While you might not need your fireplace every day, you still need to give it some regular TLC. It might come in handy when winter rolls around, and you want to curl up in front of a cozy fire. Plus, fireplace repair is usually pretty straightforward and inexpensive.

Discover a few signs that can tell you when it's time for you to give your fireplace some attention.

Too Much Smoke

If you notice that there's more smoke than usual coming from your fireplace, it's time to get it checked out. Oftentimes, there might be a problem with the chimney or the flue.

The chimney helps draw the smoke up and out of your fireplace, so if there's an issue with it, the smoke won't be able to escape properly. The excess smoke eventually starts seeping into your home, which can be not only annoying but also dangerous.

The flue is the pipe that's connected to your fireplace and helps vent the smoke out of your home. If it's damaged or obstructed, that could also cause too much smoke to back up into your fireplace.

If you constantly have to open the windows because of all the smoke, contact a professional to take a look at your fireplace and chimney. They might also recommend getting a chimney sweep to clean out any debris or buildup that could be causing a blockage.

Spreading Embers

Another sign that your fireplace might need some attention is if the embers from your fire start spreading. This usually happens when there's a problem with the grate. The grate holds the wood in place and helps keep the embers contained.

If it's damaged or not the right size, the embers can start to spread outside of the fireplace. Embers can easily ignite anything nearby, so it's important to keep them contained. They can also contaminate the air quality in your home, so you want to make sure they don't escape.

If you notice the embers spreading, try using a different grate or replacing the one you have. You should also make sure that the fireplace is the right size for the grate. If not, the grate might not be able to contain all the embers.

If you're still having problems, contact a professional to take a look at your fireplace. Something else could be happening that's causing the embers to spread. Issues like a cracked fireplace or a faulty damper can also cause embers to escape. But solving them requires professional help to ensure that your fireplace is safe to use.

Call a fireplace repair business for help.