Spring cleaning is a time for organization and purging belongings, but for many homeowners it is also the time to deep clean. From pressure washing to gutter cleaning, homes are spruced and shined. Sometimes, the out-of-sight parts of our homes get forgotten. Here are 4 reasons to make sure chimneys and dryer vents are on your spring cleaning list.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
For many people, those things they can’t see are easy to leave by the wayside. The inner workings of a home deserve – and demand – as much attention as things like gutters and plumbing. Adding the chimney and dryer vent to your annual list will ensure they never get forgotten.
- Removing Dangerous Buildup: Whether you’ve got a wood-burning or gas fireplace, all fires cause byproducts to collect inside the chimney. Any combustible debris in the chimney can ignite, and need to be cleared out on a yearly basis. Another byproduct of combustion that is itself highly combustible is creosote. If allowed to build up, creosote can be highly problematic and dangerous.
- Ventilation: Your ventilation system, which leads from your drier to the outside of your home, can also accumulate dangerous debris. Even if you remember to clean the lint trap every time you do laundry, some amount of lint and other debris end up in your dryer ducts. A buildup of debris in your ducts is dangerous – in fact, that type of buildup is the cause of thousands of house fires every single year.
- Keeping Out Unwanted Items: Chimneys need to be checked at least once a year for other types of unwanted items as well. If your chimney lacks a cap, or if the cap has been dislodged, birds and other critters may get inside. They may leave droppings, fur, nest materials etc. behind, causing a fire hazard. Though less common, dryer ducts can also attract furry friends looking for a warm place to rest.
- Increased Efficiency: Keeping your dryer ducts clean will highly impact the efficiency of your dryer. Sometimes a good cleaning can cut drying time by up to half. Keeping your ducts clean will allow your dryer to do its job without straining, which will also increase the life of your appliances.
The chimney sweeps here at Lou Curley’s Chimney Service are CSIA Certified, and we participate in continued education throughout the year so that we’re always up to speed on the latest changes in our field. We’re located in Drexel Hill and provide all types of chimney services to homeowners and commercial property owners in the surrounding areas and along the Main Line. Give us a call at 610-626-2439 if you’re interested in scheduling an appointment for a consultation, a chimney inspection, chimney cleaning, or dryer vent cleaning.