Cooler temperatures mean many of us will soon be using our fireplaces as a source of heat to keep our house warm. Before Old Man Winter is here, take the time to do a visual inspection inside your fireplace. Use a bright flashlight and look up the fireplace from inside your house. Open and close the damper and make sure it works (and seals) properly. If it appears to be off when closed, it's like having a small window open all the time in your house, and that can be a huge waste of heat and energy. When it's open, look for animal nests or anything else that might be blocking the chimney. If you see anything at fault, have a professional come and inspect and repair before using it.
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