Why Should I Get My Chimney Cleaned?
The responsibilities of the chimney sweep include removing soot, blockages and built-up creosote from your chimney liner, firebox, smoke chamber and damper. Getting rid of unnecessary build-up will make your heating system safer and prevent potential house fires. Only a small amount of built-up creosote, a highly flammable substance found in chimneys, has the potential to start a chimney fire. Having poor burning practices or having dysfunctional burning appliances can increase your risk for creosote accumulation. You have to be careful what type of wood you use in your fireplace as the amount of creosote produced by each can vary and there are definitely some to stay away from. Pine, for example, is one of the biggest creators of creosote and you should stay away from using it at all costs. Aside from being highly flammable, creosote can also reduce the draw of the fireplace and its efficiency.
Chimney Inspections Should Be Scheduled Once a Year.
To ensure that your fireplace heating system is working correctly, annual chimney inspections are highly recommended. If you are using your fireplace on a regular basis it is even more important to make sure your fireplace is in good condition. In addition, all other venting systems should be cleaned regularly. Do not hold back when cleaning appliances like the stove and furnace because neglecting them can have immeasurable consequences regarding safety.
Even if you barely use your fireplace or stove it is still recommended to check up on all heating venting systems and other appliances. These inspections are highly proficient at detecting issues that need to be repaired.
If you are a regular customer to a chimney sweep company they will usually put you on an annual inspection schedule. These inspections will decide if it is time for you to sweep or not.
When Do I Need A Chimney Inspection?
Recently purchasing the home, not having chimney inspections for over a year, and having performance issues with your chimney and heating appliances are huge warning signs. Schedule your inspection now and minimize the potential damage and fees. Each year US homeowners lose over 200 million dollars by continuing their use with dangerous and defective systems.
One more reason to get an inspection done is after upgrading/changing heating systems. An inspection will reinforce that your chimney, lining, and venting systems are working properly and will adapt to any new additions.
Not using your fireplace for an extended period of time can provoke pests to build nests in it. These nests can clog your flue and/or chimney chamber. Harsh winter weather and moist conditions can also take a toll on masonry and liner materials. Deterioration over time can and will negatively impact the performance of your system. Repairs will continue to get more expensive and the problems will only get worse. Keeping all of your systems up to date and working correctly is the safest option and will also pay-off in the long run.
How Often Should I Get My Chimney Cleaned?
The deciding factor here is how often you use your fireplace or stove. As recommended by the National Fire Protection Association, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.” Even if you are hardly using your chimney it can still be dysfunctional due to critters living in it and building homes and bringing in debris.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America claims that fireplaces need to be cleaned when ⅛” of soot buildup exists in the chimney and flue system. Even if there is some glaze in the chimney but not ⅛” it should still be cleaned. Any accumulation of soot and creosote can cause a fire no matter the amount. Chimney fires are extremely dangerous and need to be prevented as often as possible. Do not forget to clean furnace flue systems as well, as it is important for them to be running smoothly too.
Certain heavy-use fireplaces produce immense amounts of soot and creosote. On a recent job, almost 2 full 5 gallon buckets of material was removed from one chimney! This amount was very hazardous and its removal was critical to allow further use of the fireplace.
What is the Best Time to Clean My Chimney?
If possible, you should clean your chimney before winter begins, during the spring, summer, or early fall. Not starting up your furnace or a fire before having an inspection done is the safest method to making sure everything is working properly before it becomes too late. And if you forgot the early cleaning before using the fireplace, stove, or furnace schedule your cleaning and inspection anyway. It can be done at any time of year.
