Top Fireplace Maintenance Tips for Winter

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy the cozy warmth of a fireplace, next to fall its my favorite time of the year. I’ve learned that a well-maintained fireplace not only adds comfort but also protects your home from potential hazards. Whether you use your fireplace daily or just on chilly weekends or bad weather events, these tips will help you get the most out of it this season.

Why Fireplace Care Tips Matter

Taking care of your fireplace is more than just cleaning up ashes. It’s about safety, efficiency, and prolonging the life of your wood-burning appliance. Did you know that according to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires in winter? Heating equipment was the fire cause in one in six of the home structure fires that took place in 2016–2020 in the US. Regular maintenance reduces this risk significantly.

Here are some practical reasons to keep your fireplace in top shape:

• Prevent chimney fires caused by creosote buildup.

• Improve heating efficiency to save on fuel costs.

• Avoid smoke damage inside your home.

• Ensure safe air quality by preventing harmful gases from entering your living space.

  
  

By following simple steps, you can enjoy a warm, safe, and inviting fire all winter long.

A freshly cleaned flex liner, photo taken with our inspection camera

Essential Fireplace Care Tips for Winter

Let’s dive into some straightforward tips that anyone can follow to keep their fireplace in great condition.

1. Schedule a Professional Inspection and Cleaning with US!

Before lighting your first fire of the season, it’s wise to have a professional chimney sweep inspect and clean your chimney. This service removes creosote, a sticky, flammable substance that builds up inside the chimney walls. Even a small amount can ignite and cause a dangerous chimney fire. Some customers prefer a sweep in the spring, when the buildup is still soft, Some prefer a sweep in the fall, and some customers with heavy use need a mid season sweep as well.

We always check for things like:

• Cracks or damage in the chimney structure or firebrick.

• Blockages from nests or debris.

• Proper functioning of the damper and flue.

• Proper door seals (if applicable)

  
  

Fall is the busiest time of the year for us, Scheduling this service early in the season or in the "off" season, gets you an earlier appointment and ensures your fireplace is ready when you need it most.

2. Use Seasoned Firewood Only

Burning wet or green wood creates more smoke and creosote buildup. Seasoned firewood, which has been dried for at least 12 months, burns hotter and cleaner. This means less soot and a more efficient fire. The ideal moisture content for hardwood firewood is 15–20%, with around 18% being the sweet spot. Could you buy a moisture meter? sure, we carry one ourselves, but its not necessary.

While not precise enough to confirm a specific percentage like 18%, these physical signs suggest that wood is likely well-seasoned (generally below 20-25%): 

• Weight: Seasoned wood feels significantly lighter than a freshly cut, or "green," log because much of the water has evaporated.

• Sound: When you knock two pieces of wood together, seasoned wood produces a sharp, hollow clack or ping. Wet wood makes a dull, low-pitched thud.

• Appearance: Dry wood typically has a faded, grayish appearance and visible cracks (called "checking") on the ends. The bark may also be loose and peel off easily.

  
  

Storing your firewood in a dry, covered area helps keep it ready for use.

3. Keep the Fireplace Clean

Regularly remove ashes to maintain airflow and prevent buildup. However, don’t remove all the ashes; leaving about an inch helps insulate the firebox and maintain heat.

Use a metal container with a lid to dispose of ashes safely. Ashes can stay hot for days and pose a fire risk if not handled properly.

Don't forget about your ash dump if you have one, many times we go to sweep a fire place and the ash dump is totally full! Its easy to forget about something that is purposely designed to be out of sight

4. Check and Maintain Fireplace Accessories

Inspect your fireplace tools, screens, glass doors and door seals for damage. A sturdy screen prevents sparks from escaping into your room, reducing fire hazards. Clean glass doors with a fireplace glass cleaner to keep them clear and free of soot. You can also use some wet ashes on a piece of newspaper to get the buildup off the glass.

5. Monitor Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors

A fireplace can produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that is dangerous if it accumulates indoors. Make sure your home has working carbon monoxide alarms near the fireplace and sleeping areas. Its the law anyways. Best practice is to test your smoke alarms and Co alarms during daylight savings time. And replace batteries as needed, some alarms offer a 10 year battery that matches the life expectancy of the alarm. Alarms should be replaced according to the manufactures instructions, but its often before 10 years.

How to Spot Common Fireplace Problems Early

Knowing what to look for can save you from costly repairs and safety issues. Here are some signs that your fireplace needs attention:

• Smoke entering the room when the fire is burning.

• Strong creosote smell near the fireplace.

• Cracks or loose bricks in the firebox or chimney.

• Damper that won’t open or close properly.

• Excessive soot buildup on glass doors.

  
  

If you notice any of these, it’s time to call a professional for a thorough check.

Creosote and buildup that has fallen during our rotary chimney sweep process

Simple Daily Habits to Extend Fireplace Life

Beyond seasonal maintenance, daily habits can make a big difference:

• Open the damper fully before lighting a fire to ensure proper ventilation.

• Build small, hot fires rather than large, smoldering ones to reduce creosote.

• Avoid burning trash or treated wood, which can release harmful chemicals.

• Keep the area around the fireplace clear of flammable materials.

  
  

These small actions help your fireplace work better and last longer.

When to Call the Experts

Sometimes, DIY care isn’t enough. If you’re unsure about the condition of your fireplace or chimney, or if you want a thorough cleaning, it’s best to rely on professionals. Recon Chimney Services has the tools and knowledge to handle:

• Deep creosote removal.

• Masonry repairs

• Installation of chimney caps or liners.

• Level 1 W.E.T.T. inspections

• peace of mind inspections

• damper repair

• Door seal gasket replacement

  
  

For those in Simcoe County and nearby areas, trusted local services like Recon Chimney Services offer reliable, honest help to keep your home safe and warm.

If you want to learn more about fireplace maintenance tips, our blog is a great resource filled with practical advice and expert insights.