What should I do before the first fire of the season in my wood-burning fireplace or wood stove?
In Arden, the common issue is a tired, drafty open masonry fireplace — the 1980s-90s homes in Royal Pines and Skyland pull heat out of the room instead of adding it. Before the first fire, sweep and inspect the flue, confirm the damper seals tightly, and burn dry hardwood. We're 15 minutes south in Buncombe County.
A leaky damper is the first thing to check
Open masonry fireplaces from the '80s and '90s often have a damper that no longer seals, so even when it's closed the house loses conditioned air up the chimney. Before the first fire, test the damper by hand — it should swing free and seal flat. If it's warped or rusted, it needs attention before you're relying on the hearth. We sweep the flue, check the firebrick and smoke chamber, and confirm the cap is clear of nests.
Turn a heat-loser into a heater
If your Arden fireplace draws cold air and gives back little warmth, that's the nature of a big open box — most of the heat goes up the flue. A sealed EPA wood insert, sized right with a new stainless liner, changes the math and actually heats the room. That liner work is licensed and permitted with Buncombe County, and it keeps the look of your existing fireplace. Whichever direction you go, start the season with a clean, sound flue.
Dry wood, then a match
Have seasoned hardwood ready — green wood is what smokes and tars the flue. If the damper won't seal, the firebrick is crumbling, or you saw daylight up the chimney, hold off and call (828) 545-0525.
Fireplace help in Arden
We install and service fireplaces throughout Arden and the rest of Buncombe County — just 15 minutes south from our Asheville-area showroom.
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