# How to Keep a Fireplace From Overheating
Gas and electric heating systems aren't always effective when outdoor temperatures drop below freezing. Home fireplaces can compensate for an inefficient heating system and provide warmth in your home. But if not used properly or carefully, fireplaces can overheat. Understand the factors that lead to overheating, and then take steps to protect your home.
Instructions
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Keep flammable items away from your fireplace. Using chemicals to start a fire can quickly increase the size of flames and trigger overheating. Only use a match and wood to start a fire.
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Build a small fire. Large fires can trigger fireplace overheating. Rather than stack the fireplace with several logs, start with one or two logs and then add more as needed.
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Keep the glass door opened at least a crack to allow air to reach your fireplace. This keeps the fire manageable and reduces the risk of overheating. Open your fireplace damper to increase air flow and ventilation.
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Position a spray bottle near your fireplace. Give the fire a few sprays to reduce large flames and lower the temperature inside the fireplace to prevent overheating.
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General Home Safety
- How to Keep a Mattress From Sagging
- How to Keep Soil From a Slope
- How to Keep Fireplace Smoke From Filling a House
- How to Keep Static From Lingerie
- How to Keep a Rocking Chair From Rocking
- How to Keep Decks from Freezing
- How to Keep Ice From Building Up on My Tin Roof
- How to Keep Stairs From Freezing
- How to Keep Your Fireplace From Popping on Your Wood Floor
- How to Clean Ash From a Fireplace
- How to Keep a Recliner From Moving
- How to Keep Children Away From the Fireplace
