Typically we don’t use our fireplace regularly throughout the year, but still, they required cleaning frequently. Here are a few points, if you see any of them you need to Chimney Needs Sweeping.
- The outside of your chimney should be swept if there is soot on it.
- You notice a decrease in fireplace efficiency.
- You start to notice an unpleasant smell when you use your fireplace.
- You can see flames flickering in your chimney, or smoke billowing out into your home.
- You find animal nests or other debris in your chimney.
- If your last sweeping was over a year ago you need to clean it.
If you notice any of the above signs, it’s time to call a professional and have your chimney swept as soon as possible.
Do You Need to Clean Your Chimney If You Don’t Use Your Fireplace?
Many of us are guilty of letting our fireplaces go unused for months, or even years, at a time. And while it may be tempting to just forget about your fireplace altogether, there are actually a few good reasons why you should make sure to keep it clean and in working order – even if you never plan on lighting a fire.
Important Role In Ventilation
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that a chimney is much more than just the part of the fireplace where the smoke goes. The chimney also plays an important role in ventilation, which is essential for keeping your home free of pollutants and other harmful airborne contaminants. In fact, a dirty or blocked chimney can actually cause your home to become dangerously stuffy, leading to health problems for you and your family.
Save Your Home From Fire Hazard
You should also keep your chimney clean because it can pose a fire hazard. It is possible for soot and creosote to accumulate inside your chimney even if you never use it. If these materials are not removed on a regular basis, they can catch fire and cause extensive damage to your home – not to mention put your family at risk.
Fulfill The Insurance Policy
It’s worth mentioning that most homeowner’s insurance policies require that you have your chimney cleaned at least once per year in order to remain covered. So if you’re not planning on using your fireplace this season, be sure to schedule a cleaning anyway to avoid any potential problems down the road.
All in all, there are plenty of good reasons to make sure that your chimney is clean – even if you never use it. From ventilation to fire safety, there are lots of important factors to consider. So be sure to add Chimney Needs Sweeping to your spring cleaning list this year.
Why You Shouldn’t DIY Your Chimney Inspection
In a discussion with a professional chimney sweep, he told me that every autumn, as the weather gets colder and people begin to light their fireplaces for the first time in months. they start to get calls from homeowners who want to know how they can inspect their chimneys themselves. And every time, we have to tell them the same thing: don’t try to DIY your chimney inspection.
A professional chimney sweep will have the experience and the training to spot issues that you might miss, and they will be able to give you tailored advice on how best to address any problems they find. Make your life easier by letting professionals handle your chimney inspection.
3 Reasons You Should Use a Professional Chimney Sweep
1. They have the experience
A professional chimney sweep will have seen everything when it comes to fireplaces and chimneys, so you can be sure that they won’t miss anything during their inspection. They know what signs to look for that indicate a potential problem, and they also know which red flags should prompt a more thorough investigation.
2, They have the proper equipment
Chimney sweeps have all of the necessary tools to conduct a thorough inspection of your fireplace and chimney. They will be able to spot things that you might not be able to see with the naked eye, and they will also be able to reach places that you wouldn’t be able to reach without special equipment.
3. They can give you tailored advice
After inspecting your fireplace and chimney, a professional chimney sweep will be able to give you specific advice on how best to address any problems they find. They can also offer expert tips on how to maintain your fireplace and chimney so that they remain in good working condition for years to come.
Bottom line: Those are three good reasons why you shouldn’t try to DIY your chimney inspection this fall. Remember, a professional chimney sweep has the experience and the expertise to spot problems that you might miss. So leave the job to them and rest assured knowing that your fireplace and chimney are in good hands.
People also ask
Do metal chimney flues need cleaning?
Yes, metal chimney flues need cleaning. A buildup of creosote can cause a fire in your chimney. A regular inspection and cleaning of the flue will prevent creosote buildup. The NFPA recommends that you inspect and clean your flues once a year.
How to tell if your wood stove chimney needs cleaning?
One way to tell if your wood stove chimney needs cleaning is by the amount of creosote that has built up on the inside. If there is a lot of creosote in your chimney, it can be dangerous because it can catch on fire. You can tell if your wood stove chimney needs cleaning by how well your wood stove performs.
How often should you have your chimney swept with a log burner?
It’s a good idea to have your chimney swept at least once a year, especially if you use a log burner. Soot and creosote build-up can pose a fire hazard, and it’s also important to make sure that the chimney is free of obstructions so that smoke can escape properly.