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15 Fireplace Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

We often associate the holiday season with exchanging gifts, cooking delicious food, and family togetherness. While these activities bring joy, it's equally important to find time to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures. One delightful way to do so is by curling up by the fireplace, creating a cozy and peaceful atmosphere. The power of fire has healing and relaxing properties, so it seems only natural to do this. However, it's crucial to prioritize safety to ensure that this enjoyable experience doesn't turn into a distressing situation. To help you celebrate the holidays without any mishaps, here are 15 valuable fireplace safety tips to keep in mind:

 

Wood Fireplace

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Compared to other types, a wood fireplace isn’t the most convenient. But nothing beats the sound of real wood snapping and crackling as it burns. It’s also the most cost-efficient. If you have a wood fireplace at home, make sure to:

 

Clean Your Chimney

A flammable substance called creosote is often used in wood as a preservative. If you’ve been burning wood with creosote, it can build up inside your chimney and cause serious damage when not removed.

 

Take Note of Clearance Zones

Make sure to put decorations, books, drapes, blankets, furniture, and other objects that can catch fire at a safe distance. Ideally, they should at least be 48 inches or 4 feet away from the face of the fireplace. Remember to follow the clearance requirements listed in your manual.

A few modern wood fireplaces, though, allows combustible materials near the unit without fear of burning or heat damage.

 

Check if Your Flue Damper is Open

If your flue damper is closed when you start a fire, your house will immediately fill with smoke. Trapped smoke can damage your interiors, belongings, and cause respiratory problems.

 

Keep a Fire Extinguisher Ready

It’s always a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher nearby so you can quickly stop unintentional fires from getting bigger and causing considerable damage.

 

Install Smoke Alarms

Installing a smoke alarm is one of the least expensive but effective ways of preventing potentially deadly fires. If you have an older home, it’s a good idea to install additional smoke detectors to ensure safety. As a newer home make sure to place it about six meters away from the fireplace to avoid unwanted alarms.

 

Gas Fireplace

A gas fireplace is cheaper to run than an electric fireplace. It’s also more earth-friendly. Some can even be customized to look like a real campfire.

If you have a gas fireplace at home, make sure to do the following to avoid accidents:

 

Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

An improperly maintained gas fireplace can create incomplete combustions and release carbon monoxide. You won’t even know there’s carbon monoxide in the air because it’s an odourless and colourless gas!

Carbon monoxide is extremely toxic which can cause sickness and in the worst cases, even death.

To monitor the quality of air inside your home, consider installing carbon monoxide detectors. If you already have one, don’t forget to test it regularly to ensure it’s in good working condition.

 

Check the Safety Screen Barrier

Gas fireplaces usually have a protective mesh over the glass to reduce the risk of serious burns. Make sure this mesh is properly attached before using your unit. The mesh also retains some heat so it’s also not advisable to touch it.

 

Not All Gas Fireplaces Can Operate Continuously

If you have a vented gas fireplace, then you can run it all day without having to worry about anything except gas usage. However, other types shouldn’t be used for more than three hours at a time. It’s best to double-check the factory specification of the unit you have at home.

 

Electric Fireplace

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An electric fireplace is a more modern take on a traditional masonry fireplace, but some models still retain the look of traditional fireplaces so you get the best of both worlds.

Electric fireplaces can be placed in virtually any room—even those without ventilation. But they’re not without their own set of risks:

 

Don’t Touch the Surface

The front of your electric fireplace can get really hot when you’re using it. Avoid touching the surface to prevent burns.

 

Don't Use an Extension Cord

We don’t recommend using an extension cord, power strip, or surge protector for electric fireplaces. That’s because it can overheat and potentially cause a fire. To ensure safety, follow your manufacturer’s guidelines.

 

Use an Appropriate Socket

An electric fireplace must be on a dedicated circuit that is equipped with the correct breaker as per our manuals. All of Napoleon's plug-and-play fireplaces take 120V, which is a standard plug. Ensure that the unit is fully and properly plugged in before use.

 

Don’t Use Your Unit Outdoors

As tempting as it is to warm up beside a fireplace under the night sky, electric fireplaces not rated for outdoor use shouldn’t be used outdoors. When exposed to the elements, it can lead to rust, electrical failure, and moisture damage.

 

Outdoor Fireplace

If you have a patio, garden, or deck with an outdoor fireplace, then you can enjoy the brisk December evenings outside with family and friends. No need to worry about soot, carbon monoxide poisoning, or high electric bills!

But certain specifications must still be met to make those special evenings safe for everyone. Let these holiday fireplace safety tips be your guide:

 

Keep Debris Away from Your Fireplace

Leaves, grass, twigs, and branches are serious fire hazards. We advise clearing at least 10 feet of space around your outdoor fireplace.

 

Use a Fire Pad

If you don’t have a brick, stone, or concrete foundation, make sure to use a fire pad to prevent scorch marks and heat damage on your surface when using a chiminea or portable gas fire pit instead of a Napoleon Outdoor Gas Fireplace.

 

Don’t Leave Your Fire Unattended

Even if you have a screen in place to catch errant embers, it can still slip through, float in the air and start a fire. Make sure to have someone keep an eye on the fire if you’re going in the house for another round of drinks.

 

Stay Safe While You Celebrate The Holidays with a Napoleon Hearth

We understand the importance of ensuring a safe and accident-free holiday season, regardless of the type of fireplace you have at home. That's why we're here to provide you with these valuable holiday fireplace safety tips. However, if you happen to have an old fireplace and are considering a replacement, there's no need to worry. Our fireplaces and fireplace inserts are designed to breathe new life into your living spaces to create a comforting and fulfilling atmosphere.

Our fireplace inserts are not only capable of fitting seamlessly into any type of fireplace, but they also guarantee warmth and safety not just during the holidays, but every day of the year. If you're interested in exploring our range of fireplace products or finding a dealer near you, we invite you to visit our website. There, you'll find detailed information and resources to assist you in making the best choice for your fireplace needs.

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