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Fireplace Resolutions

2018 has arrived, and with the new year comes new year’s resolutions. This year, don’t just make plans to improve your health, fitness, or organization; think about creating a list of fireplace resolutions along with the rest of your goals for the new year!

Ideas for fireplace resolutions in 2018Fireplace Resolutions Image - Ann Arbor MI - Clean Sweeps of Michigan

Looking for ways to get the most out of your fireplace system in 2018? Try setting fireplace resolutions! The following are just a few ideas for easy fireplace resolutions that you can set in 2018.

  • Use the fireplace more.
    Don’t let your fireplace fade into the background in a room. Instead, set a goal to use your fireplace more!
  • Regularly clean out the firebox.
    Many homeowners are surprised to learn they do not need to clean out the firebox after every fire. In fact, a one-inch layer of ash on the bottom of the firebox can make it easier to both build and maintain your next fire. However, fireboxes should still be regularly cleaned. Try removing at least some ash after each fire and fully clean the firebox at the end of the burning season.
  • Forward schedule maintenance.
    Do you struggle to remember to schedule your annual chimney sweeping or inspection? Try forward scheduling your next maintenance appointments; forward scheduling helps you set your next chimney appointment at the end of the current one, much like you would do at the dentist or doctor.

Tips for keeping your fireplace resolutions on track all year long.

Keeping resolutions – no matter what they are for – can be difficult. Follow these three easy tips to help you stay on track with your fireplace resolutions in 2018.

  • Keep track of your resolutions.
    Whether you set weekly, monthly, or yearly goals for your fireplace, keeping track of them using a calendar or spreadsheet can help you achieve them. If you’re trying to use your fireplace more, use special symbols to keep track of days it is used on your calendar. Likewise, many companies will schedule your maintenance appointments months in advance; this gives you flexibility in appointment times – and one less thing on your to-do list.
  • Set realistic expectations.
    If you only used your fireplace a handful of times last year, setting a goal of using it at least once per week in 2018 may not be realistic. Making realistic goals makes them more achievable – and leaves you less likely to feel frustrated or discouraged.
  • Don’t give up entirely.
    While regular maintenance is important in making sure our fireplace burn their best, missing a few month’s of cleaning or rescheduling a chimney sweeping are unlikely to have a major impact on fireplace performance. Even if you don’t meet your usage or maintenance goals, don’t give up entirely; stay committed and enjoy getting the most out of your fireplace system the rest of the year!

Contact Us Today

When setting goals for the rest of the year don’t forget about your fireplace! While it may seem silly, setting fireplace resolutions can help you get the most out of your fireplace system. For more ideas on fireplace resolutions or to schedule your next maintenance appointment, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today.

Proper Ash Removal

When it comes to fireplace safety, many homeowners believe that their worries end as soon as the fire goes out. However, there is one important part of using a fireplace that should not be ignored – proper ash removal.

Knowing how to correctly remove and dispose of your ashes can not only make your home safer, but can also keep you from creating unnecessary messes and even be used in unexpected alternative ways. By taking the time to do it the right way, homeowners can rest assured that they have done everything in their power to keep their families and homes safe from accidental fires.

Proper ash removal - Ann Arbor MI - Clean Sweeps of michigan

 

Are ashes dangerous?

The limp and lifeless ashes that are left over after a fire are anything but menacing. While there is nothing inherently dangerous about ashes themselves, it’s what can be hidden in the ashes that can cause a safety concern.

Hot coals and embers can become trapped or hidden in pockets of ash; even after the fires dies out and the ashes begin to cool, these embers can remain dormant and ignite later on. “Wood ashes retain enough heat to ignite other combustible materials for several days.” This means that homeowners need to treat ash removal with care and caution, even if the fire has been out for some time.

Removing ashes – the wrong way

While everyone has their favorite way of cleaning the fireplace, many of the most popular ash removal methods are unsafe and incorrect. The following are a few examples of dangerous – or dirty – ash removal methods that should not be used.

  • Vacuum: Even if your vacuum has a HEPA filter, the fine ash particles often become airborne. This not only pollutes your air quality but can also stain walls and furnishings.
  • Paper bags: Putting ashes into a combustible container like a paper bag or cardboard box can lead to an unintentional fire if any coals or embers remain.
  • Trash cans: Many trash or dumpster fires are caused each year by not-quite cold ashes being mixed in with regular garbage.

Removing ashes – the right way!

Removing ashes the right way takes three things: time, patience, and a proper ash container. First, homeowners should let fires naturally extinguish. During this process, it is important to stoke and move the ashes frequently to prevent any coals or embers from remaining hidden in the ash. Depending on the size of the fire and how much wood was used, it may take a full day or longer for the ashes to cool completely.

After the ashes have cooled, it is important that they are placed in a proper container. A good ash container is metal, has a fitted lid, and does not sit directly on the ground. Ash containers should never be placed near combustible materials; this includes being stored indoors or in garages or sheds. Lastly, follow local rules or regulations when it comes to the time and location of ash disposal; many trash companies have rules about ash being picked up with regular garbage, even it is in a separate container.

If you don’t want your ashes to go to waste, consider using them in an alternative way. Ashes can be sprinkled in the garden to work as both a fertilizer and bug repellent. Likewise, they can also be used as a natural deicer for driveways and sidewalks – as long as you don’t mind dirty shoes!

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