Save More This Heating Season With These Energy-Saving Tips

The following energy-saving tips are reprinted from a recent CenterPoint Energy flyer.  While these are no cost, low cost or high returns on investment, they are well worth considering as we are in the winter heating season.

• During the winter, set your thermostat between 65 and 68 degrees and at 58 degrees when away from the house for more than a few hours.  Keep temperatures warmer if you have infants or elderly persons at home.                                                                                                                    
• Change or clean return-air filters once a month.  Furnace consume less energy if they "breathe" more easily.                                                                                                                                       
• Run washing  machines and clothes dryers with a full load.                                                             
• Set water heater temperatures at 120 degrees.  A family of four, each showering for five minutes a day, uses 700 gallons of water each week.  By lowering the thermostat, families can cut water heating bills without sacrificing comfort.                                                                                                                                                                                         
• Seal leaks around doors, windows, and other openings such as pipes or ducts, with caulk or weatherstripping.                                                                                                                               
• Open drapes a d blinds to let in the sun's warmth on sunny days; close them at night to insulate against cold air from outside.                                                                                                            
• Install a programmable thermostat to turn down temperatures automatically.              

How To Save Energy In Your Home This Summer

The attached article was first printed in 2011 in YellowBlue Designs to assist home owners in lowering their energy consumption during the summer months.  It still has merit for all of us and I wanted to bring it to your attention as you may find specific things to assist you in lowering monthly utility bills while still maintaining your comfort. 

The North American climate is often one of extremes. So while you’re likely more than ready for the summer heat to arrive, your house may not be. Just as one can winter-proof a home by weather-stripping and providing adequate insulation and sealing, you can do a number of things to prepare for the impending warmth. By “summer-proofing” your house, you will conserve energy and reduce your reliance on mechanical air conditioning systems.

What you can do:

Switch to fluorescent bulbs: A token environmental gesture for all seasons, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), which last roughly ten times longer than the traditional incandescent kind, give off significantly less heat. Not only will your house be cooler (even if you forget to turn the lights off—which, of course, you should never do), but these enduring bulbs use 75 percent less energy, thereby reducing carbon dioxide. Because they last longer, using CFLs mean less bulbs will end up in the landfill each year. You should, however, recycle CFLs in the appropriate manner as indicated by your city, as they contain some mercury and could be contaminating in a landfill.

Get a fan: By installing ceiling fans in frequently used rooms, you can cultivate a breeze without blasting the ever-more-wasteful AC. Make sure to adjust existing ceiling fans so that the air is blown downwards.

If you put a fan next to your window air conditioner and keep the AC fairly low, you can move what air is being produced throughout the house.

Because the attic and roof can trap a fair amount of heat, a well-placed fan can bring air blown through windows in the lower parts of the house up to the roof, lowering the overall temperature. A good whole house fan can do the trick.

Close the curtains: Although many of us sun-starved North Americans are eager to keep curtains and blinds wide open all summer, doing this can add considerable heat to your house, creating a greater need for air conditioning. Just as passive solar design dictates that windows should be large and uncovered during winter, in summer it is advisable to keep them tightly sealed off. Realistically, you’ll likely just want to seal off windows when you’re out for the day (and ideally during the midday spike in heat) and therefore return to a cooler home.

Seal it up: Just as it is crucial to seal cracks and crevices around windows and doors to keep cold air out in winter, the same practice will prevent hot air from getting in.

Insulate: It may seem counter intuitive to insulate a place you want to cool down, but if the insulation in your ceiling and walls isn't sufficient, heat can build up and find its way into your already warming abode.  So look into it.

Paint it white: While painting your house is quite the endeavor  if you are moving in to a new place or are considering painting anyways, having a light color on the house’s exterior and siding will reflect heat away from the house. Darker colors can absorb heat. This, then, may work best if you live in a warmer climate, where cooling needs trump warming. (Sorry Canada).

Plant: As stated in previous posts, shading—whether natural or a built shading device—is an excellent way to provide non-mechanical cooling. Plants and trees on the south and west sides of your home will be most efficient at blocking out sunlight and keeping your house cool. A deciduous tree that loses its leaves in winter and flourishes in summer is ideal for all seasons, as it allows sun to seep into the windows when it’s cold and keeps it out when it’s blazing hot. Thank you, nature.

Clean dryer vents: If a dryer vent is clogged, not only will your clothes be linty, but your house’s temperature may suffer. A blockage can cause warm air to blow back into the room and raise the internal temperature of your home.

Keep daytime low-maintenance: If you can avoid it, use appliances like the oven, dryer and even computers sparingly during the heat of the day. Expended energy and heat will raise the temperature. Save it for evening—or, if you’re really ambitious, for early morning.

Give your AC space: If you keep appliances like lamps, televisions or a refrigerator too close to the AC unit or thermostat, the heat emitted from them could cause the air conditioner to run stronger and longer.

Happy summer!

What's a Cord of Wood?

Attached is a reprint of an article from Power Equipment Direct, a national provider of tools and powered equipment.  I hope you enjoy it as it reminds all of us how to handle and make firewood ready for our use in this winter season.

During the coldest days of winter, there's nothing quite like warming up in front of a crackling fire.

But to fuel a winter's worth of fires, you're going to need a lot of wood. And if you don't have an abundant supply of wood on your property, you've got to buy it.

Firewood is measured in cords. So what is a cord of firewood?

A cord is defined as 128 cubic feet of wood. This usually measures 4' x 8' x 4'.

Keep It Organized

A cord of wood is a whole mess of logs. Using a log rack is the easiest way to keep them organized, neat and out-of-the-way. Typically, log racks are kept outside as the wood ages, or seasons.

If you do elect to bring the wood inside, only bring in a small amount. It's recommended to hit the wood together or against something to get rid of any unwanted pests, such as spiders from accompanying your wood indoors.

Season It

Whether you split your own firewood or buy it, you need to make sure it has seasoned. Generally, this takes about one year, but the thickness, type of wood and weather will factor into how long it takes. One way to tell if your wood has seasoned long enough, is cracks in the ends of the logs.

Unseasoned wood will not create as much energy as seasoned firewood. Also, unseasoned firewood emits much more smoke as it burns. If you procure your own wood, split it before you leave
it to season, as it will occur much quicker this way.

If you hit two logs together and they make a sharp cracking sound, they are good to go. If, when you hit them together, the logs make a dull thud sound, they aren't ready.

Winter Heating Season Energy Saving Tips

The following article on winter heating season energy saving tips is a reprint from CenterPoint Energy this fall.  While it is very simple and generally not very costly, it can save you money and in today's world, all cost effective savings are worth the effort.

Save even more this heating season with these energy-saving tips:

1. During the winter, set your thermostat between 65 and 68 degrees and at 58 degrees when away from the house for more than a few hours.  Keep temperatures warmer if you have infants or elderly at home.
2. Set water heater temperatures at 120 degrees.  A family of four, each showering for five minutes a day, uses 700 gallons of water each week.  By lowering the thermostat on the water heater to 120 degrees, families can cut water heating bills without sacrificing comfort.
3. Install a programmable thermostat to turn down temperatures automatically without sacrificing comfort.
4. Have your heating contractor inspect and seal ductwork to ensure adequate air flow and eliminate the loss of heater air.
5. Open drapes and blinds to let in the sun's warmth on sunny days;  close them at night to insulate against cold air from outside.

For more energy-saving, cost-cutting tips, look at earlier posts in this blog or contact Just One Call Services at www.justonecallservices.com or via phone at 662-816-6880.

Spring Forward, Fall Back

Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed Saturday night, November 3.  Daylight Savings Time goes away Sunday morning at 2:00am so don't forget to set your clocks back.  Another thing that will serve you well is to change the batteries in all your home smoke and fire alarms.  By doing this simple function each year in the Fall you can insure the integrity of your fire detection equipment.

Winter Preparation For Your Home

The following article appeared on a CBS affiliate Examiner.com in Conneticut.  I think it is very appropriate as we enter the fall.  Though the ideas are not new, they will help you protect your home investmnet as well as assist in your enjoyment of it.

 

The fall season is a time to wind down as days for many become cooler and the air crisper. As autumn allows for a break from summer’s heat and calm before winter’s wrath, there is some prep work to consider. Your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make and should be properly maintained to ensure its longevity. As fall requires some pre-winter prep, consider these 10 maintenance tips.

 

1) Drain your hot water heater. As the days get colder, the last thing you want is a frigid home due to a faulty water heater. Flushing your current system not only helps to remove any sediment buildup but can extend the heater’s life, preventing future issues. Choose a day during fall for annual maintenance and stick with it.

 

2) Change your air filters. Dirty air filters will slow down the flow of air, making appliances work on the double to keep your home warm. A clean air filter will also lower your chances of buildup that can lead to system failure. As you will more than likely use your HVAC system (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) in the upcoming months, get into the habit of checking your air filter monthly and change it when needed.

 

3) Inspect your home for leaks and cracks. Keeping warm air in and cold air out will be one of your biggest goals during the fall and winter months. By inspecting your home for air leaks and cracks, you will proactively take a stand against wasted energy. All windows and doors with cracks should be immediately sealed. For extra preventative care, use weather-proofing kits and strips to keep all spaces free from leaks.

 

4) Have your irrigation system professionally serviced. If you have a lawn, it is important to prepare your system for the upcoming change in weather. Have a professional inspect and drain your system to prevent any water damage like leaky pipes. In addition, you should disconnect any unused water hoses to keep from tearing as water expands in hoses when frozen.

 

5) Take a trip to the roof. While you are making your checklist of things to do around the home, be sure to make a trip up to your roof, or call in a professional. Remove all leaves and debris from your roof, gutters and surrounding areas to prevent both buildup and any unnecessary weight. Be sure to check frequently as debris can quickly add up.

 

6) Ready your fireplace. A fireplace is a wonderful source of natural heat that will keep your interior warm. Like with any other heating and cooling units, annual maintenance and inspection will ensure proper functionality. Yearly chimney cleanings and check-ups will allow your unit to work efficiently. In the meantime, keep your fireplace free of any ashes and begin to stock up on fresh firewood.

 

7) Add insulation, if necessary. Are you the proud owner of a basement or attic? If so, you may want to invest in some extra insulation to retain heat and keep out drafts. Inspect all areas that may be susceptible to air escaping and add insulation when needed.

 

8) Drain all gas-powered equipment. There will come a point when landscaping tools like lawn mowers and weed wackers will have no use. As fall begins to slowly transition into winter, hibernate all tools to your garage or shed. Any and all gas-powered equipment needs to be drained of gas to prevent accidental spillage.

 

9) Fix a leak. Many pipes have been known to burst during the winter months due to leaks. Fall is the best time to check all pipes for any leaks and fix them right away. In the long run, it will not only save you money, but offer peace of mind.

 

10) Put away all outdoor furniture. Hopefully you enjoyed hanging outside during the spring and summer months because those days are over. Outdoor furniture, when left during the cooler seasons, can crack and fade over time. To keep them looking fresh, pack up all outdoor furniture and store them in a dry and covered area.

 

Tanvier Lee is a New York based lifestyle decorator, stylist and freelance writer. Her work can be found at Examiner.com

Home Maintenance Checklist

Attached is a home maintenance checklist reprinted from the web which I think can be of real value to home owners who have an interest in protecting the value and efficacy of their home.  Feel free to download and make any modifications you think appropriate.  Routine maintenance not only improves the value of your home, it also makes home ownership much more enjoyable.

Use this home maintenance checklist to keep track of your to-do list around your home.  This home maintenance schedule is divided into three categories: Quarterly, Fall, and Spring. Download it by clicking the image or this link: Home Maintenance Checklist

Easy Home Maintenance Tips You Can Perform

The comments below are a reprint from HomeSpot HQ by Derek Smith in March of 2012.  I have personally performed all of these at one time or another and agree that they can help you save a lot of money over the long term.  I hope you find these to be useful in your own home maintenance efforts.

It’s very easy for the damages to your home to get out of control (we’ve all seen those shows on various home networks…and documentaries about people who live with their hordes and have completely let home maintenance go downhill). But if you keep up with your home maintenance, not only are you saving money in the long term, but you’re probably saving money in the short-term, too, because otherwise you’d probably have to call a repairman in when the situation got out of control.

And just like you see on those TV shows, DIY home maintenance isn’t as hard as it looks – you don’t need to be a professional with gadgets and gizmos, hand carts and pallet jacks to make sure that your home and appliances are in good working condition.

What follows are a few simple ways to make sure that you aren’t spending any more money than you should be either in bills or in maintenance of your home.

Heads Up

How often do you check the state of your roof – or do any repairs?

Yeah. I thought so.

You’re going to want to check your roof a bit more often than “once a year…maybe,” because while roofs do have a longer lifespan – about 30 years – like anything – if you repair that one or two loose shingles before it becomes half your roof, it’s going to serve you well in the long run. Plus, it’ll save you a couple thousand dollars, probably.

And just below the roof is the gutter – and you’re going to want to check that quite often, as it is very easy for the gutter to get…cluttered. Overflowing gutters are never good, as you’re accumulating water all in one place – which is never a good thing for a home. And if it’s colder out, the freezing of that large amount of water can cause cracks in your foundation, which isreally not good.

Simply grab a ladder every once in a while and take a peek at the state of your gutters. Don’t forget to grab a trash bag, too!

Caulking For The Win

A tube of caulking costs maybe $2. You’re probably spending a lot more than that in wasted energy if your house has any kind of draft. More than that, though, properly caulking your doors and windows seals out water – which is, as we know, the bane of homeowners.

You get two birds with one stone on this one – saving on energy expensesand working to protect your home from some very costly damages. So get to it! Buy some of that $2 caulk and get going.

Love Your Fridge

We all know how awful it is when the power goes out and we’re just staring at the clock, counting down the hours until all our food spoils or starts defrosting. It’s a fun time. But your fridge needs love even when you aren’t praying for the power to come back on.

You’re going to want to clean your refrigerator coils regularly (usually every 5 years) – though some recommend cleaning your coils at least once or twice a year. It depends on how temperamental your fridge is, I guess.

Give Your Toilet a Break

Hearing your toilet run isn’t just annoying – and it isn’t just water going down the drain, either, but money! Cliche, I know, but it’s amazing how much stopping a running toilet (by replacing the fill valve for a measly $20 or so) can save you in energy bills.

Replacing the fill valve is pretty straightforward, but the biggest thing to remember is to make sure that you turn off the water, otherwise it’s going to be a very messy, wet, process which probably won’t end well for you…or your bathroom.

This is a guest post from Jackie Ryan.  Jackie is a freelance writer that works to supply home repair professionals with the supplies that they need – everything from platform trucks to Nexel shelving. She hopes that everyone becomes a handyman (or woman) when it comes to their own home.

10 Maintenance Tips for Spring

Although Spring is a few months away, it is time to begin thinking about what maintenance you should be considering for your home,  The attached thoughts come from a home inspector who has published on HGTV and I thought might be of interest to you.

After a long, dark winter, spring's bright sun and warm winds are, well, a breath of fresh air. The only downside? All that sunshine spotlights your leaf-filled gutters, cracked sidewalks and the dead plants in last year's flower beds. Dwight Barnett, a certified master inspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors, shared this checklist to help you target the areas that need maintenance so you can get your chores done quickly, leaving you time to go outside and play in the sunshine.

• Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear and free of debris.
• Low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be filled with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low areas in summer, it creates a breeding ground for insects.
• Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more damage to the exposed wood.
• From the ground, examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for replacement. The summer sun can really damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.
• Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.
• Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home's foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete.
• Remove firewood stored near the home. Firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the ground at least 2 feet from the structure.
• Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced. While you're at it, check the garden hose for dry rot.
• Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels. Change interior filters on a regular basis.
• Check your gas- and battery-powered lawn equipment to make sure it is ready for summer use. Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will make yardwork easier.

20 Free Ways to Save Energy

The following ideas to save energy with little or no money is a summary of an article from Consumer Reports from a few years ago.  It still has relevance, however and many of us can save a bundle if we try all or even a few of these ideas.

1. Wash clothes in cold water.  You might guess that most of the energy used by washing is when the machine goes into its spinning cycles.  In fact, 90% of it is spent in heating the water for the load.  Using cold water detergents and a cold water setting will save much and work for almost all dirty clothes.

2. Hang it up.  Clotheslines are not just nostalgic, they actually work if the weather is cooperative.  It will cost you time but not electric energy.

3. Don't over-dry laundry.  Clothes need less ironing and hold up better if you remove them from the dryer while still just a bit damp. 

4. Let the dishwasher do the work.  Don't bother prerinsing dishes.  Not doing this will save 20 gallons of heated water a day.

5. Put your PC to sleep.  Keep your computer and monitor in sleep mode rather than leaving them on around the clock.

6. Turn down the heat in the winter and the cool in the summer.  A 10 degree decrease in heat setting can save you 20% in energy costs just while you sleep at night.  For every degree you turn your AC thermostat up in the summer, you save 3%.

7. A cold hearth for a warmer house.  By closing in your natural draft fireplace with a glass door, you can save up to 70% of the drafting of heated air from your home if you use external combustion air for the fire.

8. Lower the shades and raise the windows.  Not at the same time but of course but when weather conditions warrant.

9. Put a spin on home cooling.  Operating a couple of ceiling fans uses a fraction of the electricity needed for air conditioning and the cooling effect should make it possible to raise your thermostat setting, saving 3% for every degree of upward setting.

10. Take care of your AC and it will take care of you.  Routine preventative maintenance will make your AC unit more efficient, saving you money and increasing its life.

11. Spend less for hot water.  Set the water heater for 120 degrees which will work in most conditions and save a bundle.

12. Think twice before turning on the oven.  A microwave uses only 20% of the energy of a conventional oven.

13. Use the right pan.  You use much less energy than you would think if you match the size of you pan to the size of the burner.

14. Read the label.  Using a more efficient appliance for the job saves money every time it is used.

15. Dust off the Crock-Pot.  Crock-Pot uses a lot less energy than simmering on the stove.

16. Clean the coils on your refrigerator using a tapered appliance brush.  Your fridge's motor won't have to run as long or as often.

17. Drive steadily - and a bit slower.  By driving 55 instead of 65, you can improve mileage by as much as 12.5%.

18. Roof racks are a drag.  They can reduce your fuel efficiency by from 5 to 15%.

19. Stick with regular gas if your manufacturer recommends it.  This can save you about 30 cents per gallon and will not reduce the efficiency or power of your car.

20. No loitering.  Don't let the engine run at idle any longer than necessary.  This is the most inefficient time for an engine to operate.

Christmas Light Safety Tips

When you put up Christmas lights this season - or holiday lights during any season - be sure to follow these Christmas light safety tips.

·        Choose Christmas lights that have been tested and deemed safe by a reputable testing laboratory, the best are UL or ETL. Christmas lights listed as safe by these laboratories will note that on the packaging.

·         Try to use the cooler-burning "mini" Christmas lights as opposed to the traditional larger bulbs. The older style burns much hotter.

·         Only use Christmas lights that have fuses in the plugs.

·         Inspect each set of Christmas lights - old or new - for damage. Return or throw out any set with cracked or broken sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.

·         Replace burned out bulbs promptly with bulbs of the same wattage.

·         Never hang Christmas lights on a metal tree. The tree can become charged with electricity and shock someone. The tree can also short out the Christmas lights and cause a fire.

·         Want Christmas lights outdoors? Use outdoor Christmas lights. The packaging will note whether the lights can be used indoors, outdoors, or both.

·         All outdoor electrical decorations should be plugged into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). You can buy portable units for outdoor use, or you can have them permanently installed by an electrician.

·         Use extension cords properly. Outdoor cords can be used inside or outside. Do not overload extension cords - they can get hot enough to burn.

·         Stay away from powerlines or feeder lines (these go from the pole to the house).

·         Secure outside Christmas lights with insulated holders (never use tacks or nails) or run strings of lights through hooks.

·         When you leave or go to bed at night, turn off your Christmas lights.

·         Never pull on a string of Christmas lights, it stresses the cords and can lead to fraying. Store Christmas lights loosely wrapped for the same reason.

Winter Energy Savings

As we move into the winter heating season, energy usage will shift from high electrical to high natural gas consumption for most of us in North Mississippi.  Having an energy efficient home and business is always a prudent thing to do, no matter what the season but the ways of improving consumption can be impacted in different ways depending on the season.  Existing customers of JOC can have their homes or businesses energy audited for free to find out ways to lower their usage.  All of us, however who are on North East Mississippi Electric Power Association and TVA electric power have the ability to to have an In-home Energy Evaluation performed with ways of getting cash incentives for implementing their audit ideas.  I highly recommend consideration of this program as not only can you save money, you can proactively reduce your energy consumption and that is good for everyone.  For more information and details visit Energy Right at www.energyright.com or call 866-441-1430.

Whether you choose Just One Call to assist you or use your local energy provider, energy savings is always the right thing to do.

Fireplace Maintenance and Safety Tips

Attached is an article from "Realty Reality," a web site for people living in the NJ & PA area but has applications here in Mississippi as well. I hope you find the attached of value as we go into the fall and winter season.

With cooler seasons approaching, more of us will want to enjoy our fireplaces. But before you warm to the glow, make sure that you know how to make your fireplace safe. Here are guidelines and resources for fireplace safety, maintance, inspection and cleaning...

Wood Burning Fireplaces
Creosote is a natural by-product of burning wood and sticks to the walls of chimneys/flues. It is tar-like substance made up of almost pure carbon and is combustible, so it is important to not to allow a build-up in your chimney/flue. To inspect and clean it yourself, here are some basic guidelines:
Open the damper of the fireplace and, using a strong spotlight, look up way inside to determine the condition of the interior as well as the level of creosote in the chimney. This is fairly easy if you know what to look for. As far as condition is concerned, look for spaces and cracks in the surface. For creosote, look for a grayish/black buildup. If this is grayer in color and not shiny, it can be easily removed with the proper sized chimney brush. On the other hand, if it is black and shiny, it will be more difficult to remove and may require a special spray-on powder that helps turn the tough black glaze to a more brittle state. It can then be removed with a chimney brush.

Use a toothbrush and Worcestershire sauce to keep brass shiny. You can scrub the brass knobs, or even the door or metal areas around the fireplace.

The flue/chimney should be cleaned with either a metal or plastic brush. Orange clay flue tiles need to be cleaned with a wire brush, while round metal flues should be cleaned with a plastic brush to avoid scraping the metal surface. Before cleaning any chimney, make sure the opening into the house is sealed up to avoid expelling dust, ash, and soot into the living area. If you use a vacuum to suck up the soot, make sure it comes equipped with a HEPA filter to trap the dust. Please test how this works with a small amount before completing the job.(Source: Fireplace Essentials)Gas Fireplace Inspection Check Points:- safety test for carbon monoxide (CO)
- check for leaks in the log set and burner pan
- check gas line pressure
- clean burners and controls
- clean and adjust pilot assembly/spark ignition
- check vent and diverter
- check power vent and fan kit if applicable
- clean glass window with approved cleaner
- clean-up/vacuum around base of unit

Basic Periodic Maintenance for Fireplaces
Annually: Have your wood-burning fireplace chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional to ensure that it’s obstruction free and clear of creosote, (Have your gas fireplace inspected by a trained professional. Be sure the fan, pilots, and burners are checked, and that the ignition and combustion are working properly.)
Monthly: Clean gas logs with a soft-bristle brush. Make sure the logs are cool before you start.
Weekly: During heavy periods of use, clean the wood-burning firebox. Never empty the box completely if you plan to use it again in a few days (an inch of ash in the bottom works as an insulator, helping wood heat faster and retain heat longer). Note: Before removing the ash from the firebox, open the damper, which will draw any flying ash up and not out into the room.
Other: Cap the chimney to deter animals from entering, keep away debris from blocking opening, help prevent water damage and prevent large burning embers from escaping and stating fires in surrounding area. (Source: HomeMag)

Usage Tips:
- Avoid burning a fire longer than five hours and be sure the door is open for proper venting.
- Always keey the screen closed to keep hot embers from jumping onto the carpet.
- Consider placing a non-flammable rug directly in front of the fireplace just in case any sparks do escape. (The rug will prevent sparks from igniting a carpet or wooden floor in case some of these sparks escape from the fire. Also make sure that the rug is kept clear of flamable items.)
- Never leave your fire unattended, especially when small children are present.(Source: FirePlaces)

Additional Online Resources:

The Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA) has tips on fireplace safety. Click here to view their Fireplace Safety Tips. Fact Sheet on Fireplace Safety (PDF)HGTV - Fireplace Maintenance - chimneysweep explains ways to care for and maintain a fireplace.About.com - Woodburning Fireplace Maintenance
About.com - Gas Burning Fireplaces / Before You Buy A Gas-Log Fireplace (What You Should Know)


Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has safety and maintenance tips as well as directory of chimney sweeps. Here is an example tip:
Ever wonder what wood is the best to burn as firewood? Oak is an American favorite, as well as other hard-woods. You can burn other softer wood also, as long as it is split and dried long enough. It's much more important to burn dry wood than to worry about what kind of wood it is.

Video: Fireplace Maintenance - episode segment from Michael Holigan's "Your New House" TV show, also transcript and additional online information.

Gas Log Maintenance, Service & Repair FAQ

Gas log maintenance is relatively simple, which is one of the best things about owning a set. There's none of the hauling and sweeping associated with real wood, and no sparks to worry about. Here are a few rules of thumb for keeping your gas log set well-maintained:

Have a Professional Inspect Your Gas Logs Once a Year

A certified professional installer should come out once a year to check your gas lines, valves, connections, and safety pilot assembly, especially if you use your gas logs often. The Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association (HPBA) also recommends that you have your chimney inspected and cleaned once a year to make sure that soot buildup is not preventing your gas log set from being properly vented.

Cleaning Your Gas Logs

Gas logs don't need much cleaning, but if you want to make them look like new, first make sure they are turned off and are not hot to the touch. Then brush your gas logs with a soft-bristled brush or a duster to remove any dust or dirt. Do not remove your gas logs from the fireplace to clean them - leave them in their installed position. Never use water or any other solvents to clean gas logs.

Gas Log Service & Repair

Most service and repairs, such as to a broken valve, leaky gas line, or a burner that is producing soot or carbon monoxide should be done by a certified professional. However, if you simply need new embers or other decorative elements, those you can order and place yourself.