Now that the summer gear is packed up and the leaves are raked, it’s time to think about the holidays. This is a time to reflect and enjoy some quiet time with family and friends. The time of year when we entertain more, celebrate more, and use our fireplaces more. Have you had your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned? Professionals recommend having an annual inspection and chimney sweep before the start of the burning season.

Keeping your family safe during the upcoming Holiday Season

• Here are some tasks you should consider checking off your list before the holidays begin: 
• As mentioned above, have your chimney inspected and cleaned.
• When decorating, keep decorations and ornamentation away from the fireplace.
• If you use a Christmas tree, don’t put it near the fireplace. The tree can dry out before the end of theholidays, when you are ready to take it down.
• Use glass doors on your fireplace. This will keep embers and sparks in the fireplace and away from your carpet or floors. 
• Use a screen if you don’t have doors. Keep those jumping embers inside the fireplace and not on your decorations.
• Burn only seasoned wood. Hardwoods such as hickory, oak, and maple are best. Do not burn anything other than wood meant for the fireplace. Do not burn garbage, pressure-treated lumber, or wrapping paper. Anything with ink or chemicals can emit toxic gases into your home. 
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and know how to use it. 
• Check your fire and carbon monoxide detectors. A good time to change the batteries is when we turn the clocks back, which was recently. 

When Should You Be Concerned

There are sure signs that you need to call 911. Let’s discuss some signs of a chimney fire:

• A tapping, or clicking noise, may be a sign that there is a fire in your chimney. 
• A rumbling noise should be investigated.
• Excessive smoke emanating from your chimney may be a concern. Creosote is a black, tar-like substance that is highly flammable. When not cleaned out regularly, it may combust with the heat of your fire. An eighth of an inch of creosote can be of concern.

Using these tips will keep you safe this holiday season. You will also notice that the efficiency of the fireplace will be enhanced as well. 

Be sure to visit our showroom for all your fireplace and chimney needs. Contact our representatives for additional tips on maintaining your fireplace and keeping it in optimal condition! 

We have sold and installed gas, wood, and pellet hearth appliances for over 20 years; so the logical next step was to open our own walk-in retail location, where clients can comfortably view over 40 displays and speak with our fireplace experts. Our team is available to meet your needs in Camp Hill, Harrisburg, Hershey, New Cumberland, Shrewsbury & York areas.

We hope you enjoy your visit to Keystone’s Fireplace and Stove. We strive to make your fireplace purchase a simple process. Just share your ideas and vision with us, and let our hearth experts guide you through the process. You’ll be creating lasting fireplace memories before you know it.

We look forward to working together so that you fall in love with your fireplace all over again.