A seasonal fireplace checklist

The year at a glance

Before the first fire

• Open the damper fully and look up with a flashlight. It should move freely and nothing should fall.
• Check the firebox for debris, loose bricks or cracks. See cracks in the firebox.
• Look at the chimney top from the ground. Is the cap in place and straight? Any cracked crown, dark streaks or loose bricks?
• Look for stains or damp on ceilings and walls near the chimney.
• Check that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms work, on every level and near bedrooms.
• Check the wood. See choosing and storing firewood.
• Have the chimney inspected if it has not been this year. See inspection levels.

Lighting the first fire

Open the damper fully first. If the flue feels cold and smoke hesitates, warm it by holding burning rolled paper near the damper before the main fire. Use dry kindling and seasoned wood. Build a fire that burns hot rather than one that smolders. Never use gasoline, kerosene or charcoal starter.

During the season

• Burn dry, seasoned wood and let fires burn hot rather than smolder.
• Notice any change in smell, smoke or draft. See signs your chimney needs cleaning.
• Keep ash removal safe: store it in a covered metal container outdoors, away from the house.
• Leave the glass doors open while the fire is burning, unless the manufacturer says otherwise, so the fire gets enough air.
• Do not burn trash, painted or treated wood, or plywood.

After the season

• Clear out cooled ash.
• Close the damper, or the cap damper if you have one.
• Write down anything you noticed, so it can be checked in the off season.
• Book the next inspection while you remember what happened.

If you have a gas fireplace

The same rhythm applies without the wood-specific steps. Before the season, check that the glass is clean and the pilot or ignition works, and follow the manufacturer's service schedule. Have the venting inspected, since nests and debris can block it. See gas fireplaces: what upkeep do they need?.

Common misconceptions

"It worked last year, so it is fine." Weather and animals change a chimney between seasons.

"I will check it when it gets cold." That is when it is hardest to get an appointment.

"Ash is cold after a few hours." Embers can stay hot for days. Use a metal container with a lid.

Sources

• EPA Burn Wise, best wood burning practices (archived)
• CSIA, homeowner FAQs: damper, burning and sweeping