Warm and safe
Proper precautions will dampen potential danger from your fireplace
The warm and comforting glow of a fire is a welcome treat as autumn evenings bring a crisp chill to the air. No matter what type of fireplace you curl up to, it’s important to know how to enjoy it safely.
When a wood-burning fireplace is in use, air is continually drawn out of the home and up the chimney. This air must be replaced to maintain the air balance flowing in and out of the home. This is essential for the safe operation of all fuel-burning appliances. This balancing act ensures adequate air for complete combustion and ventilation of the flue gases.
If the air balance is altered because of poor air supply or a blocked chimney, carbon monoxide (CO) and soot can be produced and down drafting can occur. To prevent smoke and flue gases from entering your home, follow these precautions:
When a fireplace is in use, an open damper allows the smoke and gases to exit.
Ensure an adequate fresh air supply before lighting the fire. Some fireplaces come with a combustion air duct. If not, you must have a fresh air supply nearby (such as an open window).
Keep the fresh air supply open until the fire is completely out. After the fire is out and the ashes are cold, close the damper.
The first line of defence against carbon monoxide poisoning is the proper installation, use, maintenance and inspection of all your fuel-burning appliances. The second line of defence is a detector. Make sure the CO detector is approved to the latest standards. Look for CSA 6.19 or CSA 6.19-01 on the package.
Consider installing glass doors on your wood-burning fireplace. The doors will prevent heat in your home from escaping up the chimney, saving you money on your heating bill.
Natural gas fireplaces can operate at over 60-per-cent efficiency; whereas, a typical wood-burning fireplace operates at 10 per cent. Efficiency refers to the amount of heat that is extracted from the flame and is used to heat the home.
Pellet stoves and inserts are becoming popular and are also environmentally friendly, burn cleanly and are cost effective. The pellets are made from 100-per-cent waste sawdust.
An electric fireplace is a great option if you live in an apartment and want the look and feel of a fireplace. While they are not meant to heat a large area, they do provide some comfort to a room.
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