While most of us love the warmth of a fireplace in the colder months, very few are as passionate about cleaning it. But while burning wood creates a cosy atmosphere and a comforting aroma, it also creates a fair bit of mess. Neglecting to clean up the soot, ash, and other debris that forms in your fireplace can cause problems, such as dust in the air, stains around the mantel and hearth, and an increased risk of house fire, among others. No matter what kind of fireplace you have, fireplace cleaning is an essential part of ownership.
The three most common fireplace fuels are wood, gas and electricity. Wood fireplaces are traditional and rustic, plus they can help reduce your power bills. Gas fireplaces are easy to use and provide heat with the push of a button, while electric fireplaces are easy, modern and convenient. Depending on the look, feel and functionality you’re going for, each can make a timeless and endlessly useful addition to your home. But whichever style you choose, you need to consider fireplace maintenance.
With 40+ years in the business, Home Fires knows a lot about fireplace upkeep. Here’s our guide to fireplace cleaning, both the process and the cost.
The Upkeep and Maintenance of Fireplaces
Fireplace cleaning is an ongoing responsibility. Here is the basic Homes Fires guide to how to stay on top of it to the best of your ability.
Wood fireplaces
Wood fireplaces require more detailed and frequent maintenance than other types. For example, chimneys need to be swept and inspected annually. If you use your wood fireplace often, plan to clean it at least once a week. Wear eye protection, a dust mask and gloves and make sure it’s been at least 24 hours after the fire has been extinguished.
Clear away any ashes, disposing of them using a fireplace shovel or brush. Mix a solution of warm water and dishwashing soap and use it to clean the grate. Scrub the grate until the buildup is removed, then rinse it and wipe it dry.
For the interior of your fireplace, put on your mask and use a dry bristle brush to clean the ashes off the walls and base. When the ash is cleared, vacuum or sweep it away. Use the damp brush and the cleaning solution to clean the interior of the fireplace, then wipe it down and let it dry fully before putting the grate back into place.
Gas fireplaces
While cleaning a gas fireplace is easier than cleaning a wood-burning one, we still recommend you read the manufacturer’s instructions first. There may be cleaning methods or safety precautions particular to your model.
Turn both the fireplace and the gas valve off fully, checking that the pilot light is out. Carefully remove the ceramic logs, remembering their position so you can put them back in the same place. Use a bristle brush to clear dust and soot from the logs and check the logs and connections for damage. With a vacuum cleaner or brush and shovel, clean away the debris you’ve removed from the logs and any other dust or cobwebs from inside the fireplace. Wipe down both the log insert and the metal part of the fireplace and reassemble.
Electric Fireplaces
There’s no doubt that electric fireplaces are the easiest of the trio to clean. Cleaning an electric fireplace mostly involves wiping dust from the glass and metal. Unplug the unit, remove dust and debris from the blower with a paintbrush and vacuum the blower and the interior of the fireplace.
Cost of Upkeep of Fireplaces
Fireplace maintenance takes a financial toll on top of the physical work required, although there are ways to keep costs down. Here’s how three of the most common fuel sources compare when it comes to the price of fireplace upkeep.
Wood fireplaces
Wood fireplaces have higher installation costs, with most of the expense coming from the chimney construction. However, once they’re up and running, wood fireplaces are cheaper to use than both gas and electric fireplaces and can even save you money on your power bills. Having a wood fireplace installed can range from a few thousand dollars to upwards of $10,000, while maintenance usually costs a few hundred dollars a year and involves chimney cleaning and firewood.
Gas fireplaces
Depending on the model and specifications, a gas fireplace can cost anywhere from $2000 to $10,000 to install. Without all the cleaning that wood fireplaces require, gas fireplaces are cheaper to maintain. Often, they only cost a couple of hundred dollars per year for professional servicing by a technician.
Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces are the most affordable to install and the cheapest to maintain, with occasional checks of the electrical components often the only measures needed. Costs for a unit can range from a few hundred dollars to a couple of thousand dollars. The state-of-the-art technology on many electric fireplaces replaces the look and sound of traditional log fireplaces, too, so you get the best of both worlds: a classic look and no fireplace cleaning.
Stay Warm with a Fireplace from Home Fires
Have you decided the time is right to finally have your dream fireplace installed in your home? As Sydney’s leading fireplace retailer, Home Fires has all the options you need from all of the leading lifestyle brands.
Our wood heaters and fireplaces allow you to embrace rustic allure and natural warmth. They have radiant heating that warms up the whole house. Many also come with efficient grates and ashpans that make cleaning easier.
Our gas fireplaces radiate warmth with modern simplicity and a strong focus on safety, while our electric fireplaces are convenient chic and have vivid and realistic flame effects.
Home Fires has industry-leading service and warranty from our long-standing suppliers. With supply, installation and service, we take a truly complete approach to your comfort in your home.
To stay warm this winter, drop into our Minto or Casula locations or contact the Home Fires team.
