A fireplace can add a lot to a room, but it is important to remember that it must be used wisely to work properly. Today’s contemporary fireplaces come with all the bells and whistles, but there are a few things you can do to make sure it stays in top working order.

  1. Limit the amount of time you use your fireplace – Unless you have a wood burning stove whose main purpose is to heat your home, keep in mind, your fireplace is not a furnace. It shouldn’t be used non-stop. Instead, use it for a shorter period of time and not over five hours at once.
  2. Keep the firebox clean – Many contemporary fireplaces are wood burning. If that’s the case for yours, be sure to clean the area where the logs actually burn once a week when you are using it, but do keep about an inch of ashes in the firebox. They will act as insulation. They will also help the logs heat faster and retain their heat. During the months you don’t use your fireplace, you will want to remove all ashes.
  3. Use the services of a chimney sweep – If your fireplace has a chimney, and not all do, you want to make sure you have a certified chimney sweep clean and inspect the chimney at least once per year or after eighty fires.
  4. Be sure to have a chimney cap – A chimney cap will help stop water damage before it starts and keep animals from making your chimney their home. It will also keep your chimney free from debris. A build up of debris can cause carbon monoxide to come into your home.
  5. Choose furnishings wisely – When it comes to contemporary fireplaces, design is the name of the game, and that goes for your furniture as well. You want your home looking its very best and to express who you are as a person or family. Just keep in mind that sparks can fly out of a wood burning fireplace, so if you have a rug in front of it, you might want to consider using a nonflammable one. That way your rug won’t be damaged or melt.

Contemporary fireplaces are wonderful things and add a lot to your home, but there is some maintenance that comes with them to keep them looking their best and working their best. Most likely, you will receive care instructions with your fireplace, but be sure to add these to the list, and you should be able to enjoy your fireplace for the long haul.