Get matched with top fire pit installation pros in Somis, CA

The damper, located just above the firebox, can open or close the chimney flue. The damper should remain closed unless there’s a fire burning in the fireplace. Closing the damper prevents energy loss through the chimney and cold air from seeping into the home during the winter. Opening the damper helps maintain airflow when there is a fire and prevents smoke and gases from venting into the house.

Smoke detectors come in two different options: hardwired or battery-operated. While hardwired units are attached directly to the home’s electrical system, a battery-operated smoke detector only needs a simple battery for operation and can be placed virtually anywhere in your home. Some homeowners may mistakenly think their battery-operated units are hardwired in because all their units are interconnected, but many battery-operated units can operate within a smoke alarm network in your home.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, dryers and washing machines cause over 15,000 fires a year, with dryers causing about 92 percent of those fires. Because dryer fires are more common than you might think, it’s important to clear the lint trap regularly and have annual dryer vent cleanings.

You don’t have to put smoke detectors in every room. At a minimum, though, there should be one on every level of your home, one in every bedroom, and one in the hallways outside the bedrooms. If you have a floor without bedrooms, place a smoke detector in the living room or next to any stairs that lead to an upper level. Attics and basements should also have at least one smoke alarm.