Things To Do and Not To Do

People have short attention spans and little time these days so here is a quick list of things to do and not to do regarding chimneys and heating appliances to keep you safe and warm this winter:

What Not to Do: 

• Don't burn Hedge in a fireplace or woodstove. It burns too hot and is dangerous!
• Don't burn dry soft pine as your main fuel. It burns too hot and fast. Most importantly, don't burn a Christmas tree or a house fire could result!
• Don't expect a Chimney Sweeping Log to clean out creosote from the chimney or do an inspection. In fact, these logs have been known to cause chimney fires!
• Don't leave stockings hanging on the mantel while a fire is in the fireplace!
• Don't put wrapping paper in the fireplace - it creates toxic fumes!

Things to Do: 

• Do shut down the air supply and get out of the house and call 911 if you have a chimney fire! You may think the fire is out but it might not be completely out, or wood may be smoldering on the exterior of the chimney in your attic. 
• Do burn only dry seasoned cordwood
• Do have fireplaces and wood-burning stoves serviced and swept in the SPRING when chimney sweeps are not so busy and you can get a better price!
• Do use only a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep
• Do have your furnace/boiler/water heater flue inspected annually to check for problems that could lead to CO leakage into the house!
• Do have Direct-Vent gas fireplaces and inserts serviced and tuned-up annually by a professional to assure proper operation. Call after the season is over in the SPRING!

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Marge Padgitt is the CEO of HearthMasters, Inc. and HearthMasters Education in Kansas City, Missouri. www.hearthmasters.net.