Cozy, Not Crazy: How to Keep Your Fireplace Safe This Fall
There’s something about fall that makes us crave that warm glow of a crackling fire. But here’s the truth — as the temps drop, most homeowners fire up their fireplace without a second thought about what’s lurking inside the chimney.
Built-up soot, hidden cracks, or a stubborn bird’s nest can turn that cozy night in into a smoky (or even fiery) disaster.
At Brickhaus Chimney, we’re here to help you enjoy your fireplace without worrying about your living room turning into a campsite. Our certified technicians inspect, clean, and repair fireplaces all over Chicagoland, making sure your chimney’s draft, liner, and damper are in perfect working order before the first log ever touches flame.
Here’s the simple fall checklist for safe fireplace use:
- Schedule a professional chimney inspection – Every fall, before lighting your first fire.
- Have your chimney swept – Creosote buildup is sneaky and flammable.
- Check the damper – It should open and close smoothly (no stiff handles or gaps allowed).
- Inspect your hearth and mantel – Cracked masonry or loose stone? Get it repaired now, not mid-winter.
- Use seasoned firewood, Wet firewood = more smoke, less heat, and faster creosote buildup.
By taking care of your fireplace before the cold sets in, you’re protecting your home, your family, and your peace of mind. And bonus! A clean, efficient fireplace burns hotter, smells better, and keeps those heating bills lower.
Fall fills up fast, and chimney pros book out even quicker. Call Brickhaus Chimney today or book your fall fireplace inspection online so you can relax by the fire safely this season.
Picture this: It’s a crisp October evening. You’re wrapped in a blanket, a mug of cider in hand, your fireplace crackling perfectly — and no smoke alarms screaming in the background. That’s the Brickhaus way: Warmth, safety, and peace of mind all under one cozy roof. Remember the only thing that should be burning this fall is your firewood… not the rest of your house.