Fireplace doors | wood burning fireplace

How to use Fireplace Doors in your Wood Burning Fireplace

Glass doors for a wood burning fireplace

Bi-fold fireplace doors

Fireplace screen

Fireplace flue in the open position

Wood burning fireplace

fireplace vent

Close the fireplace doors to prevent heat loss

Fireplace flue in the closed postion

Glass fireplace doors are common with wood burning fireplaces. The tempered glass doors keep the mess in and pets and children out when the fireplace is not in use. Follow these steps to use your glass fireplace doors when you are ready to enjoy a fire.

Open both the bi-fold doors using the handles. Check to see if they need repair such as tightening the screws or track cleaning before starting your fire.

Behind the doors there should be a wire mesh fireplace screen. Open this as wide as you can.

Open the flue on the fireplace. Look for a metal lever, usually on the upper right. If you are new to fireplaces stick your head in the box to verify it is open with a flashlight. Carbon monoxide fumes can kill and must be vented out through the chimney.

Set up your fire and close the fireplace screen. This is a safety feature to protect from sparks flying out of the fireplace.

Leave the glass fireplace doors open. Wood burning fireplaces need air to function properly and closing the doors will cause smoking. More airflow will create the proper draw up into the chimney. Some fireplace boxes are too large compared to the chimney and the doors can be closed slightly. Watch your fire – the flames should be going straight up for proper ventilation. Crack a window open to help with the air flow if needed.

Open the air vents if your door has them. This will assist with air draw.

Enjoy your fire! You are creating wonderful memories of hearth and home.

When you are done with your fire, close the glass fireplace doors and the air vent. This will cut off the airflow and eventually kill the fire. Do NOT close the flue to prevent carbon monoxide gas from back-flowing into your home. Embers may burn for several hours but with the glass doors shut you can safely leave the room and retire.

Close the flue the next day when you are sure the coals are cold. Closing the flu prevents furnace heat from escaping up the chimney.

Tips:

Have your chimney checked and cleaned on a regular basis.
Leave any ashes in the fireplace for several days to make sure they are cold.
Always supervise pets and children when using your fireplace.
Fireplace doors can be cleaned with window cleaner and newspapers.

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