8 Things You Should Never Burn in Your Fireplace

Your fireplace is the coveted spot in your home during the cold weather, offering a place of coziness, comfort, and respite on a chilly day. While it can be tempting to toss a few household items in your fireplace to get the fire going, it’s important to remember that this quick fix can have long-term health and safety consequences. Below are eight things you should never burn in your fireplace.

1.Cardboard

Cardboard is often treated with chemicals that when burned can release hazardous fumes into the air that are harmful to breathe. It is also possible for burning cardboard to escape through an unscreened hearth, or float up the flue through an uncapped chimney. This is especially dangerous since any burning cardboard that enters the chimney can ignite creosote within the flue.

2.Colored Paper

The inks used in newspaper inserts, coupon handouts, glossy magazines and other items contain metals and pigments that release toxic fumes when burned. Like cardboard, bits of burning paper can float up and out an uncapped chimney, putting your roof and nearby structures at risk of fire.

3.Seasonal Decorations and Wrappings

The holidays bring with it festive decorations and wrappings that contain chemicals and coloring that can generate hazardous fumes. They are probably very light and can easily go airborne once they catch on fire.

4.Wet Firewood

Unseasoned, or wet, firewood can contain up to 45 percent water. Burning high-moisture content wood will smoke and lead to rapid creosote buildup in the chimney liner. Reduce the risk of buildup by burning only dry firewood and having your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected.

5.Christmas Trees and other Evergreen Wood

It can be tempting to cut up and burn your live Christmas tree in your fireplace. But your tree, wreath, and other evergreen woods are not safe to burn. In addition to not being properly seasoned, evergreen wood contains high levels of resin that catch fire quickly and produce a hot flame. This wood burns so fast that the fire will fizzle out quickly, and the high resin content leaves heavy creosote deposits in your chimney.

6.Garbage

Many people have fallen into the habit of tossing a used plastic-foam cup or paper plate into an open fire. Most consumer products contain chemicals that produce hazardous fumes when burned. Toxic trash items contain plastic, which releases a category of toxins known as dioxins. When inhaled, this level of toxin can lead to major health risks, such as internal organ damage, respiratory symptoms, and headaches.

7.Fresh Fruit Peels

Adding scents to your fireplace delivers aromas of oranges, lemons, and apples, however fresh, moist fruit peels will smolder in a fire, and lead to abundant smoke and creosote buildup. A better course of action is to dry your fruit peels at a low temperature in the oven, and then toss them on your fire. You’ll still get the fresh scent you want, but without the moisture.

8.Dryer Lint

Dryer lint may be an effective campfire starter, but keep it out of your fireplace. The synthetic fibers in dryer lint can release dangerous chemical fumes into your home and chimney.

Chimney Inspection, Cleaning, Service, and Repair in NH and MA

Is it time for your chimney cleaning or inspection? Contact Admiralty Chimney’s CCP-certified technicians. We’re always ready to take special care of your fireplace system.

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6 Signs your Chimney Liner Needs to be Replaced

Some consider chimney liners to be the unsung hero of the chimney system. Tucked within the brick masonry, hidden from plain sight, your chimney liner silently improves the safety of your fireplace with no pomp and circumstance. A true behind-the-scenes component of your chimney system, how would know when this vital structure needs to be replaced? Here are six tell-tale signs from the CCP-certified pros at Admiralty Chimney.

What does my chimney liner do?

A chimney liner keeps toxic gas, smoke and creosote from entering your home and prevents the chimney structure from being damaged by heat. These liners are so important that building codes require them in fireplaces. If a liner is missing or damaged, it can lead to serious consequences. There are certain situations that suggest a liner needs replacing, such as:

1. There is an excessive amount of efflorescence on your bricks.

Efflorescence, a white, powdery substance on the surface of your bricks, is a sign that your flue liner is cracked or has lost its seal. This is a serious condition that will cause rapid brick and mortar deterioration.

2. There are broken shards or flakes on your fireplace floor.

Older clay chimney liners will start to crack over time, leaving pieces of clay in your hearth. Without having an expert take care of a cracked liner, it increases the risk of chimney fires.

3. The fire is producing room-filling smoke.

A chimney liner is responsible for moving smoke outside the home. If your home is smoky, it could be a sign that your liner needs to be replaced. This issue can lead to a number of health problems including carbon monoxide poisoning, asthma attacks and other respiratory issues.

4. Your chimney hasn’t been inspected.

If you can’t remember the last time you had professional technicians inspect your chimney, then it has been too long. Arrange for a safety inspection to examine and assess the condition of your chimney and liner.

5. Your chimney liner is old.

Certain types of chimney liners could last around 20 years, while budget liners could only last five years. Additionally, if your family uses the fireplace often, then the frequent wear and tear can cause the flue liner to deteriorate quicker.

6. You’ve purchased a new energy-efficient heating system.

When you replace your heating system for a high-efficiency model, or to a type of heater that you haven’t used before, it is a good idea to get a new liner installed. An older chimney liner may not provide proper ventilation for a new system.

What do I do if I’m unsure about needing a liner replacement?

Scheduling a professional chimney inspection is the best way to let you know when you need a new liner. A CCP-certified chimney technician can alleviate or confirm your concerns by taking a thorough look at the condition of your liner and chimney system. If you suspect that it’s time for a chimney liner replacement, contact Admiralty Chimney for an inspection.

Chimney Liner Installation, Service, Repair in NH and MA

If you’re looking for certified chimney inspections to determine the age and condition of your chimney liner, reach out to the CCP-certified pros at Admiralty Chimney. We are a full-service fireplace and chimney company. Contact us today to learn more.

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7 Steps to Get your Fireplace Ready for Fall

Autumn is approaching, making now the best time to get your fireplace ready to use during the chilly months ahead. Preparing your system ensures it’s performing at its best this burning season. Before you light your first fire, be sure you’ve completed these seven steps.

1. Schedule a professional inspection.

We recommend that all chimneys be professionally inspected and cleaned at least once a year, or about once every 80 fires. A thorough cleaning will remove any buildup of creosote, a highly flammable byproduct of burning wood, giving you a safer fireplace. Your technician will inspect for worn parts, cracks, leaks and other issues with your chimney and fireplace that may cause a safety hazard or loss of function.

Pro Tip: During the inspection, tell your technician about any changes you have noticed from your chimney, such as a different smell, a new draft, and any other abnormalities.

2. Check the chimney cap.

A chimney should be capped with wire-mesh sides to keep leaves, rain, birds, and debris out. Unwanted nests and other blockages are a leading cause of chimney fires. During an inspection, your CCP-certified chimney specialist will check your cap to be sure it’s in good condition and securely fitted. If it is damaged or missing, your specialist can repair or replace it.

3. Test the damper.

The damper regulates the airflow inside your chimney. It should be closed when you aren’t using your fireplace, and opened when you want to start a fire. Make sure the damper works by opening and closing it. You can generally tell when the damper is open if you can feel a breeze or see up the flue when you peek your head in.

4. Trim trees near the roof and chimney.

Prune any overhanging tree limbs that may be encroaching on your chimney. Tree branches present a fire hazard, can damage the cap during a storm, and restrict the proper draft of the chimney.

5. Stock up on seasoned firewood.

Choose dense or hardwood that’s been split and stored in a high and dry place for at least six months. Green or wet wood, and softwoods like pine, produce more creosote. Store wood in a covered space outdoors and away from your house so it doesn’t attract pests into your home.

6. Clear the clutter from around the fireplace.

When you don’t use your fireplace between seasons, clutter naturally tends to fill up the surrounding area. Before you start your first fire, be sure to clear the clutter away from the fireplace to avoid fire hazards. Make sure anything flammable, such as furniture and rugs, are a safe distance from your hearth.

7. Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors keep everyone in your home safe. Replace the batteries and run monthly tests to ensure the alarms will work when you need them.

Chimney Cleaning, Inspection, Service, and Repair in NH and MA

A proactive approach to fireplace and chimney maintenance ensures your system is ready for the upcoming burning season. If you need help, contact our CCP-certified team. We’re a full-service chimney company that delivers expertise, with an attention to detail and uncompromised customer service for all of your fireplace and chimney needs.

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