Can you hear those sleigh bells jingling? Christmas is here, whether you’re ready for it or not. You’ve just finished getting the pumpkins off the porch, and now it’s time to hang stockings and start the mad rush to get everything ready for St. Nick’s arrival. If one of your holiday traditions is lighting up the fireplace, whether for warmth or ambiance, it’s important to make sure everything is safe and ready before striking the first match.

Luckily, you don’t need to be an expert in chimney maintenance to ensure your system is ready and in good working order. A simple last-minute check can help you avoid a smoke-filled living room, dangerous creosote buildup, and a surprise visit from the fire department.

Here’s what to check before you light that first fire of the season.

Look Up the Chimney for Blockages

You’d be surprised by how often critters, leaves, and random debris end up stuck in the chimney, especially if you don’t have a cap. Birds love the warmth and shelter, and sometimes a fallen branch or pile of leaves finds its way in. Get a flashlight and look up inside. You should see a clear, open space.

If you notice anything unusual, such as nests, heavy soot, or something you can’t identify, call a chimney professional and let them take a look. Blockages can push smoke back into your home, or worse, spark a chimney fire.

Make Sure the Damper Opens and Closes Smoothly

A half-open or stuck damper is one of the most common causes of smoke issues. Before starting a fire, pull the lever or chain and watch the damper move. Does it open fully? Does it close tightly? If it feels stiff, don’t force it. The metal parts of older fireplaces can warp. A technician can lubricate or adjust it so it works correctly.

Check for Creosote Buildup

Creosote is a highly flammable residue that builds up on the interior flue walls every time you burn wood. It’s normal in small amounts, but when it reaches a thick, tar-like stage, it becomes a major fire hazard.

It’s always best to get a professional chimney sweep to inspect and clean your chimney before the heating season, but you can do a quick DIY check. Use a flashlight to look inside the flue. If you see dark, shiny, or chunky buildup, that’s glazed creosote, and it needs a professional chimney cleaning ASAP. Even a thin layer of this stuff can ignite with the right conditions, so don’t skip this.

Clear the Area Around the Fireplace

Holiday decorations have a habit of migrating a bit too close to the fire. Stockings, tree skirts, wrapped gifts, and even furniture can slowly creep toward the heat.

Before lighting a fire, give the area around your fireplace a good once-over. Make sure anything flammable is moved at least three feet away. If you hang stockings on the mantel, take them down while the fire is lit.

Test the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are a must, whether you use a fireplace or not. Smoke and CO detectors save lives, and there’s no good reason not to have them. If you plan to use your fireplace this Christmas, make sure these devices have fresh batteries and are in good working condition.

And don’t think that smoke detectors are enough. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, and they don’t call it the silent killer for nothing.

Sweep the Firebox

A couple of inches of ashes from previous fires might not seem like a big deal, but too much can restrict airflow and make it harder for your fireplace to burn cleanly. Use a fireplace shovel to remove excess ash, but leave about an inch layer to help insulate and stabilize the subsequent fire.

Call Anderson’s Chimney Sweeps and Masonry Services

For a chimney cleaning and inspection by certified professionals, call Andersons. We’re a full-service chimney and fireplace specialist who’s proudly served residents throughout Central PA since 1990. Get in touch with us today!