In winter months, fireplaces give a cosy atmosphere and provide heat. However, burning things which are not intended to get burnt may damage your chimney or burn toxic fumes, which can put your health and safety at risk. Proper fireplace care, coupled with annual inspections by professionals, such as A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps, ensures that your fireplace operates safely and efficiently.
In this blog, we highlight the things that should never be burned in a fireplace and the reasons for avoiding these items for your safety and the health of your chimney.
Why Burning the Right Materials Matters?
Not every fireplace is made for every material, which means burning the wrong stuff can give an unusual fallout. From toxic fumes to blown-up ones inside a chimney, the inappropriate practice of burning puts one’s health and home as well as the effectiveness of the fireplace at risk. An understanding of what is and is not okay for burning in a fireplace is your first step toward healthier and cleaner burning.
Which are the things you should never burn in your fireplace?
- Burnt or Treated Wood
Burning treated or painted wood or using leftover furniture as fuel might seem a tempting idea; however, it is by no means a good idea. These types of woods mostly contain chemicals such as arsenic, formaldehyde, and even lead, and upon combustion, they give off toxic fumes into the air. When inhaled into the lungs, they can cause respiratory disease and other health hazards. Use seasoned wood that has not undergone any treatments for clean, efficient burning.
- Plastic and Styrofoam
Burning plastics or Styrofoam poses an inherent hazard. When burned, it will release toxic chemicals, such as dioxins and furans, into the air. These toxic gases can deteriorate the indoor air quality of your home while they are being emitted into the environment. Burning plastic and foam materials is contrary to nature, designed not to burn. It will leave sticky, flammable residues in your chimney.
- Cardboard and Paper Products
The cardboard boxes, magazines, and even paper ignite very quickly, burning at a heat so intense that it can damage the inside of your fireplace. Furthermore, the inks, dyes and adhesives used in making these materials cause harm by releasing chemicals upon burning. Moreover, flying embers or pieces of burning cardboard can pose a fire hazard by escaping through the chimney or into your living space.
- Wet or Green Wood
It is not very helpful to use wet or green wood as fuel. It does not burn well, produces lots of smoke, and builds creosote in your chimney very combustible residue that builds up in your chimney. Over time, creosote makes serious chimney fires much more likely to occur. Wood should always be properly seasoned and dried for at least 6-12 months.
- Household Garbage
Burning rubbish like food wrappers, clothes, or kitchen scraps may sound very convenient, but it is quite dangerous. Household rubbish mostly contains chemicals, plastics, or synthetic fibres that, when burnt, emit hazardous toxins. Dispose of waste properly through recycling or trash collection rather than firewood into an incinerator.
- Christmas Tree and Pine Branches
It sounds very nice to burn parts of a Christmas tree, pine and branches. They are very rich in sap and resin. The result is that when burned, they release sparks and create quick formation of creosote, thereby increasing the risk of incurring a chimney fire. Dispose of Christmas trees properly through recycling programs.
- Driftwood
Driftwood collected from lakes or oceans may appear dry and safe to burn, but it usually contains salt. Burning salt-laden driftwood releases toxic chlorine gas which can damage your fireplace and puts serious health risks on your inhalation. Therefore, refrain from burning any wood that is exposed to saltwater.
- Charcoal or Coal
Fireplaces are constructed to burn firewood, not charcoal and coal. With its burning intensity much higher than that of wood, charcoal produces carbon monoxide, colourless and odourless gas in dangerous concentrations when it accumulates indoors. Invest in a stove purposely manufactured for burning coal if you want to use it.
- Dryer Lint
While dryer lint ignites quickly, it contains synthetic fibres, chemicals, and residue from detergents that release toxins when burned. Many people use dryer lint as a fire starter, but it’s not worth the health risks associated with the chemical fumes it produces. Use natural fire starters instead, like dry kindling or wood shavings.
- Glossy or Colored Paper
Magazines, brochures, and gift wraps often have a glossy finish or vibrant colours, achieved through chemical inks. Burning these materials releases toxic fumes and heavy metals that can be harmful to your health. Avoid throwing anything with ink or chemical coatings into your fireplace.
Why Professional Chimney Maintenance Matters?
Even with careful burning practices, chimney maintenance is crucial to ensure safety and efficiency. Creosote, soot, and debris accumulation over time cause blockages that eventually restrict ventilation and create a potential fire hazard. Hire professionals like A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps for all the inspections and cleaning to make sure your chimney remains clear, functional, and safe for use.
A Step in Time Chimney sweeps can catch and report on potential hazards, including cracks, blockages or structural damage, and advise appropriate expert solutions for keeping your fireplace in shape. Annual professional chimney inspection also keeps most costly repairs at bay and assures safe experience during burning.
Conclusion
A fireplace can provide warmth, comfort, and charm to a household, but only when used in the most effective way. Avoid burning risky materials treated lumernae, plastics, trash, and wet wood to save the health of your family’s lungs from chimney damage. Safe burning practices coupled with regular inspections and cleaning by trusted professionals such as A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps will make the fireplace a safe and cozy centerpiece for many years to come.
Don’t wait for a problem to pop up: schedule your chimney inspection with A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps today, and enjoy a worry-free burning season!
