National Fireplace Month: Fire It Up for Fall

With autumn upon us, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) has declared October as National Fireplace Month to bring attention and educate fireplace owners about scheduling annual service and maintenance tasks as temperatures cool down. Although some parts of the country will see the season change before others, inevitably winter is coming. HPBA encourages homeowners to learn more and help promote fireplace safety as we welcome the home heating season.

Fireplace Facts
It’s hard not to love the cozy and welcoming heat of a gas fireplace. HPBA’s recent Hearth Ownership and Market Potential Study shows that:

• More than half of all homeowners (57 percent) have some type of fireplace, stove or insert in their home.
• In the winter, 38 percent of hearth product owners use their fireplace, freestanding stove, fireplace insert or fire pit almost every day.
• 81 percent of hearth product owners love their fireplace, stove or insert.

#FireItUp For Fall
For fireplace and stove owners, fall is an exciting time -- it means that most fireplaces will soon be used for the first time since last season and loved ones gather around the hearth for warmth and coziness. It is important that fireplace owners take the appropriate precautions to make certain their appliance is ready to be used safely. HPBA provides a number of homeowner resources on fireplace preparedness to help you prepare depending on the type of appliance. Let us help keep you safe and warm this fall and winter.

Gas Fireplace Safety Tips

• Have a technician check the gas lines, clean the burner and control compartment as well as check for condensation annually.
• Install a protective screen to reduce the risk of burns by preventing direct contact with hot glass. Request a safety barrier screen from Heatilator here.
• Warn those around that the glass could be very hot and supervise children, the aged, infirm or pets when in operation or recently turned off.
• If burning vent-free logs for more than an hour, crack a window open. If using vented logs, clamp your fireplace damper into the open position so it never closes.
• Be alert for unusual odors or flames, which are often a sign that the fireplace is not operating properly.

Whether you are a current fireplace owner or looking to become one this winter, keep these tips in mind to have a safe and warm winter. Check out HPBA.org/FireItUp and these Gas Fireplace Safety Tips to learn more.