If you’re a homeowner with a fireplace, there are many things you should know about using your fireplace safely. Fireplaces can be great selling tools when a home goes up for sale. But maintaining your fireplace and using basic fireplace safety can help you avoid injuries and property damageand causing a red flag before you put it up for sale. Here’s what you need to know.

Maintain Your Fireplace

A poorly maintained fire place can result in devastating household fires. Fireplace contractors inspect fireplaces, clean the chimney and recommend repairs if they’re needed. This needs to be done at least once annually to ensure that the fireplace is kept clean and in good condition. If the fireplace needs repair, this must be done before the fireplace can be safely used.

Keep Flammable Items Away from the Firebox

Sparks can fly out of the firebox when the fire is going strong. Keeping flammable items away from the firebox can help prevent house fires.

Practice Basic Safety When Using the Fireplace

When burning a fire in the fireplace, it’s important to practice basic safety rules.

• Never leave the fire burning unattended.
• Always close the screen when the fire is burning.
• Never leave children alone in a room with a fire.
• Put up a baby safety gate around the hearth when small children are in the home.
• Keep pets away from the fireplace.

Making these rules known to everyone in the home can help prevent fireplace-related accidents.

Keep Working Smoke Detectors in the House

Smoke detectors are important for any home, but they’re doubly important in a home where the fireplace is used regularly. Homeowners must test their smoke detectors on a quarterly basis and then replace the batteries as needed. It’s important to use smoke detectors that are also carbon monoxide detectors. If the smoke detectors in a home are not also carbon monoxide detectors, these must be installed separately.

Smoke detectors can expire. Homeowners should check the expiration date when they test the batteries, and replace the smoke detectors when they’re needed.

Work with a Qualified Professional

If you’re an Edina homeowner with a fireplace, work with a qualified fireplace repair person to ensure that your fireplace is kept in good condition. This includes having someone come out to check your electric fireplace on a regular basis. If you’re thinking about selling your home soon, have your fireplace totally repaired before listing the property for sale. This will help ensure that your home can sell for a good price.