Winter is the time when the silent killer known as carbon monoxide tends to rear its head most. The good thing is, there are lots of ways you can help prevent carbon monoxide from forming. If you take the right approach to carbon monoxide prevention you will have very little reason to worry about the safety of your household.
Chimney Maintenance and Carbon Monoxide
A clean chimney is important in preventing the formation of the deadly carbon monoxide gas. The byproducts of fuel such as wood and coal in a fireplace escape outdoors through the chimney vent. However, if this process is affected in any way, then the harmful byproducts including carbon monoxide gas, remain in the house where they can have deadly results.
Chimneys that are the wrong size are also a problem when it comes to the proper release of this odorless and colorless killer. A chimney sweep will be able to assess the size of your chimney and the vent to determine they are adequate to do the job properly.
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning you need to:
- Have an annual inspection done of your fireplace and chimney: A professional chimney sweep should inspect your chimney to make sure everything is still in good condition. If you use your chimney often, or there have been severe weather occurrences such as earthquakes, you should have a level three inspection done. Discuss the different levels of chimney inspections with your chimney sweep to decide which type is appropriate for your needs.
- Have the chimney swept before each winter: Sweeping your chimney is important as you need to remove debris and any build-up of creosote which can cause chimney fires. Debris can block the chimney vent preventing the escape of carbon monoxide from the living space.
- Have an annual maintenance program in place: The level of maintenance can be quite detailed, however, what chimney maintenance will do is enable the sweep to spot any potential problems such as loose masonry or damaged or missing vent caps. The needed repairs will be done and the chimney will be cleaned.
Carbon monoxide poisoning prevention is possible. You just need to ensure that you have a clean and properly working chimney. If in doubt, always get a professional to inspect and sweep your chimney, and put a maintenance schedule in place.
Chimney Inspection
Give me a call at 610-626-2439 if you’re still not sure whether you need to worry about chimney maintenance. One of the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps here at Lou Curley’s Chimney Service can inspect your chimney to make sure it’s properly serviced each year.