Q&A New fireplace first time use

Question:

Great site! I have a brand new heatilator fireplace that has a full chimney. The fireplace is equipped with a gas log starter or for use with a gas log set.

Is there any special type/size fire I should have the first or first few times I use the fireplace? Can the gas starter be used once the fire is going, to help keep the fire at a consistent level?



Answer:

It's always a good idea to burn the first few fires at a low or moderate level. This drives the moisture out of any ceramic liners and assures that the paint will cure well.

As far as the gas starter, I would only use it to start the fire. I am actually a bit leery of these things because there is really no safety device attached to them (i.e. - one could leave it on) - my suggestion would be to have some dry kindling around to freshen the fire. Read the tips at http://hearth.com/what/specific.html and you'll be an expert soon.