Spring cleaning is a tradition in homes all over the country, and homeowners are usually sure that they have everything covered. Surprisingly, a few areas do get neglected, maybe not every year, but they are seen considered as important as some other tasks. Chimney and dryer vent maintenance not only contribute to a cleaner home, it plays a big role in keeping the home safe.

Chimney Cleaning

If you use your fireplace, your chimney will need cleaning, but a visit from a chimney sweep is meant to achieve more than that. Chimney cleanings and inspections go hand in hand. When you call a chimney expert, the entire system will be checked for cracks and other signs of damage. A visit from a sweep may entail:

  • Measuring the length of the chimney to choose the appropriate tools
  • Removing creosote and soot
  • Checking for cracks
  • Applying chimney sealants
  • Inspecting the flue and carrying out repairs if necessary

The actual sweeping of a chimney can take less than 30 minutes, but this depends on the length of the chimney and its design. Some people try to clean their chimneys on their own, but there are limitations to what they will be able to do. The right way to deal with this is to have a professional clean the system so you will have one less task to accomplish for your spring cleaning.

Dryer Vent Cleaning

Each time you use your dryer deposits of lint are left behind. As this builds up over time, you could be faced with a fire hazard in the home. Spring cleaning is the ideal opportunity to give this appliance the attention it needs. The steps to getting this done include:

  • Vacuuming out the inside of the dryer
  • Cleaning out the lint trap
  • Checking to make sure that the ventilation cap is still in place

You can perform these tasks yourself, but it is best to talk to a professional about a thorough cleaning of the entire system.

When it comes to chimney cleaning it is best to make an appointment early. Otherwise you could get caught up in the fall rush. You don’t want to learn too late that your system needs repairs. Each year you should clean out the dryer vents to keep lint to a minimum. This won’t be enough however, as at some point you should call a professional to inspect the dryer vents and clean them properly.

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.