Time to clean fireplaces, space heaters, and more

Here’s a clear, seasonal guide you can use—great for homeowners, tenants, or as a handout/checklist.

🔥 Fireplaces

Wood-Burning Fireplaces

• Have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected once a year.
• Clear out ash and debris before first use.
• Check the damper to ensure it opens and closes smoothly.
• Inspect the firebox for cracks or loose bricks.

Gas Fireplaces

• Clean the glass and remove dust from logs and burners.
• Inspect for gas leaks or unusual odors—if you suspect anything, call a professional.
• Test the ignition system before cold weather hits.

🔥 Space Heaters

• Vacuum dust from vents, grills, and heating elements.
• Inspect the cord—no fraying, cracking, or loose connections.
• Keep at least 3 feet of clearance from anything flammable.
• Plug directly into a wall outlet, never a power strip.
• Test safety shutoff (tip-over switch and overheat protection).

🔥 Furnaces / HVAC Systems

• Replace or clean air filters.
• Clean around the unit—remove storage boxes or clutter.
• Inspect vents and registers for blockages.
• Schedule a professional tune-up if you haven’t had one in a year.

🔥 Dryer Vents

• Clean the lint trap before every cycle.
• Vacuum behind and under the dryer.
• Clean the entire dryer vent duct annually (or more often for large households).

🔥 Smoke & CO Detectors

• Test all alarms.
• Replace batteries if they’re older than 12 months.
• Replace units older than 10 years (smoke) or 5–7 years (CO).

🔥 Outdoor Heating Equipment

Fire pits, chimineas, patio heaters

• Clear out ash, leaves, and spider webs.
• Check propane hoses for cracking.
• Secure heaters to prevent tipping in wind.