Delaware County, Pennsylvania and several surrounding areas boast some very old homes that have undergone renovation projects and modernization projects on a pretty regular basis. Some of our area’s most amazing homes may have an underlying danger that many homeowners aren’t aware of; the other chimney or flue that served the old furnace, boiler, central heating system, or water heater. Call me at Lou Curley’s Chimney Service any time to discuss the possibility of your chimney having multiple flues. We’ll schedule a consultation so that I may perform an evaluation and lead you in the right direction for inspection, cleaning, and maintenance.

What’s Attached to Your Chimney?

Many older Philadelphia area homes were previously heated with coal furnaces before it became more popular to use natural gas in the furnace or wood logs in the fireplace. That furnace had to allow gases and smoke to escape somewhere, so they’re usually routed through to the chimney that also serves the fireplace. This flue also needs to be inspected each year and cleaned as needed.

More than One Flue?

So what happens when you suddenly realize that your chimney has multiple flues running through a single structure? You need to call a CSIA (Chimney Sweep Institute of America) certified chimney sweep to schedule an appointment for an inspection and cleaning. I will trace each flue to the appliance it is attached to and explain to you in detail how the system works. All flues need to be inspected, even if they’re not in use.

What is the Purpose of the Flue?

The flue that lines your chimney from bottom to top is simply a venting system. Several areas in your home have a flue, but only a few are usually run to the chimney. The venting system for your toilet, for example, is not generally housed within the chimney. The venting system for the boiler, furnace, central heating system, wood stove, coal stove, or other heating apparatus does vent through a flue that usually runs through the chimney.

Hiring a Chimney Sweep

Your chimney is like any other appliance in your home and it must be cleaned and maintained in order to continue working properly. Winter is a busy time for chimney sweeps because that’s when most chimneys are in use, and when most homeowners realize there is a problem. We suggest that you hire a CSIA certified chimney sweep during the spring, summer, or fall, so you can get a jump on the winter rush. You should always make sure your chimney is up to the job before lighting the first fire of the season.

Chimney Sweep in Delaware County, PA

If you’re in Delaware County, PA or the surrounding areas, call us any time to schedule an appointment for a consultation, inspection, or cleaning at 610-626-2439. We’re just a quick phone call away any time you need help with your chimney, flue, fireplace, or wood stove.