Chimney flues 'must be open when fires are lit'

One of the biggest dangers of a fireplace is the potential for poisonous gases to building up and seeping into the home, however, by having flue liners for woodburners and other areas of the chimney inspected, the danger from these substances can be reduced.

According to US Inspect, air quality in the home is something which few people give much consideration to but ignoring it could put people's health at risk.

One way homeowners can minimise the risk is by ensuring that flue liners for woodburners are open when the fire is in use and also to have them inspected by a professional in case they have become cracked or damaged, the website said.

Another recommendation is to replace furnace filters every two to three months to ensure they work efficiently.

Having a professional check the inside of a chimney is only part of the story, with the High Tech Gadgets blog highlighting the fact that the exterior of the structure also needs to be maintained to a high standard.