Using Your Fireplace This Season? Make Sure to Do This First Add this to your winter maintenance checklist. Close Credit: Image Source / Getty Images Key Points Checking your fireplace before winter keeps your home safe by preventing hidden problems like blockages or fire hazards.A full winter prep should include cleaning the chimney, testing the draft, and making sure the damper and flue are clear.Call a professional if you notice smoke issues, strange smells, or debris, and follow basic safety steps like using detectors and burning proper wood. From preparing your garden to winterizing your pool, there are plenty of tasks to check off the list before the first frost. Fireplace maintenance is just one more thing to add. Enjoying a fire with hot chocolate on a snowy winter night is a simple seasonal joy. But after three seasons of disuse, there are several things to inspect before you spark the first flame. To ensure your fireplace is ready for winter festivities, we spoke to Vlad Khovan, owner of Chimney Sweep Service LLC. Ahead, we cover the essential winter fireplace maintenance tasks, the safety precautions homeowners should take, and the signs it's time to call a professional. Essential Winter Fireplace Maintenance Tasks Annual chimney inspections and cleaning are recommended, but if possible, schedule them twice a year—once before the heating season and once after, says Khovan. "Skipping this step can lead to creosote buildup, poor draft, smoke backing into the home, and a much higher risk of chimney fires or hidden structural issues going unnoticed," he says. According to Khovan, these are the four winter fireplace maintenance tasks to complete before lighting the first fire: Clean the chimney thoroughly: Hire a professional to remove creosote, soot, and debris. If left uncleaned, buildup can block airflow or even ignite a chimney fire. Throughout the season, clean up cooled ashes for ongoing maintenance.Check that the damper is functional: A working damper ensures smoke can properly escape when the fireplace is in use. A damaged or stuck damper can cause smoke to back up into your home and allow pests, moisture, or cold air to enter.Inspect for any blockages at the top of the chimney: A professional can identify signs of nests, leaves, or other debris that may restrict airflow.Perform a draft test: Light a small piece of paper in the firebox to make sure the smoke pulls straight up the chimney. Don't Miss 7 Smart Ways to Use Fireplace Ashes Around Your Home, According to Experts Should You Cover Your AC Unit in Winter? HVAC Experts Weigh In Signs Your Fireplace Needs Professional Attention Poor draft, difficulty starting a fire, smoke backing into the room, or debris, soot, or flaking materials inside the firebox after you've completed maintenance are all signs that you should contact a professional for help, says Khovan. If you notice unusual odors, cold air filtering down the chimney, or visible cracks, these may also indicate a structural issue that needs fixing. Winter Fireplace Safety When operating a fireplace, there are a few safety measures you should always have in place. Before the season begins, make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Burn only seasoned, dense hardwood, or quality manufactured logs, such as Duraflame. Khovan says to avoid burning recyclables, cardboard, loose scrap wood, or items that may be treated with chemicals. Burning these materials can release toxins into the air and, worse, your home. While a fire is burning, use a protective screen and keep flammable household items away from the hearth. Most importantly, never leave a fire burning unattended. Explore more: Cleaning & Organizing