Preparing Your Fireplace for Fall

By Santa's Sweepers Team | February 23, 2026

As the summer heat fades and the crisp air of fall settles over Northern New Jersey, your thoughts naturally turn to cozy evenings by the fireplace. But before you strike that first match of the season, there is important preparation work to do. A little effort now can prevent dangerous situations, save you money on repairs, and ensure your fireplace is ready to keep your family warm and safe throughout the long New Jersey winter.

Use this comprehensive checklist to prepare your fireplace and chimney for the heating season. Whether you live in Bergen County, Passaic County, Morris County, or anywhere in Northern NJ, these steps will help you get ready for those cold nights ahead.

Checklist Item 1: Schedule Your Professional Chimney Inspection and Cleaning

This is the most important item on the list, so we are putting it first. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends having your chimney inspected at least once per year. Schedule your chimney inspection and cleaning in late August or September, before the October rush hits.

Here is why timing matters: once October arrives in Northern New Jersey, every chimney service company in the region gets flooded with calls from homeowners who waited until the last minute. By scheduling early, you get your preferred appointment time, and if the inspection reveals any problems, you have time to get repairs done before you need to use the fireplace.

A professional inspection will check for creosote buildup, cracked flue tiles, damaged mortar joints, animal nests, blockages, and any other conditions that could make your chimney unsafe. The technician will also clean the flue to remove accumulated soot and creosote, ensuring optimal airflow and reducing fire risk.

Do not skip this step. Even if your fireplace seems to be working fine, hidden problems inside the flue can create serious hazards that are invisible without a professional evaluation.

Checklist Item 2: Perform a Visual Exterior Inspection

While your professional inspection will cover everything thoroughly, you can do a basic visual check of your chimney's exterior from the ground. Use binoculars if needed and look for:

• Missing or damaged chimney cap: Check that your chimney cap is still in place and the mesh screen is intact. Winter storms and high winds can dislodge or damage caps. If yours is missing, schedule a replacement before the heating season.
• Cracked or crumbling mortar: Look for gaps, cracks, or missing mortar between the bricks. Deteriorated mortar allows water to penetrate the chimney structure, leading to further damage during freeze-thaw cycles.
• Leaning or tilting: A chimney that appears to be leaning away from the house is a serious structural concern that needs immediate professional attention.
• White staining (efflorescence): White, chalky deposits on the brickwork indicate that water is migrating through the masonry. While not an emergency, this suggests that waterproofing may be needed.
• Damaged flashing: The metal flashing where the chimney meets the roofline should be intact and sealed. Damaged flashing is one of the most common sources of water leaks around chimneys.
• Vegetation growth: Vines, moss, or other plants growing on or near the chimney can trap moisture against the masonry and accelerate deterioration. Remove any vegetation before the heating season.

Checklist Item 3: Inspect the Firebox and Damper

Open the fireplace and take a close look inside the firebox. You are checking for:

• Cracked or damaged firebricks: The bricks lining the inside of the firebox protect the surrounding structure from heat. Cracked, loose, or missing firebricks should be repaired before you start burning.
• Deteriorated mortar joints: The mortar between firebricks should be solid and intact. Gaps or crumbling mortar allow heat to reach combustible materials behind the firebox.
• Ash and debris: Clean out any leftover ash and debris from the previous season. A small layer of ash (about an inch) on the firebox floor actually helps insulate and maintain fire temperature, but excessive buildup should be removed.

Checklist Item 4: Test the Damper

The damper controls airflow through the chimney. Open and close it several times to make sure it moves freely and seats properly in both positions. A stuck or rusted damper can prevent proper venting when the fireplace is in use, or allow cold air and animals into your home when it is not.

When the damper is open, look up into the flue with a flashlight. You should see daylight at the top (or at least a clear opening). If the view is blocked, there may be a nest, debris, or heavy creosote buildup that needs to be addressed.

When the damper is closed, check that it seals tightly. A damper that does not close properly allows heated air from your home to escape up the chimney all winter long, wasting energy and increasing your heating bills. If your throat damper is damaged beyond repair, ask your chimney professional about a top-sealing damper as a replacement option.

Checklist Item 5: Check the Flue

With the damper open, shine a powerful flashlight up the flue and look for:

• Creosote buildup: Any visible dark coating on the flue walls indicates that cleaning is needed. Even a thin layer of creosote is worth monitoring.
• Obstructions: Birds, squirrels, and raccoons often nest in chimneys during the warmer months. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can also accumulate. Any obstruction must be removed before you use the fireplace.
• Cracks or gaps in the liner: Visible cracks in clay flue tiles or gaps between liner sections are red flags that require professional evaluation.

Checklist Item 6: Stock the Right Firewood

Now is the time to source and stock your firewood for the season. Here is what you need to know:

• Choose hardwoods: Oak, maple, ash, hickory, and birch are the best choices for clean, hot, long-lasting fires. They produce less smoke and less creosote than softwoods.
• Ensure it is seasoned: Properly seasoned firewood has been cut, split, and dried for at least six to twelve months. Seasoned wood looks grayish, has cracks on the ends, and feels light for its size. When you knock two pieces together, they should make a hollow clunking sound rather than a dull thud.
• Store it properly: Stack firewood off the ground on a rack or pallet, covered on top to keep rain off but open on the sides to allow air circulation. Keep the woodpile at least 20 feet from your house to avoid attracting insects and rodents to the structure.
• Buy early: Firewood is cheaper and more available in late summer and early fall. Prices go up and supplies get tight once the cold weather hits in Northern New Jersey, usually by late October or November.
• Avoid these fuels: Never burn treated lumber, painted wood, plywood, particleboard, cardboard, wrapping paper, or trash in your fireplace. These materials release toxic chemicals and can damage your chimney system.

Checklist Item 7: Carbon Monoxide Detector Placement and Testing

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be produced by any fuel-burning appliance, including your fireplace. Proper detector placement is essential for protecting your family:

• Install on every level: Place at least one carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home, including the basement.
• Near sleeping areas: Install a detector within 15 feet of every bedroom door so it can wake you if CO levels rise during the night.
• Near the fireplace: Place a detector in the room where your fireplace is located, or in the immediately adjacent hallway.
• Proper height: Follow the manufacturer's mounting instructions. Some recommend wall mounting at about five feet high, while others recommend ceiling mounting. Carbon monoxide mixes with air and disperses evenly, so either location works as long as you follow the specific product guidelines.
• Test monthly: Press the test button on each detector to confirm it is functioning. Replace batteries at least once per year, and replace the entire unit every five to seven years (check the manufacture date on the back).
• Know the symptoms: Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and fatigue. If your detector alarms, get everyone out of the house immediately, call 911, and do not re-enter until emergency services have cleared the home.

Checklist Item 8: Inspect and Prepare Your Fireplace Accessories

Before the season starts, check all your fireplace tools and accessories:

• Fireplace screen or glass doors: Make sure your screen is in good condition with no holes or tears that could allow sparks to escape. Glass doors should close securely and have intact gaskets.
• Fireplace tools: Check your poker, tongs, shovel, and brush. Replace any tools that are bent, broken, or missing handles.
• Ash bucket: Have a metal ash bucket with a tight-fitting lid ready for ash removal. Never use plastic containers or paper bags for hot ashes.
• Hearth rug: If you use a hearth rug, make sure it is fire-resistant and in good condition. Replace any rug that shows signs of scorching or wear.
• Fire extinguisher: Keep a multipurpose fire extinguisher (rated ABC) near the fireplace area. Check the pressure gauge to make sure it is in the green zone. Know how to use it.

Checklist Item 9: Plan Your Seasonal Timing

Northern New Jersey weather follows a predictable pattern that should guide your fireplace preparation timeline:

• August to September: Schedule your professional chimney inspection and cleaning. Order and stock firewood. Test carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms. Do your visual exterior inspection.
• Early October: Complete any chimney repairs identified during inspection. Install or replace your chimney cap if needed. Verify your fireplace accessories are ready.
• Mid to Late October: Light your first test fire of the season. Start small and observe how the chimney draws. If smoke enters the room or you notice any unusual behavior, stop and call a professional before using the fireplace again.
• November through March: Enjoy your fireplace throughout the cold months. Practice safe burning habits: use seasoned hardwood, keep the damper fully open, and never leave a fire unattended.
• April: Once the heating season ends, schedule any repairs that were noted during the year. Spring and summer are the best times for chimney work because demand is lower and dry weather is better for exterior masonry repairs.

The key takeaway is to act before October. Northern NJ temperatures can drop quickly once fall arrives, and the first cold snap always triggers a wave of last-minute calls to chimney service companies. Being proactive means you will be warm, safe, and ready while your neighbors are still on the waiting list.

Checklist Item 10: Know When to Call a Professional

Some fireplace preparation tasks are fine to handle yourself, like cleaning the firebox, stocking firewood, and testing your detectors. But certain situations require professional expertise:

• Any visible damage to the chimney structure (cracks, leaning, missing mortar)
• Damper that will not open or close properly
• Smoke that enters the room when you light a fire
• Unusual odors coming from the fireplace
• Any signs of water damage inside the firebox or on the chimney exterior
• Animal sounds or evidence of nesting inside the chimney
• It has been more than 12 months since your last professional inspection

At Santa's Sweepers, we are here to help with every aspect of chimney care. From annual inspections and cleanings to repairs, relining, and cap installation, our team has you covered throughout Northern New Jersey.

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