The arrival of Spring means that homeowners will start using their gas, electric, and wood-burning fireplaces less frequently. While this break from regular use might seem like a good time to forget about fireplace maintenance, it’s actually very important to follow some specific guidelines during Spring in order to keep your fireplace safe and ready for when the colder weather returns. Here are some tips from the experts at New England Hearth & Home on how to properly maintain your fireplace during Springtime!

Importance of Routine Fireplace Maintenance

One of the most important things to remember about fireplace maintenance is that it’s not something you should only do when there’s a problem. Just like your car or your home’s HVAC system, your fireplace needs routine care and attention in order to function properly and safely. While it’s true that you might not be using your fireplace as much during the Spring and Summer months, that doesn’t mean you should neglect it completely. In fact, Spring is the perfect time to perform some routine maintenance tasks that will help keep your fireplace in good shape all year long!

Here are a few tips on how to properly maintain your gas, electric, or wood-burning fireplace this Spring:

Inspect Your Fireplace & Chimney for Any Damage

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your fireplace is to inspect it regularly for any damage. If you have a gas or electric fireplace, be sure to check the glass panel for any cracks or chips. Also, take a look at the seals around the doors and vents to make sure they are intact and not leaking any air. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, be sure to inspect the firebox for any cracks or damage. Also, check the chimney for any blockages or debris.

Clean Your Fireplace & Chimney

Another important part of fireplace maintenance is keeping your fireplace and chimney clean. This is especially important if you have a wood-burning fireplace, as creosote can build up in the chimney and pose a serious fire hazard. Be sure to sweep out your fireplace on a regular basis, and have your chimney cleaned at least once a year by a professional. It is recommended to clean your fireplaces every day when in use and then once a week when not in use.

Keep the Area Around Your Fireplace Clear of Debris

Although your fireplace may not be in use as often in the Springtime, it’s still important to keep the area around it clear of debris. This includes things like newspapers, magazines, and any other flammable materials. Be sure to sweep and vacuum the area around your fireplace on a regular basis to prevent any accidents. This time of year, many homeowners choose to decorate their mantles with fresh flowers.  While this may look nice, it’s important to be aware that some flowers can actually be quite flammable. If you do choose to decorate your mantle with fresh flowers, be sure to use non-flammable vases, keep them away from any open flames, and promptly sweep any petals or stems that may have fallen.

Frequently Check Your Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Last but not least, be sure to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on a regular basis. This is important regardless of whether you have a gas, electric, or wood-burning fireplace. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can save your life in the event of a fire or gas leak, so it’s important to make sure they are in good working condition at all times.

Contact Our Fireplace Experts for Installation, Maintenance, & Inspection Services in Canton, MA

As you can see, there are a few things you need to do in order to properly maintain your fireplace during the Springtime. By following these tips, you can be sure that your fireplace will be safe and ready to use when the colder weather returns. If you’re looking to install a new fireplace, be sure to contact the experts at New England Hearth & Home. We are Canton, MA’s leading provider of fireplace installation, repair, and inspections, and we would be happy to help you with all of your fireplace needs! To get started today, give us a call at 781-562-0771, or fill out our online form.

If you’re a homeowner, it’s important to be aware of your fireplace insurance coverage. In the event that your fireplace causes damage to your home or property, it’s crucial that you are fully covered. Many homeowners don’t realize that their regular home insurance policy will likely cover fireplace damages and repairs. However, it’s always best to check with your insurance company to be sure. In this blog post, we will discuss fireplace insurance in detail and provide some tips on how to keep your fireplace functioning safely and smoothly.

Importance of Routine Fireplace Maintenance & Annual Inspections

If you have a fireplace in your home, it’s important to have it inspected regularly by a professional. This will help to identify any potential problems and ensure that your fireplace is functioning safely. In addition, routine maintenance and annual inspections can help to prolong the life of your fireplace and prevent costly repairs down the road. It’s also important to have your fireplace, chimney, or stove cleaned by a professional once a year. This helps to remove any soot or debris that has built up over time.

Will My Home Insurance Policy Cover Annual Cleanings & Inspections?

Yes, in most cases, home insurance policies will cover the costs of annual fireplace cleanings, routine maintenance, and professional inspections. However, it’s important to check with your insurer to be sure. If you do need to make a claim for fireplace-related damages, your policy should cover those as well. Keep in mind that not all home insurance policies are created equal, so it’s  always a good idea to review your policy documents carefully.

Home Insurance and Fireplace Damage

In the unfortunate event that your home is damaged because of a fireplace-related complication, it’s important to know if your home insurance policy will cover the costs. Most policies do provide coverage for fireplace damage, but it’s best to check with your insurance company to be sure.

Does Insurance Cover Emergency Fireplace Repair?

If you’re in a bind and need fireplace repairs right away, be sure to contact your insurance company. Many times, they will have a list of approved contractors that they work with. This can help to speed up the process and get your fireplace repaired as soon as possible. In the critical case that your home has suffered severe fire damage caused by your fireplace, home insurance will most likely cover the costs of repairing or rebuilding your home.

Contact Us for Gas, Electric, & Wood Fireplace Installation & Maintenance Services in Canton, MA

When you’re ready to install a new fireplace in your house, check your homeowner’s insurance coverage and their fireplace liability coverage to be certain that you’re covered if anything goes wrong. Depending on the terms of your policy, it might also cover maintenance and repair expenses. New England Hearth & Home provides fireplace installation, annual inspections and routine maintenance for homeowners in Canton, MA and the surrounding area. Our experts can help you choose the right fireplace for your home and budget, as well as ensure that it is properly installed. Contact us today at 781-562-0771, or visit our website to schedule a consultation.

A fireplace is a beautiful addition to any home, but it can also be a source of heat and comfort during a power outage. In this blog post, we will provide instructions for how to operate your fireplace during a blackout. If you have a gas fireplace, you can still use it during a power outage as long as you have backup fuel available. For wood-burning fireplaces, you can still use it by building a fire using newspaper and kindling. Although it’s not common knowledge, if your home features an electric fireplace, you can still use it without power by manually igniting the pilot light. In this blog you will learn how to safely ignite and operate your fireplace in the event of a blackout.

Preparing Your Fireplace for Safe Usage

Similar to times when your power is fully functioning, it is important to follow all safety precautions and guidelines before operating your home’s fireplace or stove. In the case of a power outage, you will want to:

• Check that your fireplace is properly ventilated before starting a fire;
• Inspect your fireplace for any damage that may have occurred during the power outage;
• And ensure that there are no liquids or flammable materials near your fireplace.

If everything looks good and you are ready to start a fire, continue reading for detailed instructions on how to operate your gas, electric, or wood fireplace during a power outage. If you discover any sort of damage that may make the fireplace dangerous to use, it’s always a good idea to postpone igniting your fireplace until you get expert repair help. At New England Hearth & Home, we offer routine maintenance for chimneys and fireplaces, as well as annual inspections. Visit our website for more information on how to schedule an appointment.

Igniting a Gas Fireplace During an Electrical Blackout

Since these fireplaces and stoves operate on a gas source, there is no need to alter your ignition method in the event your home loses power. If you have a gas fireplace, the best way to ignite it is with a long match or a lighter. Once the fireplace is lit, there’s no need to worry about running out of gas because the fireplace will continue to draw fuel from the gas line.

Can You Operate an Electric Fireplace During a Power Outage?

If you have an electric fireplace, the good news is that you can still operate it during a power outage as long as you have a backup source of ignition. Many electric fireplaces come with a built-in battery pack that will allow you to ignite the pilot light manually.

Stay Warm in a Power Failure Using a Wooden Fireplace

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, then you’re in luck. Not only can you continue to use your fireplace during a power outage, but it’s also an excellent way to keep your home warm. Just make sure that you have a good supply of wood on hand so that you don’t run out in the middle of the night.

Visit Our Showroom in Canton, MA to Speak With Our Fireplace Experts

If you have any questions about fireplace operation during a power outage, or if you need help installing or repairing your fireplace, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to help! New England Hearth & Home is the best place to go for all of your fireplace needs. We have years of experience in the industry and we ‘re passionate about helping our customers find the perfect fireplace for their home. Call us today at 781-562-0771, or visit our showroom in Canton, MA today to speak with one of our fireplace experts. We look forward to meeting you!