How to Prepare for Fireplace and Chimney Safety This Winter
Middle Tennessee-based Ashbusters Chimney Service provides tips for how to keep your fireplace and chimney safe this holiday season
As the weather cools and fireplaces heat up, Ashbusters Chimney Service is promoting fire safety. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)—organizations that provide guidance on fire safety and chimney maintenance—there are roughly 25,000 chimney fires in the U.S. annually. However, nearly all home fires originating in the chimney or fireplace are preventable.
Ashbusters has been Middle Tennessee’s chimney sweep and fireplace repair expert since 1985 and recommends the following tips for keeping your home safe this season.
Use seasoned wood. Burning dry, seasoned wood, ideally with a moisture content of 25% or less, can help prevent the creation of dangerous chemicals and excess creosote buildup.
Monitor your chimney for obstructions that may prevent proper gas ventilation. Examples include bird nests, debris and soot, all blockages that can hinder the functionality of your chimney and require action.
Do not perform a chimney inspection yourself. Chimney systems are surprisingly complex, and as a chimney vents exhaust fumes and hot smoke inside the walls of your home, the high temperatures and dangerous acidic byproducts create conditions unfit for those without the proper training and skillset.
Schedule a chimney inspection once a year. No matter the fuel type, every chimney should be inspected yearly to prevent debris buildup. The team of experts at Ashbusters recommends scheduling this service in the fall, before the start of the burning season.
As you prepare for a cozy holiday season with family and friends, make fire safety a top priority. For more information, visit www.ashbusters.net.
About Ashbusters Chimney Service:
Ashbusters Chimney Service, founded by Mark Stoner, is a certified and award-winning chimney-sweeping company that has served Franklin and the Middle Tennessee area since 1985. Founded on the principle of prevention, Ashbusters is dedicated to protecting its community from the devastation of home fires through education and top-quality service.
