​We’re still a ways from colder weather here in the Houston area, but it’s not too early to get your fireplace winter ready. Since most fireplaces in our area don’t get heavy use, the annual maintenance is pretty simple. We also have a few tips for best operation of your fireplace.
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​Gas fireplaces are generally lower maintenance than their wood burning counterparts, but they do require some attention each year prior to use. Before getting started, make sure the fireplace and glass are completely cool and that the gas valve is in the off position. If your gas fireplace has a decorative barrier, go ahead and remove it.

1. Inspect the glass for scratches, cracks and breakage. If the glass is damaged in any way, the fireplace should not be used until the glass is replaced.
2. Inspect the gasket between the glass and fireplace for an airtight seal to ensure gases are trapped inside the fireplace when in use.
3. Clean both sides of the glass with a soft cloth and fireplace glass cleaner. Don’t use regular glass cleaner, such as Windex, as it contains ammonia which will react with the gas when the fireplace is lit.
4. Vacuum out any dirt or dust from inside and outside the firebox.
5. Inspect the interior of the firebox for rust or flaking of paint and to ensure nothing is obstructing the pilot. If you notice rust or paint issues, it can be corrected DIY but it’s very important that you use products designed specifically for this use.
6. Close the glass, reinstall the decorative barrier, and turn the gas valve back on.
7. For vented gas fireplaces, inspect the vent to ensure it is free of debris such as bird or squirrels’ nest and leaves.
8. Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
9. Test the igniter to ensure it lights smoothly and without delay.  

​Wood burning fireplaces come in two varieties, those with a gas log lighter and those without. All steps will be the same with the exception of #7 which only applies if you have a gas log lighter. Make sure the fireplace is completely cool before beginning.

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1. Check the operation of the damper to make sure it opens easily and completely. Inspect it for any signs of cracking or rusted through areas. If the damper is in poor shape and needs to be replaced, contact a professional as this is not a DIY job.
2. Inspect the flue to ensure it is clear and free of damage. If you notice heavy creosote buildup, contact a professional chimney sweep.
3. Inspect the protective screening or door to ensure it is in good condition and will prevent embers and ashes from escaping.
4. Inspect the chimney cap to confirm it is securely in place. If you have a mesh type material over the open sides to keep rain, debris, birds and squirrels out, ensure it is in good condition. If you don’t already have this or you need to replace it, make sure to use a non-combustible material approved for this use.
5. Trim any tree limbs that are encroaching on the chimney. Tree limbs can obstruct draft airflow and create a fire hazard.
6. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
7. Test the igniter to ensure it lights smoothly and without delay.
8. Make sure no combustible materials are ever located within 12 inches of the fireplace opening while in use. 

If you are ever uncomfortable performing the annual fireplace maintenance yourself, or if you find anything out of the ordinary during your inspection, contact a local professional to help you out. 

​There’s nothing quite like a warm, cozy fire on a cold winter night. For the best fire and easiest ongoing maintenance of your fireplace, check out these tips.

1. Make sure the wood is completely dry before burning it. Hardwoods like hickory, pecan, and oak burn longer while soft, resinous woods like pine burn faster and produce more creosote.
2. Never burn painted or treated wood, construction scraps, or lumber in your fireplace as it can release harmful chemicals into your home.
3. Crack a window in the room to prevent the room from becoming smoky. Run ceiling fans clockwise on low speeds to circulate the warm air from the ceiling to the living area.
4. Use kindling to help start the fire rather than flammable liquids.
5. Keep the fire small as large, high heat fires produce more smoke creating more creosote which will require more maintenance in the future.
6. Since wood attracts bugs, only bring inside the amount of wood you need and make regular trips outdoors to get more. 
7. Keep the damper closed when the fireplace is not in use to prevent warm indoor air from escaping.  

 
We hope you are as excited as we are for the colder weather to get here and that you enjoy your winter and your fireplace. 

​From my experience working with machinery in all areas of my life, from home appliances to cars to boats, I have learned that preventive maintenance is key. Preventive maintenance programs promote optimum performance and safety, reduce unexpected outages, and minimize costly repairs and replacements. Here is a quick list of five home maintenance items you should be taking care of monthly.

1. Smoke Detectors – Working smoke detectors reduce the risk of death in home fires by 50%, per the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). While you may think that 10-year lithium batteries, or the fact that your detectors are hardwired into your home’s electrical system, may protect you for the long haul, you shouldn’t bet your life on it. According to the US Fire Administration (USFA), smoke detectors should be tested monthly regardless of how they are powered. Though you should check the manufacturer’s testing instructions, most systems can be tested by simply pressing and holding the test button on one smoke detector. If your detectors are set to alarm in series, which they should be, this should incite each alarm to begin sounding. Walk around the home to each alarm and listen to make sure it is working. If your detectors are not set to alarm in series, you will need to press the button on each detector to test them individually. If a 9-volt operated detector sounds weak or faint, change the battery. If a lithium battery powered or hardwired detector sounds weak or faint, the smoke detector itself must be replaced. When replacing individual detectors, make sure the new device will be compatible with the existing system. 9-volt batteries should be changed every six months regardless of test results. Battery backups for hardwired systems should be changed once a year.
2. GFCIs – Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) typically last several years. However, if they fail prematurely there will be no indication that it is no longer working. Testing is simple and only takes a few seconds per device. On the outlet plug, between the two receptacles you plug in to, there are two buttons, “test” and “reset”. To test the GFCI simply press the “test” button. You will hear a click which is the disconnection of power to the device indicating that the GFCI is functioning properly. Now press “reset” and move on to the next device to be tested. If you don’t hear a click, the GFCI should be replaced ASAP. Not sure where to start? All accessible outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, garages and exteriors should be protected by a GFCI and have the test and reset buttons visible. If you have outlets in these locations that are not GFCI protected, I recommend contacting a licensed electrician to replace the receptacles. 
3. AC Filters – There are several factors that play into how often each household will need to change their AC filters. For us here in Gulf Coast area, the high heat and humidity is a killer and will generally require changing more often. Households with more family members, and those with pets, will need to change the filters more often than those without. Another key factor is the outdoor air quality around your home. Homes that are closer to a major highway system, construction zone, or other pollution source will need to change the filters more often than others. The best practice is to take a look at the filters every month. If there is a coating of dirt and grime on the surface and you can’t see the filter media, it’s time to replace. Irregular filter changes can result in higher than necessary energy bills and expensive AC repairs.
4. Range Hood Filters – Probably the most unpopular of the monthly tasks, it’s definitely worth the time and effort. If this is one you’ve been neglecting, the first time may be a doozy. There are several popular cleaning methods, which may differ based on the type of filter you have, so you may have to do a bit of research to find what works best for you. My personal no-scrub preference is to remove the filter, soak in hot water with an auto grade degreaser, and rinse. I do this first and let it soak while I complete the other monthly home maintenance tasks.
5. Fire Extinguishers – The NFPA reports that cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher in your home, you should buy one. Stat.  I recommend a class ABC type extinguisher. I purchased mine in the boating section at Walmart. Then a quick monthly check will help to ensure it works if you ever need to use it. First, make sure it is readily accessible (not behind a trash can or 20 bottles of cleaner under the sink). Next, make sure the gauge shows adequate pressure and that there are no visible signs of wear and tear.

Now that you have your list, you just need to select your monthly home maintenance day. I do mine on the first Sunday of each month and can normally get everything done in under an hour. That’s not much of a time commitment to maximize the efficiency of the systems that are designed to keep us safe and comfortable!