Winter-Ready Fireplace Tips for Asheville, NC Homeowners
There’s nothing quite like curling up next to a crackling fire while the snow falls over the Blue Ridge Mountains. But before you strike that first match this season, make sure your fireplace is truly ready for winter in Asheville.
At Emberstone Chimney Solutions, we’ve helped thousands of Western NC homeowners stay safe, warm, and worry-free. Here are our top 8 winter fireplace prep tips every Asheville resident needs to know:
1. Get a Professional Chimney Inspection (Don’t Skip This!)
Creosote buildup, hidden cracks, bird nests, or damaged flues can turn your cozy fire into a serious hazard. A CSIA-certified sweep from Emberstone will catch problems early with cameras and expert eyes. Book your pre-winter inspection today.
2. Have Your Chimney Professionally Cleaned
Even an inch of creosote is highly flammable. A thorough top-down or bottom-up sweep removes dangerous buildup, improves draft, and helps your fireplace burn cleaner and hotter. Check out our Chimney Sweep Service here.
3. Look for (and Fix) Cracks & Missing Mortar
Asheville’s freeze-thaw cycles wreck chimneys fast. Cracked crowns, spalling bricks, or deteriorating mortar let water in — and water damage is the #1 chimney killer in WNC. We fix it right the first time.
4. Install or Replace Your Chimney Cap
Keeps out rain, leaves, squirrels, raccoons, and birds. Also stops sparks from landing on your roof. If yours is rusted, bent, or missing — now’s the time.
5. Burn Only Dry, Seasoned Hardwood
Wet or “green” wood = excessive smoke, rapid creosote buildup, and weak fires. Use wood that’s been split and dried at least 6–12 months (under 20% moisture). Local tip: grab kiln-dried oak or hickory from trusted Asheville-area suppliers.
6. Follow Safe Burning Habits Every Time
- Use a sturdy fireplace screen
- Never overload the firebox
- Keep anything flammable at least 3 feet away
- Fully extinguish fires before bed or leaving home
- Store ashes in a metal bucket outside, never in the garage
7. Install & Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors
CO leaks from blocked or damaged flues are silent and deadly. Place a detector on every level of your home and especially near bedrooms. Test monthly and replace batteries twice a year.
8. Stay Ahead with Annual Maintenance
One inspection + cleaning per year is the gold standard. Scheduling now (before the holiday rush) gets you on our calendar fast and keeps your warranty valid on previous repairs.
Ready to enjoy a safer, warmer winter?
Call Emberstone Chimney Solutions at 828-469-0533 today!
Stay warm and stay safe this winter — we’ve got your chimney covered.