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One of the best ways to know your chimney is good to go on any given night is to simply look up into your flue with a flashlight. If you see a thick buildup of creosote—a shiny, dark substance that looks like tar—it’s best to have your fireplace professionally cleaned before you go ahead with the burn. Additionally, having your fireplace professionally inspected once per year can also help increase your peace of mind and keep your family and your home safe.

You can install your own fire door, but since it’s a safety measure in your home (and often the only way to passively slow down a fire), you should rely on professional door installers. These contractors know exactly what to do and how to do it, and in our opinion, their costs are worth every penny.

No, you should never leave a fireplace burning overnight or unattended during the day. While fireplaces are made to contain fires, fires can and do spread from fireplaces, so it’s crucial that you’re there to monitor them and put them out if needed. If you’re worried about putting out a fire before bed, stop feeding it fuel long before bedtime and actively put out the fire using your poker, a shovel, and some baking soda.

While your forced heating system runs, it can pick up dirt, dust, hair, and other particles from inside your house. Changing your furnace filters regularly is key to preventing this debris from getting stuck in your ducts and swirling around your home. With some types of furnaces, there’s also the potential for carbon monoxide leaks. However, staying up-to-date with your HVAC inspections and installing carbon monoxide sensors can help mitigate this risk.