A functional fireplace is an extremely sought-after feature in any home. Regardless of the climate, a fireplace can provide a special coziness and warmth for everyone to enjoy. However, it's important to practice fireplace safety habits and keep up with maintenance. Here are some basic tips for safely enjoying your fireplace at home:
Chimney sweeping should be left to the professionals, but you can still minimize some soot buildup yourself. The easiest way to do so is to only burn seasoned hardwood or manufactured logs as they burn cleaner than other types of firewood. After each fire, clean out the firebox by scooping dry ashes and toss them in a metal container.
It's important to burn only wood or manufactured logs in your fireplace. Other things like paper can be great kindling material to build a fire, but it can also fly up and out when burned in large amounts. Any paper with a glossy finish like photographs or magazine pages can release toxic fumes when they burn too. Stick to clean, simple fuel for the safest fire.
One often forgotten safety tip is to open a window when you light a fire. Not only will this help your fire burn efficiently, it will allow more oxygen into the room for easier breathing. A fire burns oxygen as well as wood, so the more you can add back into the environment, the safer it will be.
Be careful not to position furnishings or belongings too close to your fireplace. Even with a grate or glass door, fireplaces can put out tremendous heat, causing damage and possible fire risk. Embers can spark and fly out of your fireplace but won't cause any harm unless they fall onto something flammable. Keep area rugs, furniture and decor at a safe distance to have the safest possible fire.
Buying and selling real estate isn't a do-it-yourself endeavor. You need a home pricing expert, a skilled negotiator, and someone who's been trained and inspired by the best in the business. With over 30 years of experience in both real estate and the customer service industries, Nicki truly puts her clients first.
While the Binghamton area was where she was born and raised, she knew the Capital Region was the perfect place to raise her 2 sons. Since travel sports were a large part of their lives, there isn't a town from Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, and Saratoga Counties she isn't familiar with.
Her core values in her commitment to her clients are integrity, hard work, and specialized attention to every aspect of the home buying process. She prides herself in being an innovative thinker, coming up with creative and practical solutions for her clients. Whether you are buying your first home, ready to expand, or downsizing she would love to help you reach your real estate goals! Welcome Nicki!
