For safety reasons it is very important to schedule a chimney cleaning before you use your chimney, especially after a long break. You don’t need to have any problems before you schedule a chimney cleaning. Even if you don’t use your chimney frequently it is best to still have an annual inspection and cleaning done.
Some signs that indicate that your chimney needs cleaning are:
- The smell of burning wood even when the chimney is not in use
- The damper is black. Changes are the black stuff is creosote that has formed from the burning of wood
- Fire that does not burn properly or that results in a lot of smoke into the house
- A foul or dank smell coming from the chimney is an indication of issues such as water getting in due to a broken or missing cap
There are many safety and health reasons why you should clean your chimney. Some of these are looked at below.
Creosote Build-up: burning wood leaves this flammable reside behind, which is one of the leading causes of fires in the home. Getting rid of creosote before you next use your chimney is basic prevention. Bear in mind also that some insurance companies may not pay out in the event of a fire if your chimney is not maintained. They can cite that you have been negligent in ensuring proper care of the chimney.
Unfound damages: By not periodically cleaning your chimney, you face the risk of using a defective fireplace. This may mean a chimney that does not work as it should, resulting in less heating for your comfort.
Blockages: A proper inspection and cleaning will identify any blockades that can result I poor ventilation when the chimney is used. This can mean smoke in the house as it cannot escape when the fire is lit.
As with most things, prevention is the best course of action. You should always schedule a chimney cleaning before winter time. Cleaning your chimney is one way to help prevent fires caused by faulty chimneys and fireplaces. The frequency of chimney cleaning also depends on how often you use it. Depending on where you live, you may use your fireplace more often. If this is the case, then you need more than an annual inspection and cleaning.
If you schedule your chimney cleaning in the spring, before everyone starts preparing for winter, you may get a discount. In fact, some chimney sweeps gives special promotions outside of winter months to keep their bushiness going. Always beware of chimney sweep scams that often catch Drexel Hill area homeowners by surprise.
The chimney sweeps here at Lou Curley’s Chimney Service are well-trained and highly certified. Call us at 610-626-2439 to schedule an appointment with a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep in Drexel Hill or the surrounding areas. We will help ensure that your chimney is ready to face the quickly-approaching winter season without issue.