this post was submitted on 14 Jun 2023
28 points (100.0% liked)
Melbourne
1870 readers
51 users here now
This community is a place created for the people of Melbourne and Victoria. We are a positive, welcoming and inclusive community. We might not agree about everything, but we always strive to stay civil and respectful.
The focus of our discussions is based around things that affect Victoria, but we are also free to discuss our local perspective on wider issues. Or head to the regular Daily Random Discussion thread to talk about anything.
Ongoing discussions, FAQs & Resources (still under construction)
Adoption Certificate for Nellie, the Daily Thread numbat (with thanks to @Catfish)
founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
No, one of those little open ones you got in the '40s houses. Edit: I've found most of the tips and whatnot I've read or seen on YouTube don't work with this one so it's a matter of trial and error. And I have alot of paperwork to get rid of anyway...
Ah bugger. I'm not too familiar with open ones. I just know they chew through wood pretty quickly.
Is it one of those cast iron ones? If so, try putting the kindling/wood in vertically - like leaning against the back at the top and the front of the grate at the bottom. This enables a lot of airflow and keeps the flames going. There is a risk that the unburned bits at the top of each stick will fall out of the fireplace, so use a fireguard if you have one. Like this
No this is it:
Edit: Bugger, don't know why it's turned on its side... anyway it gives you an idea.
You've got a nice hot fire going there. Only thing I would say, given the size & shape, is to give it a good cleaning next time the fire is out and cold. By that I mean, sweeping out all the ashes (returning any cinders the size of a golf ball or larger), and reaching up behind the front at the top to clean off the ledge that WILL be there. And by clean I mean scrape the ledge out and then brush it clean with your trusty dustpan and brush. It's a dirty job but has to be done at least once a year or you risk having the chimney catch fire and burn the house down. Wear gloves, a mask and clothes that are going to go straight into the wash after. Also a dust sheet around the fireplace is a very good idea.
You can get a chimney sweep to do that bit for you if you want but it will cost. Also check the opening to the chimney and see if it's crusty. If so, then you really do need a sweep to come and fix it all up.
A clean fireplace really does work better - and doesn't put as much carbon dioxide into the room. Or other carcinogenic nasties. OK, ted talk over.