There are a number of things that you, as a home owner, need to do in order to ensure that your fireplace functions well enough to keep yourself and your family comfortably warm. It’s always a good idea to keep your fireplace maintained, so that in the colder times of the year, you won’t experience any functional problems with your fireplace when you need it the most.  Here are some of the methods you can use to maintain your fireplace and chimney:

• Do an inspection to ensure that your chimney’s bricks and mortar are intact.

• Get rid of any plants or moss that is growing between the bricks in the chimney.

• Use cement patch to fill up any cracks or gaps in your chimney crown.

• Take the chimney gap up and then check the flue liner to ensure that there’s no damage or obstructions in this area.

• See if there are any cracks or damage in the firebox.

• Check for creosote buildup in the flue liner.

• Use a flat shovel to remove the ashes and place them in a metal bucket. You can then empty the bucket around your garden or in a compost heap.

• Annually have your fireplace cleaned for you, by a professional.

• Make sure that you check the damper for proper operation.

• Use chemical cleaner and a metal brush to clean the stains in the firebox.

If you are looking for an experienced and affordable heating and cooling contractor in Ottawa to handle all of your Ottawa HVAC needs, then give us a call to get professional help with your central air conditioner, furnace or fireplace for a complete home comfort experience. We have decades of experience in home heating and cooling and Capital City Heating & Cooling provides all HVAC services including heating & air conditioning installation, repair, service & maintenance in Ottawa and surrounding areas.