How Do You Deal With Wood Ash After the Heating Season?

Besides your HVAC system, you also use your fireplace to warm you up during the colder months. What could be cozier than sitting in front of the fire while drinking hot chocolate or reading a good book? To ensure your fireplace continues to provide comfort to your living space, you must have it cleaned and maintained regularly.

Once the heating season ends, you must deal with wood ash. Here’s how.

When Is It Time to Remove Wood Ash?

Wood ash comes from the wood you burn in your fireplace. Different kinds of wood can create different amounts of ash. When the layer of ash gets too thick or makes it difficult to ignite a fire, you must remove it. 

While it may seem practical to remove the ashes each time you use your fireplace, experts recommend leaving at least one inch of ash on your firebox’s floor. Leave some ash for the hot coals so you can easily maintain a fire. However, all ashes must be removed by the end of the heating season. While at it, it may also be a good idea to contact a local chimney sweep for inspection and cleaning. 

How Do You Remove Wood Ash? 

Make sure to wait at least three days after the last time you used your fireplace before removing the ash. Doing so ensures the ash has completely cooled down. With a fire shovel, scoop the ashes, place them in a bag, and throw them in the trash. If your fireplace has an ash dump, push the ashes through the plate on the firebox’s floor. 

Getting rid of ash and routine chimney maintenance are essential to the efficiency and safety of your fireplace. For superior chimney masonry repair, cleaning and inspection services, choose Chimney Doctors. Call us at (518) 882-5009, or fill out our contact form to request an estimate. We serve clients in Clifton Park, NY, and nearby areas.