What To Do With A Fireplace During Summer
Summer is here, so you can forget about your fireplace and chimney for the next few months, right? Well, not so fast. Although most people use their fireplaces primarily for heating during the winter, there are some things you should do during the summer.
Clean It
A typical fireplace or stove is filthy after heavy use during winter. Creosote and soot aren’t just unsightly; they can cause your living room to smell like an ashtray. Before you set off for summer vacation, take time to thoroughly clean your fireplace and chimney while you’re at it.
Remove the ashes from the hearth using a shovel and vacuum and clean off any soot stains from the exterior. If you’re not into cleaning, you can hire a professional to take care of it for you.
Hire a Chimney Sweep
Speaking of professionals, summer is the best time to hire a chimney sweep to clean and inspect your chimney. Why? Because most chimney sweeps are slow this time of year, making it easier to book an appointment according to your schedule. Moreover, because it’s their downtime, many companies offer significant savings and coupons to keep their crews working, which means substantial savings for you.
Another advantage of cleaning your chimney in summer is that you can avoid the winter rush and won’t be delayed when you want to build that first fire of the season.
Turn it Into a Reading Nook
If you’re an avid reader, your wood burning or gas fueled fireplace can be the perfect spot to create a cozy reading nook. Arrange a comfortable armchair or chaise lounge near the fireplace and surround the area with shelves and the books you want to read. Add a soft throw blanket, plush cushions, and a small side table for a perfect relaxing escape from the heat.
Decorate
Now that your fireplace and chimney are clean consider decorating to spruce up the room and give it a fresh look. There are hundreds of fun decorating ideas online, but here are a few to get you started.
Use Hydrangeas & Greenery– These vibrant plants can add a fresh pop of color and life to your fireplace mantel, perfect for the summer season.
Incorporate Wicker Baskets-Wicker baskets give your home a rustic, farmhouse look, and you can use them to display decorative items like flowers or greenery.
Go Patriotic-Summer is an excellent time to celebrate America; decorating your fireplace with a patriotic theme will keep everyone in the spirit. You can arrange flags on each side of the mantle, place a large one over it, or adorn it with a patriotic banner.
Candles & Lanterns– Maybe you’re not burning a fire during summer, but you can still achieve a warm evening glow by decorating your fireplace with candles and lanterns.
Decorate With Vintage Items-Besides the fire, another feature homeowners love about having a fireplace is the mantle, which gives them a platform that’s front and center to display whatever they want people to see first when they enter the room. If you have treasured antiques or vintage items, summer is the perfect time to show them off to guests.
Hang a Wreath– Wreaths aren’t just for Christmas anymore. You can go to your local craft store and purchase a ready-made wreath to complement your summer decor, or get creative and make a unique creation yourself. There are endless fireplace decorating possibilities, and it’s a fun activity you can enjoy with the kids.
Remember, your fireplace doesn’t have to hibernate during the summer months. By exploring these and other creative ideas, your fireplace can be a versatile home component all year round.
Call Fire N Stone for Expert Chimney Cleaning & Inspection
The best time to prepare your fireplace and chimney for winter is now. Call the certified chimney experts at Fire N Stone to schedule a cleaning and inspection today at 603–293–4040.