Before that first cool evening of autumn, you should consider performing annual maintenance of your fireplace to ensure your fireplace is in proper working order.  You should never use your fireplaces as furnaces. 

The typical modern fireplace should only be used for short-durations, which means not more than five hours.  If you have glass doors, they should be open to permit air to be drawn up to cool the chimney.  However, the metal chain link screen should be drawn closed, which will prevent sparks from popping out and onto the flooring. 

In addition, you should never leave a fire unattended, especially in the presence of children.  Children should never be permitted to play with the fireplace tools or equipment and they should never be permitted to play near the fire. 

It is wise to invest in a flame retardant hearthrug.  These can usually be purchased from either a hardware store or at a fireplace-supply store.  Using a hearthrug will help prevent damage to your carpet, hardwood flooring and even stone flooring if a spark happens to pop out of the fireplace.  Before using your fireplace, inspect your fireplace tools to ensure that they are in good shape.  You should never use your hands or improvised tools when handling burning logs in your fireplace.  Fireplace tools are made especially for this task.   

To clean your glass fireplace doors, first make sure that the glass doors have completely cooled down.  Then if the if there is a thick pine resin on the glass, carefully scrape off the deposits using a razor blade.  Next, mix 1 tsp of dawn liquid dishwashing detergent in a gallon of warm water or one cup of white vinegar to a gallon of water.  Apply with newspaper.  Newspaper is lint-free.  If you do not want to make your own cleaner then you can purchase fireplace glass cleaner at your local fireplace or hardware store.  Do not use commercial glass cleaner that is not approved for use on fireplace doors.   

DO NOT VACUUM OUT YOUR FIREPLACE ASHES!

DO NOT PLACE ASHES IN A PAPER/PLASTIC BAG! 

Every year hundreds of house fires are caused by carelessness, simply because the homeowner either vacuumed or sweep what they thought were cold coals out of their fireplaces.  It is a known fact that fireplace coals can smolder for three day or longer, making them a potential fire hazard.  Therefore, it is recommended that you do not clean out your fireplace for three or more days.  When you do clean out your fireplace, make sure that the damper is open so that the airborne ash can be drawn up the chimney instead of into your room, always to wear a dust mask to prevent breathing in the ash.  Use a fireplace shovel and broom to remove the ashes.  Always place the ashes in a metal container.  Never place the ashes in a paper or plastic bag.  Store the container away from your house and away from any combustible materials.  Do not place the container on a wooden floor or other combustible surface. 

It is recommended that you have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean your chimney, every year.  While the chimney sweep is there, have him/her demonstrate how you should inspect your chimney and what warring signs you should look for.  92% of all chimney fires could have been prevented had the homeowner had their chimneys inspected and cleaned annually.   

Part of properly maintaining a fireplace involves cleaning the firebox (the area where the logs burn) at least once a week during the months of use.  When you burn wood, ash builds up inside your firebox.  It is recommended that you should leave approximately 1 inch of ash to act as insulation for the coals so that they will heat up quicker and retain heat longer.  More than an inch could pose a hazard.  During the months that you do not use your fireplace, you should completely clean out your firebox.    

Even if you have state-of-the-art fireplace doors, the exterior slate, brick, marble, ceramic tiles, or stone of your hearth will become coated with soot and ash.  To clean slate, brick, stone, or ceramic, clean these by scrubbing with a hand brush and clean, warm water.  If this will not remove the ash and soot, then use white vinegar.  Do not use soap or detergent.  You can also purchase a brick cleaner at a fireplace shop.  For marble, this is a very porous stone and requires special cleaners that you can also purchase from a fireplace shop.  

If you are burning fireplace coals, please take extra caution.  Fireplace coals will remain hot for several days after they were used and can cause severe burns when handled improperly.  As always, please keep children and pets away from the fireplace.  Also, ensure that all flammable materials have been moved away from the fireplace as well.  Coals can pop from the fireplace and smolder in a carpet for hours.  When you take precautions, you ensure safe use and enjoyment of your fireplace. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your fireplace, please contact your local chimney sweep professional.  Remember, it is good luck to shake hands with a chimney sweep.