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Related Topics

• Wise Wood Burning
• Silent Menace in Your Home: Carbon Monoxide
• Tara Aronson's April Home Checklist
• Carbon Monoxide
• Checklist for Winter

Quick-Links

• Tips for burning and safety from the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association.

For those with hearth products, the time to start refurbishing and cleaning is now. A jump on the "burn" season usually means a better deal, as well as faster service, so maintenance should be completed well before the first cold snap. Hire a professional to inspect the chimney and clean it if necessary. Log on to the Chimney Safety Institute of America Web site to find a certified chimney sweep in your area, or inquire about one at your local hearth retailer.

Chimneys

• If the chimney doesn't have a cap, install one to prevent debris or animals from falling inside and creating a blockage.

   

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• Keep the area around the stove or fireplace free from furniture and flammable materials.
  
  
• For added safety, have both a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector installed.

Gas Fireplaces

• For a gas fireplace, clean the logs and adjust the "embers" for maximum effect.
  
  
• Clean the fan, air passages and glass screens.
  
  
• Be sure any vents are unobstructed.
  
  
• Consider contacting a specialty retailer who is trained in servicing gas fireplaces to get a comprehensive maintenance plan.

For more information about the wide variety of hearth products, as well as maintenance and safety tips, visit www.hpba.org.