What maintenance is needed for a wood burning fireplace?

I HAVE A WOOD BURNING FIREPLACE THAT HAS AN EXTENTION CORD ATTACHED

Public Comments

1. what? are you sure an extension cord? I'm a mason contractor and no wiring should be in a fire place. maybe it is a fake fire place? but a real one,.... call a mason to have that checked out.
2. Does the cord run a fan? OK... we need to be specific... do you have a fireplace, or a woodstove? Any chimney needs periodic cleaning with a brush the entire length of the chimney. The trap at the bottom of the chimney should be cleaned out every time the chimney is cleaned. Also, if the trap allows for this, use a mirror to look up the chimney and see if you see anything other than what you should see... ie protrusions that might indicate a break in the chimney liner, bird nests etc etc. Some chimneys have clay liners, and some have stainless steel liners... depending upon which your's has, you will need the appropriate brush. Brushes and the fiberglass rods that attach to them so that they can be rammed through a chimney, are available at most hardware stores. The lengths of fiberglass rods screw together, so make ABSOLUTELY sure they are screwed together adequately before you insert them into the chimney. Fibreglass is not known for conducting electricity, however, make 100% sure that when you are taking the brush and rod combination out of the chimney that it does not come near power lines. Since I have a woodstove, I can only really speak to the maintenance of that particular appliance. Glass doors need special cleaners, fire bricks that crack need replacing, the pipe leading smoke to the chimney should be cleaned at least as often as the chimney itself. Oh, and, of course, ashes need to be removed. I believe you have a wood stove because you mention a cord... which I expect runs a fan... the fan circulates cooler air around the stove which makes the cooler air hotter air... the whole idea of having a stove! Fans can be problematic because they tend to vibrate making a very annoying noise... the good ones don't do this as much... but they all tend to pick up dust bunnies which need to be cleaned up. As far as a fireplace goes... the traditional brick monsters... the mortar between the bricks needs periodic cleaning as does the brick from the carbon buildup caused by the actual burning of wood. A mason could tell you what type of cleaner to use, but I expect one that is mildly acidic would work nicely. However, aside from keeping your chimney clean with a brush, maintaining an adequate supply of seasoned, dry wood is your next biggest chore. Seasoned wood is wood that has been "off of the stump" and preferably split and piled for at least 18-24 months. Some people will burn wood that's been off of the stump for less than a year very successfully... I fit in this category. But I have an air tight, fuel efficient stove. And I try my best to keep the wood inside at least a month before I plan to burn it, so it's not wet from rain or snow. Burning "green" or unseasoned wood, or wet wood results in inefficient combustion and the build up of creosote in the chimney... a dangerous problem if you can't get on your roof in the winter to clean it. Anyway... enough said? Hope some of this helps!
3. The maintenance is easy clean the flue every year with a brush the same size as your flue thats about it. The cord is for a blower
4. You might have a built in fan. I've seen it once. anyway, the best maintenance for a fireplace or wood burning stove is literally keeping them clean. Spring and fall cleaning the flu or chimney. Making sure your draft is clean and clear of objects( looking in a basement or around the base of a chimney for a vent cover) and no rats nests are inside of them. keeping your chimney cap clean of birds nests and the like. a clean chimney is less likely to capture gases and start chimney fires. the vent at the base of the chimney allows for updraft through the chimney and keeping both clean on a regular basis makes you and your home much safer.