Fireplace insert safety?

[GO 4LO]

Question for those of you with fireplace inserts or woodburning stoves - do you let fires burn after going to bed and/or when you leave the house? I've read on lots of websites that you shouldn't, but several coworkers have told me it's no prob.



I moved into my current house earlier this year, and it already had an insert installed in the woodburning fireplace. I've never had one before so figured I'd see what everybody else here does?



Chris

 

[KBennett]

We have a woodburner and let it go all night. We even put a lump of coal in it sometimes to help it stay going.



As long as you keep the chimney clean and the fireplace is in good condition then I don't see any dangers.

 

[JSienkowski]

I am of the opinion that an insert is no worse than a stand alone woodstove, in fact an insert is probaly safer as it sit's in the fireplace and hearth area and has more non-flamable stone around it, just my two cents-I've got an insert now that my grandfather used to heat the house I'm in-as stated just clean the chimmney and do not burn green wood or pine and you'll save yourself a visit from the fire department-what you spend on maintnance you'll save in embrassment.

 

[jeepit]

I have a woodburner and use it alot. I always anticipate how long I may be around and stoke accordingly. On occasion I have left my home with it going and have also stoked it at nite to keep it goin till morning...

 

[GO 4LO]

Thanks, guys. Just what I was hoping to hear .



Chris

 

[formula]

I've heated with a woodstove since as long as I can remember. No problems with running it at night or when leaving the house.



However... ...



Before you fire it up make sure the stove and chimney are in good, safe condition. Clean, no leaks, damper working, etc. Get in there and have a good look with a flashlight from down below and up on the roof.



Take time and get to know the stove and how it operates. Learn how it responds to different types and sizes of wood. Know what you're going to do if it gets out of control. Go get a couple of extinguisher sticks just in case.



Do not burn a cold fire. Do not burn soft pitchy woods like pine except for just a bit of kindling. This will cause creosote to build up in the chimney and you will eventually have a chimney fire, I promise you.



Happy heating,

Sean