If you have a wood burning fireplace, yes. You should have your chimney inspected and cleaned once a year by a certified chimney sweep. Light Brite Distributing does not do this type of work but we do have contact numbers for sweeps in western Illinois and eastern Missouri that can do this for you. Feel free to give us a call, if you’d like a referral.

If you have a gas fireplace, cleaning of the vent is not required.

Do a quick visual inspection of the interior firebrick and flue to make sure it doesn’t need any extra attention. And make sure the damper is closed when not in use.

We can install a direct vent insert into most fireplaces. This is one of the most efficient types of     fireplaces and will help eliminate a lot of the cold drafts that older systems have. If you’re tired of   burning wood, you might want to consider a gas fireplace. A gas log is the easiest way to have a fire   without the mess of burning wood. Log sets can be either vented or vent free.

Vented fireplaces are vented out of the house, up through the roof or a chimney chase. Most of these use room air for combustion.

Direct vent fireplaces use a double layer pipe. The outer pipe is used for exterior air intake for combustion, and then the exhaust vents out of the inner pipe. Most of these fireplaces can be vented either up through the roof or even through a wall.

Vent free fireplaces are just that – vent free. They claim to have the best energy efficiency but, please, do your homework – read up on the pros and cons of the vent free units. These units use air from the room for combustion and most of these will suggest cracking open a window or door to let fresh, replacement air in. The high efficiency rating goes right out that cracked window or door.

Use a metal can with a lid and shovel for removal. Once completely cooled, fireplace ashes can be disposed in the trash or spread into a garden or planting bed. (Check with your local gardening club on the best ways to do this.) 

Treat wood burning stoves the same as a wood burning fireplace. It’s important to have it inspected and cleaned once a year.

Burning good, dry hard wood, is what helps keep the creosote down. Purchase a moisture meter (sold at hardware stores and Light Brite Distributing) to make sure that it’s not over 20% - 25% max. Keep the wood dry, off the ground and rotate to make sure you’re burning the seasoned, dry wood.

Know what type of fireplace you have. This is   extremely helpful when customers call looking for   service. Is it a wood burning fireplace? Is it a wood   burning fireplace with a gas log installed? Is it a direct   vent fireplace (glass covering the opening to the logs)?   Where did it come from? Who installed it? Who is the   manufacturer?

 All manufactured fireplaces will have a rating plate   attached. It might be riveted close to the front, inside and   above the side refractory. Or it will be behind the lower   grill under the firebox in the control department (area with valve, gas line shut off).