| Posted By |
Message |
Karen
Just chillin'!!
Member since 1/06 9690 total posts
Name:
Karen
|
Fireplace owners- lots of questions!
This weather has me itching to light the fireplace. We just bought our house in July and have zero experience with fireplaces, so hubby and I are both very nervous.
Is there anything we need to do before we light it for the first time this season?
The previous owners had the flue realigned and cleaned as part of our contract negotiations.
Also - is it good to get those special logs that reduce buildup?
Thanks so much!!
|
Posted 10/5/08 8:17 AM  |
| |
|
Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource | Long Island Weddings |
Diana712
RIP my beloved Brother Richard
Member since 5/07 6710 total posts
Name:
Diana
|
Re: Fireplace owners- lots of questions!
just make sure you get those logs that help you burn the wood.. And light a piece of newspaper first and stick it up to the vent chimney opening so you send the smoke up the chimney not in the house.. its like a suction vent reaction.. I wish I could explain it better.. but thats a must or your house will be filed w/smoke.. Also gett one of those air blower things w/the 2 handles.. you know like an accordian.. It really helps get the fire going!! Enjoy!!
BTW: Have fun cleaning out.. What a PITA.. But its so worth it!! I am just saying that because its my job. 
|
| Posted 10/5/08 8:49 AM |
| |
|
KLSbear
LIF Adult
Member since 1/06 1908 total posts
Name:
Karen
|
Re: Fireplace owners- lots of questions!
Posted by Karen
This weather has me itching to light the fireplace. We just bought our house in July and have zero experience with fireplaces, so hubby and I are both very nervous.
Is there anything we need to do before we light it for the first time this season?
The previous owners had the flue realigned and cleaned as part of our contract negotiations.
Also - is it good to get those special logs that reduce buildup?
Thanks so much!!
Make sure you open the damper before you light the fire. If you're not sure what that is, it's a metal piece inside the flue that closes to keep out drafts. Reach up and you'll feel a chain or bar that will open and close the damper. DO NOT close it in the evening after a fire - Always wait until the next day to make sure that the coals are completely out.
I've heard that those logs don't really do all that much. If you're using it alot you want to get your flue cleaned every year. A lot of the companies will offer specials for around $40 but they always have something else they say needs to be done - relining, cover on the flue, creosote treatment, etc. I've seen from other sources (HGTV, newpaper article, etc.) that a complete cleaning will cost $150 - $200 and that those $40 specials are not really cleaning the chimney properly. We ended up using Chief Chimney and they were terrific - thourough, neat and clean. Chief Chimney Services
|
| Posted 10/5/08 8:51 AM |
| |
|
MegZee
My bunny
Member since 5/06 8777 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
|
Re: Fireplace owners- lots of questions!
I would have a chimney guy come over first - last year we used it for the first time and got a new damper, cap, etc. the previous owners did not keep it nice!!
|
| Posted 10/5/08 9:14 AM |
| |
|
TheDivineMrsM
2 girls 4 me!
Member since 8/08 7878 total posts
Name:
Mama mama mama....
|
Re: Fireplace owners- lots of questions!
Have the fireplace cleaned anyway... you never know what's gotten in the chimney since your closing.
Real wood smells better when burning, but the Duraflame logs burn more evenly and are prettier.
Vaccuum to clean out ashes .. but wait until the next day wen they've cooled!
Enjoy!
|
| Posted 10/5/08 5:05 PM |
| |
|
KLSbear
LIF Adult
Member since 1/06 1908 total posts
Name:
Karen
|
Re: Fireplace owners- lots of questions!
Posted by TheDivineMrsM
Have the fireplace cleaned anyway... you never know what's gotten in the chimney since your closing.
Real wood smells better when burning, but the Duraflame logs burn more evenly and are prettier.
Vaccuum to clean out ashes .. but wait until the next day wen they've cooled!
Enjoy!
They make special vacuums for fireplaces. Our shop vac specifically tells you NOT to use it for ashes unless you have a special filter designed for ashes. I would be concerned about using a regular vacuum for ashes for that reason - check to make sure yours can handle it before you try it.
|
| Posted 10/5/08 6:18 PM |
| |
|
Karen
Just chillin'!!
Member since 1/06 9690 total posts
Name:
Karen
|
Re: Fireplace owners- lots of questions!
Thanks everyone for the info!!
Karen - thanks for the reference. I'm going to give them a call!
|
| Posted 10/8/08 10:37 AM |
| |
|
kspags
LIF Adult
Member since 6/08 1228 total posts
Name:
Kelly
|
Re: Fireplace owners- lots of questions!
Posted by Karen
Thanks everyone for the info!!
Karen - thanks for the reference. I'm going to give them a call!
Ditto!! We just bought in July also. They changed the damper, but I want to get someone over to check it out anyway. And someone who has done this before should also be at my house before we go to light our first fire!!
|
| Posted 10/8/08 3:14 PM |
| |
|
