With the arrival of cold days, the ritual of lighting the fireplace returns to many Portuguese homes. The crackling of the wood and the heat that radiates from it continue to be, for many, signs of comfort and a return to a seasonal routine that spans generations. But there is an essential point that remains in the shadow of this domestic habit.
According to the website specializing in finance, Ekonomista, there are structural and safety precautions that should not be ignored before starting the season of use.
Maintenance before lighting the first fire
Cleaning the chimney appears as the first unavoidable step. The accumulation of creosote, a highly flammable substance resulting from the combustion of wood, increases with prolonged use of the fireplace. According to the same source, a lack of annual cleaning can lead to fires that start silently inside the duct and only become visible when they have reached dangerous proportions.
In addition to the chimney, it is important to check the condition of the fireplace structure. Small cracks in internal or external walls can compromise efficiency and allow smoke to escape. The chimney damper must also be inspected to confirm that it opens and closes effortlessly and that it maintains adequate circulation. The protective grille, which is often neglected, needs to be intact and stable to prevent sparks or small glowing fragments from escaping into the room.
The choice of firewood influences performance
The way wood is selected and stored has a direct impact on the quality of the fire. The firewood must be dry, with at least six months of drying and ideally a year. Woods such as oak, beech or ash guarantee slower and more uniform combustion, allowing for prolonged heat. Damp wood, on the other hand, produces more smoke, generates less heat and accelerates the formation of deposits in the chimney.
Resinous woods, such as pine, can be used occasionally, but are not recommended for continuous use due to the release of resins. Storing firewood in a covered and ventilated place is half the way to ensuring good combustion throughout the season.
Strategies for maximizing heat at home
Before lighting the fire, the damper must be opened completely to create sufficient draft. The initial structure must be made with firelighters and small pieces of wood that allow air circulation. Once the main fire has formed, the damper can be adjusted, but never completely closed while there are active flames or embers.
Devices such as heat exchangers or metal plates installed at the bottom of the fireplace help to reflect heat into the room, increasing energy efficiency. Some modern models include integrated fans that distribute hot air more evenly.
Security within the domestic routine
Among the fundamental rules is the prohibition of leaving the fire burning unattended. Before leaving the house or going to sleep, it is essential to confirm that all embers are extinguished. A suitable extinguisher and working smoke detector must always be accessible and the batteries must be checked regularly.
The ashes must be removed carefully and placed in a metal container until they cool completely. Interestingly, according to the same source, cold ash can be used in the garden due to its potassium content. Creating an area free of flammable objects within a one meter radius around the fireplace significantly reduces the risk of incidents.
When professional help is needed
Smoke entering the house, persistent odors even without use or damp spots near the chimney are warning signs that justify the intervention of a specialist. Failure to clean for more than a year or frequent use of the fireplace also makes a technical inspection essential.
As mentioned, having a fireplace at home involves more than lighting firewood on cold days. It is a process that requires maintenance, vigilance and constant attention. According to the same source, ensuring that doors and windows are well sealed helps maintain heat inside the home, especially at night, avoiding unnecessary energy losses.
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