Chimney Care Company's Blog
Now’s The Time To Make Your Chimney Sweeping And Inspection Appointment
Fall has arrived! Cooler temperatures are just around the corner. Before you know it, you will be ready to light your first fire of the fall. However, before you ignite a fire in your fireplace, you need to have your chimney swept and inspected. To avoid missing out on some of the fire-burning season, now is the time to schedule your annual chimney sweeping and inspection appointment. So, why is it so important to have your chimney and fireplace cleaned and inspected before you use your fireplace?
Prevent a chimney fire.
The most important reason to have your chimney swept and inspected before you use it this fall? Preventing a dangerous and damaging chimney fire! Every time you burn a fire in your fireplace, the smoke that travels up your chimney deposits fire byproducts on the walls of your chimney. Over time, those deposits harden into creosote. Creosote is incredibly flammable. Consequently, if it’s allowed to build up too thickly, a spare spark or extreme heat from your fireplace can cause it to ignite. To prevent chimney fires due to creosote, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that you have your chimney swept and inspected at least once a year.
Make sure your chimney is free from obstructions.
If you haven’t used your fireplace within the last year, or if you didn’t use it frequently last winter, you still need to have your chimney swept and inspected before you light a fire. Animals can make their way into the chimney and become stuck or build nests. Leaves and twigs can find their way into uncovered chimneys. When animals or debris become stuck in your chimney, they will prevent smoke from exiting your home. Chimney blockages can even cause dangerous carbon monoxide to build up within your home.
Spot chimney or fireplace damage.
The inspection component of your annual chimney service is just as important as the sweeping. Your inspection ensures that your fireplace and chimney are properly functioning. In addition, free from any signs of damage or leaks. Unnoticed chimney or fireplace damage can be a fire hazard, and unaddressed chimney damage can worsen to the point where the chimney structure or your home structure becomes compromised. With a chimney inspection, you can spot and address damage before it becomes a major problem!
Enjoy fireplace upgrades.
Of course, your annual chimney sweeping and inspection isn’t all drudgery; you can take the opportunity to ask questions or perform the fireplace or chimney upgrades you’ve been considering! Whether it’s a new fireplace insert, new fireplace doors, or a more efficient top-sealing damper you’ve been considering, your chimney technician can answer your hearth-related questions and help you plan your hearth upgrade.
Are you ready to schedule your chimney sweeping and inspection? If so, call the Chimney Care Co. to schedule an appointment today! We’ll make sure your fireplace and chimney are clean, damage free and ready to warm your home this fall and winter. Don’t miss out on a single fire this fall: Now is the time to schedule your annual chimney sweeping and inspection!
Gas Fireplaces Need Service, Too!
Homeowners love their gas fireplaces because of easy operation and low maintenance. However, many homeowners mistake low maintenance for no maintenance. To keep your gas fireplace or heating stove operating safely year after year, schedule an annual cleaning and inspection!
Why do gas fireplaces need annual service?
Gas fireplaces burn very cleanly, without the buildup of soot and creosote that come with wood- or pellet-burning appliances. Nevertheless, they are still subject to buildup and deterioration. Here are some reasons your gas fireplace or heating stove needs annual service:
• Internal debris. Debris builds up within your gas fireplace or stove, where it can clog the burner, pilot or blowers and cause your appliance to look old and dirty. Dust can be a problem, but most of the debris in your fireplace comes from the logs. The ceramic logs within a gas fireplace or heating stove break down over time, leaving small chunks of debris that can cause problems.
• Glass deterioration. Gas fireplaces and stoves include heavy-duty glass doors that are made to stand up to heat over time. However, they can develop cracks or chips that can jeopardize the safe function of your gas appliance.
• Malfunctions. Gas appliances involve a lot of working components. There are blowers, gaskets, and pilots that can breakdown, malfunction or just stop working over time. Regular service of your gas appliance ensures that it keeps operating safely and efficiently.
• Ventilation. Even though the chimney to your gas fireplace or heating stove doesn’t run the risk of becoming clogged with flammable creosote like a wood-burning appliance would, the chimney still can become clogged or work improperly. Animals and debris can clog your gas chimney, and a chimney that isn’t functioning properly can cause a host of problems.
What does annual gas fireplace service involve?
Your annual gas fireplace service should include both a cleaning and inspection. Your technician should thoroughly clean the interior of your gas fireplace or heating stove, removing the logs to make sure they are in good repair and sweeping any debris out of the fireplace’s interior. The glass also should be cleaned and checked for signs of deterioration. Finally, your technician should inspect the soundness and operation of all of the components of your gas fireplace or heating stove. The chimney should be checked for damage and blockages.
Who can I call to service my gas fireplace or heating stove?
To prepare your gas fireplace or gas heating stove for the fall and winter, call the Chimney Care Co. to schedule an appointment! The Chimney Care Co. cleans, inspects and repairs nearly all makes and models of gas fireplaces and heating stoves. When you schedule your gas appliance service with the Chimney Care Co., you can be sure that your gas fireplace or heating stove is ready for safe and efficient operation this season!