FEBRUARY 21-23, 2025
How to Prepare Your Fireplace for Fall and Winter
Nothing is cozier than unwinding on the sofa on a winter night as you enjoy the warmth of your fireplace. But before you “fire it up,” here are a few things to know about setting up your fireplace for fall and winter.
Schedule an Inspection Every Year
At the bare minimum, it’s important to have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional company once a year. A thorough cleaning gets rid of creosote buildup, which refers to an oily and flammable burnt wood residue. This step helps to protect your home and ensures that your fireplace functions at its best.
Spot Signs of Cracks and Damage
Another way to prepare your fireplace for fall and winter is by checking for signs of cracks or other damage. Look for unstable joints, as well as any external damage to the masonry. Then, work with a professional mason to fix the issues. It’s not a good idea to DIY chimney and fireplace repairs. It shouldn’t be repaired with an ordinary mortar either, since the blend won’t withstand high levels of heat.
Check the Chimney Cap and Damper
How do you make sure that the chimney cap and damper are still working properly? The first thing to do is to determine if the cap is attached firmly to the unit. If there’s no dirt or debris buildup or any pests in the chimney, that’s a good sign. For the damper, check if it opens and closes the way it’s supposed to.
Clean the Firebox and Ashes
Your firebox needs a thorough cleaning as well. First, you’ll need to remove anything you find inside the firebox, and also make sure the coals have cooled down completely. Then, remove the ash through a powerful vacuum. Store the ash inside a sealed metal container in case you want to recycle it.
You can keep a small amount of ash to help you start a fire more easily. But other than that, ash has several purposes. You can use it as an alternative backyard fertilizer, compost piles, garden beds, ice dissolver and even a fireplace door cleaner.
Get Rid of Limbs
It’s lovely to live in a home that’s surrounded by greenery, but overhanging tree limbs can cover your chimney. If that’s the case, it’s best to trim them. Tree limbs can block the chimney draft and spoil the cap.
How to Set Up a Gas-Burning Fireplace
Clean the Blower
Does your gas-burning fireplace have a blower? If so, it needs to be cleaned before the colder seasons. Because they don’t have an efficient filtering system, they’re prone to buildup. For instance, dust buildup won’t only cause wear-and-tear on the bearings, but will also stop the motor from cooling properly. The last thing you want to happen is a motor failure, which requires a costly repair.
Replace the Batteries
A gas-burning fireplace needs a regular battery replacement. For the best performance, take care of this before each season on your remote, transmitters and receivers, as well as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Preparing your fireplace for fall and winter is essential. It can improve the air quality of your home and keep it warm and cozy, save more energy and even prevent house fires.
105 1st St., Chester, SD | $650,000
Small town living at its finest! Check out this 5 bed, 3.5 bath home within walking distance to Chester Area School, near Brandt Lake and on 1.7 acres, in town! You will love the space provided in this home and an abundance of storage. With 3212 total finished square feet, there is plenty of room for the whole family. Spacious kitchen with Quartz countertops, ceramic tiled floors, tiled backsplash and open to the dining room. 3 sided fireplace between living room and dining room. Slider to the deck off the dining room. 3 bedrooms on the main floor with a primary suite and an additional full bathroom. Main floor laundry. Downstairs you will find a sizeable family room with a fireplace, built-ins, tons of storage, a wetbar, 2 more bedrooms (one with a walk-in closet), mechanical room with extra storage and access to the core floor under the garage that is huge with a workbench and has a 9 ft wide garage door. The basement includes in-floor heat. The backyard is sizeable and includes a patio to relax and enjoy the fantastic sunsets over the pasture to the west. No backyard neighbors. Garage is a 3 stall, oversized with wide doors for easy access. New roof in 2024. Exterior was painted in 2023. Furnace and AC new two years ago. Upstairs carpet was replaced in 2019. Newer kitchen appliances and washer/dryer. All closets include organization. Radon Mitigation system already installed.
SALE
PENDING
44276 234 St.,
Winfred,
SD | $290,000
Motivated Seller. Acreage just a bit off the beaten path provides a hidden paradise complete with mature trees, deer and pheasants roaming around and a view of the pond in the north field. Open concept home on the main level with 2 beds and a full bath plus main floor laundry & new cornstove in the living room. New flooring throughout the home. Third bedroom in the basement is currently being finished. Full, large bathroom in the basement. Room to build equity by finishing off the family room in basement with the space to also add an office. Large double garage with breezeway/mudroom attached to the home. Home already has a radon mitigation system installed and sump pump included. Roof is only 1 year old. Recently added 12 fruit trees to the property. Seller will leave John Deere lawn mower and Bransonloader tractor with acceptable offer. Property includes a transferrable warranty from Home Warranty, Inc.
you know a mortgage
Enjoy access to Round Lake for jet skiing, tubing, kayaking or fishing! Check out this amazing home near Lake Madison and a short golf cart ride to the Lakes Golf Course! This home was moved onto a new foundation, gutted and completely updated & upgraded from top to bottom. As you enter the home from the covered front porch you will fall in love with the open concept of the kitchen, dining and living room area. There are 3 bedrooms on the main with a primary suite that includes a large bathroom, walk in onyx shower, dual sinks and walk in closet. The two other bedrooms share a pass through bath. HOA is $150/yr.
Welcome to the Lakes Community and Lakes Golf Course nestled between Lake Madison and Lake Brant. This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2190 sq ft home is located on hole number 8 of the Lakes Golf Course and includes a fully finished 3 stall garage with plenty of room for your toys. The basement is unfinished with 1900 sq ft and has the potential for 3 additional bedrooms, a full bath, family room plus a theater, rec or workout room. From the moment you walk through the front door you will appreciate the openness of the kitchen, dining and living room with views of the fairway on hole number 8. The HOA takes care of streetlights and includes a community park with a playsystem, sand volleyball, pickleball, a dock on Round Lake and a shelter for only $150 a year. The roads are maintained by a Road District for $600 a year that is assessed through property taxes.
Garage 24x22ft
• H/C water hookups and floor drain
• Electric vehicle outlet
• Pre-wired for a heater
• Storm Shelter (4 sides and lid)
Kitchen
• Stainless steel appliances
• Quartz countertops
• Under cabinet lighting
• Soft close cabinets
• Pull out garbage
Living Room
• 10ft ceilings with 9ft ceiling throughout home
• Quartz countertops
Primary Bed (14x16ft/Bath)
• Bathroom in-floor heat
• Quartz countertops
Covered Patio
• Can be converted into a screen in 4-seasons room
• Cold water spigot
Landscaping
• Sod, rock, edging, and underground sprinklers are included
Insulation, Windows, Flooring
• BIBS insulations (blown in blanket system)
• Pella Windows
• Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring
Additional Features
• Ductwork is built into the slab, air vents are in the floor to help bring heat through flooring
• Security system, 2 exteriors cameras
• Whole home humidifier
• Homeowners can add sheds
• Includes white vinyl fences
Check out this lakeside paradise on Lake Madison and a short golf cart ride to the Lakes Golf Course! This exceptional year round lakehome boasts a rooftop patio, an in-law suite, plus four spacious bedrooms that offer the perfect blend of comfort and luxury. The open-concept living area features vaulted ceilings, fireplace and panoramic views of Lake Madison. The kitchen includes upgraded appliances for the chef in the family along with a large hidden pantry. The indoor/outdoor bar is an entertainers dream with a glass garage door for indoor/outdoor living! Experience breathtaking sunsets from the 420 sq ft roof top patio! The in-law suite provides privacy and independence for guests, complete with an ensuite bathroom, kitchenette, and walk-in closet! 3-stall heated garage with epoxy floors, and drain. HOA takes care of road maintenance. Home purchase also includes a slip on Lake Madison. Just bring your boat lift and you will be ready to enjoy those summer days cruising on the lake.
