3 Safety Checks to Do Before You Use Your Fireplace This Winter

Winter and fireplaces go together like hot chocolate and marshmallows; the pair is almost synonymous with the season. However, there are a few things you need to do before you light the first fire of the year.

Before using your fireplace this season, experts say you should do some maintenance to ensure everything is in working order. Here’s what you need to do before using your wood-burning, gas, or electric fireplace this winter.

Why You Need to Service Your Fireplace Before Winter

House fires are common during cooler months, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Courtney Klosterman, home insights expert at Hippo Insurance, says you need to watch out for chimney fires.

“While fireplaces can elevate the holiday experience, they are not effortless amenities to the home, as they require regular maintenance and inspection for safety," she says. "The accumulation of creosote (a flammable byproduct of burnt organic material, like wood) and other debris in the chimney can lead to chimney fires. These fires can spread downwards into the home in a matter of seconds.”

The good news is that terrible mishaps are largely avoidable. Klosterman suggests that, before the season starts, people should remove newly formed creosote by using a liquid creosote remover and a drop cloth. “Attach the cloth to an extension rod for better reach to remove creosote along the flue liner, the heat-resistant pipe in the chimney interior. Wear goggles or a dust mask to shield against falling creosote particles,” she says. A professional chimney sweep can remove the older buildup.

Pro services are in high demand during the winter, so it is best to get a jump on the crowd by scheduling your maintenance call well before the first snow.

How to Prep a Wood-Burning Fireplace for Winter

 Annual maintenance on your fireplace is a must. These service calls can be an opportunity to catch the small things before they become big problems.

In addition to calling in a professional chimney sweep, you could take proactive steps to ensure your mantel is free of flammable items, such as photos, paper, or decorations like tinsel or leaves, which could easily catch fire. Klosterman says that, in addition to keeping these items at a safe distance away from open flames, it is best to install a spark guard or screen to prevent ember fires. “When installing, it should be placed in front of the fireplace opening, ensuring that it covers the entire width and height of the opening,” she notes.

How to Prep a Gas Fireplace for Winter

Jon Gilbertsen, president of Chris Heating & Cooling, says servicing a gas fireplace is primarily about ensuring everything is running correctly and safely, not about repairing issues on the spot unless they’re minor, like a weak pilot flame. Even minor issues are a big nuisance if they arise when you least expect them. So, a pre-winter check-up with a pro is a solid course of action.

“If the technician finds something wrong, they will let you know about it first and offer to fix it, usually at extra cost. During gas fireplace servicing, a technician is focused on critical components like the burner, pilot assembly, thermocouple, thermopile, and venting system. They visually inspect everything, but the main focus is still on the parts that can cause gas leaks, complete failure, or carbon monoxide buildup,” Gilbertsen explains.

A technician makes sure your gas fireplace is safe and clean by removing dust and soot from the burner, cleaning fans and blowers, and lubricating bearings. These tasks are best done before temperatures drop steeply.

How to Prep an Electric Fireplace for Winter

Electric fireplaces are relatively maintenance-free compared to other types of fireplace heating sources. Yet, there are still a few important steps to take before winter. Dusting is key. If you see a lot of buildup, vacuum away any accumulated gunk that could pose a fire hazard. Take a look at the heating element and check for frayed wires or exposed elements. When faced with challenges like these, you’ll need to call in a pro for a repair or replacement. It’s best to make all these thorough checks before winter starts.

Use a surge protector and avoid overloading the outlet where the fireplace is plugged in. Unfortunately, an overloaded outlet can pose a serious fire risk.

Don’t Forget the Fire Extinguisher

The most important thing you can do to stay fire safe this winter is make sure your fire extinguisher is working.

“Confirm that the pressure needle is in the green zone, meaning the extinguisher is ready for use. If it’s in the red zone, you need to service or replace it,” says Klosterman. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, change the batteries, ensure HVAC systems or exhaust fans are venting properly, and keep all items—including holiday decorations—at least 3 feet away from heat sources.