Any suggestions how to start my fireplace that is neither gas or electric?

by Fire Places on August 7, 2010

We just bought a house and the fireplace is neither gas or electric. Do I just put wood in the fireplace and open the damper. This is the first house I ever owned with a fireplace. We live in Southern California and it only gets cold in the winter. But I just want to prepare myself. Don’t want to burn the house down or smoke the house if you get my drift. Any suggestions how to start my fireplace that is neither gas or electric?


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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }

Mr C August 7, 2010 at 9:48 pm

I would buy a wood-burning fireplace and insert it into the original fireplace, as we did on my property.

Did you know, open fireplaces lose 90% heat up through the chimney, a radiant burner will heat up minium 25sq. mts. and no soot or ash over carpet until cleaning it out. Some burners that have flat-steel/iron surfaces can be used to keep warm the coffee pot, soups, late-night meals, etc

Use the flue system inside chimney, double your chances against internal combustion, as reader said above, clean chimney, soot turns into cresote which is flammable that causes internal fire, house burns down

Jen August 7, 2010 at 9:48 pm

Have your chimney inspected and clean. Carbon builds up within the shaft and birds sometimes nest in them which can catch on fire. You also want to be sure of structural integrity. After that, yes it’s as simple as opening the damper and burning wood.

Happy Camper August 7, 2010 at 9:48 pm

Many a man’s reputation would not know his character if they met on the street.

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