Can Your Fireplace Get TOO HOT?

When temperatures plummet in New England, there’s nothing like a warm fire to take the chill off. But can your fireplace get too hot? Yes. This is called over-firing, and it can damage your fireplace or even cause a chimney fire. Here are the causes and signs of over-firing, along with how to prevent it.

Causes of over-firing:

1. Too much fuel: You don’t need to fill every square inch of your firebox with wood. Most standard fireplaces accommodate 2 to 3 logs measuring 3 to 6 inches in diameter and 16 to 18 inches in length. Once you have a good fire going, add one log at a time to maintain steady heat. 

   
   

2. Too much oxygen:  While oxygen is essential for a strong, efficient fire, too much air can cause it to burn too quickly, reducing heat output and increasing wear on your fireplace and chimney. 

   NOTE: Air-pumping bellows should only be used with a stagnant fire.

3. Burning the wrong materials: Use only seasoned hardwood (oak, maple, ash, or birch) with a 15-20% moisture content, as it burns more predictably and at a safer temperature.

>Related Reading: 8 Things You Should Never Burn in Your Fireplace

Signs that your fireplace is too hot:

Recognizing the signs of over-firing can help prevent damage and keep your home and family safe:

• Loud roaring sounds similar to a blowtorch or a freight train

• Flaking, cracked, or broken firebricks

• Strong metallic burning odors

• Glowing red dampers, grates, or doors

• Warping or deformed metal parts

• Sparks or embers shooting up the flue

Preventing over-firing:

• Only burn seasoned hardwood.

• Follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding airflow settings and the recommended size and amount of wood.

• Install a heat shield or hood to direct heat away from TVs or mantels.

• Use a hearth thermometer to ensure the area surrounding your fireplace remains below 150°F. (For specific temperature recommendations, read the manufacturer’s guidelines.

A Note About Fireplace & Chimney Maintenance: To ensure your fireplace and chimney function safely and efficiently, schedule an annual cleaning and inspection with our CSIA-certified team.

Chimney Cleanings and Inspections in Southern NH & Northern MA

Admiralty Chimney is a trusted provider of chimney maintenance and repair services for homeowners throughout Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts. Our commitment to quality workmanship and service is reflected in our outstanding Google reviews and our A+ Better Business Bureau rating.

Fireplace & Chimney Safety Reminders

Before you kick off the holiday season, we encourage you to review these fireplace and chimney safety reminders with your family. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your home warm and safe this winter.

1. Schedule a chimney cleaning and inspection.

If you haven’t done so already, schedule your annual chimney cleaning and inspection so we can check for creosote buildup, cracks, blockages, or other hazards that could make your fireplace unsafe. Starting the season with a clean, well-maintained chimney not only protects your home but also helps your fireplace operate more efficiently.

2. Only burn seasoned firewood.

Fresh-cut or damp wood produces heavy smoke and accelerates creosote buildup in the chimney. Stick with well-seasoned hardwoods—such as oak, birch, or maple—for a hotter, cleaner burn that helps keep your chimney healthier throughout the winter.

3. Keep holiday décor at a safe distance.

Garlands, stockings, and other festive decorations look great around the hearth, but they should never be too close to the flames. Keep all décor at least three feet away to prevent accidental ignition.

4. Toss—don’t burn— your wrapping paper.

Wrapping paper burns too quickly and can send embers up the flue, potentially igniting creosote deposits. Dyed and inked paper can also release harmful fumes. Toss your gift wrap in the trash or recycling bin instead.

5. Never leave a fire unattended.

While it may be tempting to walk away from a dwindling fire, never leave your fireplace unattended until the flames and embers are fully extinguished. 

Tip:  Spread the coals with your fireplace tools so they cool more quickly.

6. Don’t overfill your firebox.

Well-meaning guests may try to add extra logs to “keep the fire going,” but too much fuel can create excessive heat and stress your chimney system. Overloaded fires increase creosote production and can damage brick or mortar. A moderate, controlled fire is safer and just as enjoyable.

7. Dispose of ashes safely.

Because fireplace ashes can retain heat well after the flames have disappeared, it’s essential to remove and store them properly. Reminder:  Always place ashes in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Be sure to store it away from your home, garage, or any other structure that could catch fire.

8. Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working and replace batteries as needed. Keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach and make sure everyone at home knows its location and how to use it.

9. Get a fireplace screen.

If you don’t have one already, place a screen in front of your fireplace to contain sparks and keep children and pets a safe distance from the hearth.

Stay Warm and Safe This Season

Following these fireplace and chimney safety tips will help keep your family and guests warm and safe this holiday season. If you have questions or need to schedule an annual chimney cleaning and inspection, contact our CSIA-certified chimney experts at Admiralty Chimney. We proudly serve homeowners in Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts.

Prevent Home Fires with Proper Chimney Use and Care

October is Fire Prevention Month, the perfect time to review some important chimney safety tips from the certified experts at Admiralty Chimney. 

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, over 25,000 chimney fires occur across the US each year.

Why Chimney Safety Matters

If you’re not properly maintaining and using your chimney and fireplace, your next fire could quickly go from cozy to catastrophic. Please take a moment to review these chimney and fireplace safety tips and contact us if you have any questions.

Top Tips for Chimney and Fireplace Safety

1. Schedule an annual chimney inspection.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommend that all chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least once* a year. During your annual inspection, our certified technicians will check for chimney blockages, damage, and creosote buildup that can cause a fire or carbon monoxide leaks.

*This guideline applies even if you don’t use your chimney very often.

2. Keep your chimney clean.

If your inspection reveals any buildup, schedule a professional chimney cleaning before using your fireplace for the season. Routine sweeping removes soot and creosote that could easily ignite.

3. Burn the right type of wood.

Avoid burning wet or green wood, as it produces excessive smoke and sticky creosote. Use seasoned hardwoods like oak, maple, or birch for cleaner, hotter, and safer fires.

>LEARN MORE: How to Select and Store Firewood 

4. Know what NOT to burn in your fireplace.

In addition to unseasoned hardwood, here is a list of what not to burn in your fireplace:

• Cardboard

• Colored Paper

• Seasonal Decorations and Wrappings

• Wet Firewood

• Christmas Trees and Other Evergreen Wood

• Garbage

• Fresh Fruit Peels

• Dryer Lint

5. Install a Chimney Cap

A chimney cap prevents birds, leaves, and other debris from entering your flue, reducing blockages and keeping out rain or snow that can damage your chimney’s interior.

6. Use a Fireplace Screen or Door

A sturdy fireplace screen or glass door stops sparks and embers from escaping into your living space, protecting your flooring and furnishings from stray flames.

7. Keep Decorations and Furniture at a Safe Distance

It’s important to remember that heat radiating from a fireplace or chimney can ignite nearby materials. Always keep decorations, curtains, and furniture at least three feet away from your hearth or chimney area. This is especially important during the holidays, when garlands, stockings, and other flammable decorations are often placed too close to the fire.

8. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

No matter how well you maintain your chimney, working smoke and CO detectors are essential. Test them monthly and replace batteries twice a year for reliable protection.

Chimney Cleanings and Inspections in Southern NH

Admiralty Chimney offers chimney inspections and cleanings for homeowners in Merrimack, Amherst, Nashua, and surrounding communities. Schedule your annual inspection and cleaning today!

About Admiralty Chimney

For over 20 years, Admiralty Chimney has served the chimney maintenance and repair needs of homeowners in Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts. We have outstanding Google reviews and hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.