Answering all your home care questions

This fall we introduced Live Chat on your MyDominionHome.com personal web site. We've had such great feedback about this feature that we thought we'd share some of our frequently asked questions with you in each issue of Making a Home.

How do I light my fireplace?

Pre-fab Fireplaces
Pre-fab fireplaces have bi-fold doors and do not have an igniter.

Follow the steps below to light your fireplace:

1. Turn gas on from either the floor or wall
2. Push in and turn knob to the Pilot position
3. Hold knob in for no longer than 1 to 2 minutes or until you smell gas
4. Carefully light between the logs and the pilot assembly
5. If you get flames turn the knob to the On position
6. If you do not get flames you will need to bleed out your line again and follow steps one through five until you have a flame

Direct-vent Fireplaces
Direct vent fireplaces have a solid glass front.

Follow these steps to light your fireplace:

1. Turn the key to the left
2. Turn pilot knob to the Pilot position
3. Hold in the spark igniter – you will hear a “click”
4. Turn the pilot knob to the On position
5. Flip the wall switch to the On position

Seasonal Safety Tips

With the fireplace lit, it's time to decorate and celebrate! Here are some simple steps you can take around your house to ensure a safe and happy holiday season.

• Be sure to inspect your holiday lights for frays, loose connections and cracks and do not leave them unattended when they are on.
• Do not overload your electrical outlets.
• Use only non-flammable decorations, including artificial trees and place them away from heat vents.
• Never put wrapping paper in your fireplace.
• If using candles, be sure to put them in stable candle holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked over. Do not leave burning candles unsupervised.
• Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, test them regularly and always have a fresh stock of replacement batteries.
• When choosing a live Christmas tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green and the needles are hard to pull from the branches. Place the tree in a sturdy stand and always keep the water level full.
• To make sure a happy visit stays that way, always remember that the homes you visit may not be childproof. Keep a laminated list on hand of all the important phone numbers which includes the police and fire department, your pediatrician and the national Poison Help Line – 1-800-222-1222. Seasonal traveling, visiting family members, shopping, etc. can increase your child’s stress level. Try to stick to your child’s usual routines, including sleep schedules and timing of naps. This can help you and your child enjoy the holidays and reduce stress.

We’re Here For You!

So, have a burning question you'd like answered? Visit MyDominionHome.com and chat with an online home care specialist today. After you log in, just click on the Live Chat button to connect with our Customer Care team immediately.

And be sure to stop by the CARE Corner for answers to your frequently asked questions and home tips!

Live Chat is also available on DominionHomes.com! If you know someone who is currently looking for a home our Online Home Search Specialist is there to answer any questions they may have regarding our homes or communities.