplaces and every two years when rarely used. It’s best to hire a professional cleaning service to avoid safety issues.

Do gas maintenance

Gas fireplaces don’t need the same level of cleaning as wood-burning fireplaces. However, they do need to be serviced annually and checked for leaks and safety concerns. You’ll need a professional for this task – a gas installer certified by the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association of South Africa (LPGSA).

Stock up on fuel

You should also prepare for future fires throughout the season by building up a decent supply of fuel. There is nothing worse than going to start a fire on a cool evening, only to find you’ve run out of firewood.

Start stocking up now and store the wood in a dry place to maintain its quality. If your fireplace uses gas, check your supply and stock up if needed.