When my roommates and I made a “wish list” of features we wanted in our new Chicago apartment, a fireplace was near the top. Now that the freezing winter is here, we’re glad that we were able to find an apartment that had a cozy, warm fireplace in the dining room.
Fireplaces add warmth and value to an apartment, but they are also potentially dangerous when not taken care of. To keep your apartment safe, take a few precautions. You might have to bug your landlord to take care of some of these safety precautions, but it’s worth it to keep your place fire-safe.
- Make sure your landlord has cleaned the fireplace. If you have a wood-burning fire, ask your landlord whether it’s been cleaned this winter. Experts recommend having a professional chimney and fireplace cleaning every year to prevent creosote build-up that can cause chimney fires.
- Check your smoke detectors. If you’re not sure when the batteries to your smoke detectors were last changed, ask your landlord to replace them. If smoke began to build up in the fireplace, it’s crucial that all your fire alarms function properly.
- Don’t leave the fire unattended. Never go to sleep with the fireplace still burning, and keep an eye on it while you’re in the apartment. Even with a screen, small paper holiday decorations, tinsel, and Christmas tree needles could get into the fireplace and spread the flames.
- Keep fire extinguishers on hand. In the event that sparks leap onto furniture, decorations, or your Christmas tree, you’ll need an easily-accessible, functioning fire extinguisher. Your landlord should have provided your apartment with one, and you should double-check that it has been inspected recently.
- Use only seasoned hardwood in your fireplace. Never burn cardboard, trash, or lighter fluid, and avoid wet logs that can accelerate creosote build-up. If you use artificial logs, only burn one at a time.
For more information on fireplace safety tips, check out the U.S. Fire Administration and Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association websites.
I USED TO USE MY FIREPLACE EVERY WINTER. THEY ARE VERY COZY AND BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT BUT THE UPDRAFT OF THE FIRE PULLS A LOT OF HEAT OUT OF THE CHIMNEY.
I HAVE FOUND SOMETHING SAFER AND EASIER TO USE BUT WITHOUT THE BEAUTY OF GLOWING EMBERS. NOW I USE OIL CIRCULATING HEATERS IN THE COLDER ROOMS OF MY HOUSE. MY LIVING ROOM AND DINING ROOM ARE DIRECTLY OVER THE GARAGE AND THOSE 2 ROOMS WERE CONSTANTLY COLD NO MATTER HOW MUCH I RAN THE CENTRAL HEAT. BESIDES THAT, ALL THE HEAT GOES UPSTAIRS ANYWAY.
WITH THE “VERY QUIET” OIL CIRCULATING HEATERS, THE ROOM STAYS WARMER AND THE CENTRAL FURNACE DOES NOT CONSTANTLY TURN ON AND OFF.
WHEN I’M HOME ALONE, I TURN MY CENTRAL HEAT DOWN TO 60 DEGREES AND CLOSE THE BEDROOM DOOR AND WARM ONLY MY ROOM WITH THE OIL CIRCULATING HEATER. WHY KEEP THE WHOLE HOUSE WARM? MY NATURAL GAS BILL IS USUALLY VERY LOW.
HOPE THIS HELPS SOME OF YOU. YOU CAN BUY AN OIL CIRCULATING HEATER FOR AROUND $60.