Chimneys are a great addition to any house or home. They give off an appeal and make a home feel special. However, they need to be occasionally maintained to prevent a buildup of chemicals and to prevent fires from occurring. This can be done with a thorough cleaning of the chimney.
Since it is summer, it is a great time to have your chimney cleaned, as you will not need it with the hot temperatures of summer. Vents need to be cleaned depending on how often you use your fireplace. For most people who live in Cincinnati, you are using the chimney daily in the winter. With this type of use, it is recommended that you have your chimney cleaned annually at a minimum.
Keep reading to learn more about the importance of chimney cleaning and how often you should be performing this crucial task.
Chimney Cleaning To Increase The Efficiency Of The Fireplace
One of the most critical reasons to have roofing inspections and your chimney cleaned frequently is to improve the efficiency of the flue. When soot accumulates near and around the flue of the stack, there is a drop in ventilation. Ventilation is necessary to remove smoke and carbon monoxide that is produced when wood is burned. Too much accumulation of creosote will prevent the smoke and other chemicals from escaping. Left untouched, smoke will back up into all rooms of your home and can cause severe damage.
Cleaning Assists In The Prevention Of Fires
Just like power washing leads to cleaner homes, chimney cleaning lead to spotless chimneys. This is important because a clean vent offers protection from fire. When wood is burned, not only does it produce smoke, but it also produces creosote, which is a dark, sticky substance that is quite flammable. The more creosote that is created and accumulates on your masonry, the more likely a fire is to break out. This is why it is of the utmost importance to schedule regular and frequent cleanings of your chimney. It is recommended to have your chimney cleaned when there is a residue of 1/8″ of soot accumulation that is visible inside your chimney or flue.
Prevention Of Carbon Monoxide
When a fire is started and burned, it is not just wood and smoke that you have to be cognizant of. You also need to be aware of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of fire. It is an unscented chemical that can be very harmful and destructive to humans and pets if too much exposure occurs. Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include nausea, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. It is imperative to have proper ventilation in your home and to have chimney cleaning and yearly inspections of your fireplace to check for carbon monoxide exposure.
Pest Control
If you have a chimney that you infrequently use, it is essential for you to maintain and perform chimney cleaning. Not to prevent fires or carbon monoxide, but to prevent pests that can make your chimney their home. Wildlife such as squirrels, birds, and raccoons can find a way in your chimney and make it a cozy spot to live in. If they can get in the fireplace, they most likely can get into the rest of your home as well. A routine inspection and evaluation will allow you to see any critters that should not be there. By doing this annually, you will be able to catch any intruders before they make a nest or start storing food in your chimney.
How Often Should I Have My Chimney Cleaned And Inspected?
Chimneys need to be cleaned based on the amount of use. If you only turn it on once or twice a year, you could go a few years without cleaning, but if you use your chimney in the winter like most individuals in Ohio, you need to have it inspected, cleaned and maintained yearly. This will prevent carbon monoxide build up as well as fire prevention. You will also increase the efficiency of the flue with a chimney cleaning. Lastly, you can remove any pests such as squirrels or birds that have made your chimney their home. Make sure to call a chimney sweep or experienced local handyman to have your fireplace cleaned and inspected today.
It’s interesting that cleaning the chimney can help in preventing fires. I never would have thought that this was something that you could prevent by just cleaning the chimney. It’s something that we’ll definitely get done so that we can keep our chimney in good condition and our house safe.
I was not aware that keeping your chimney clean will prevent pests. My husband and I realize that the chimney in his grandmother’s house needs cleaning. I will contact a chimney cleaning service to keep pests out of his grandmother’s house.
My husband and I have a chimney. I didn’t know it was essential for you to clean your chimney, especially if you don’t use it a lot to prevent pests and debris from building up. I’ll keep that in mind and call a cleaning service, thanks to this post!
Well, I am a newbie when it comes to chimney repairs and cleaning. You should understand, I used to live in a condominium and basically, there was no chimney. So imagine when my wife and I bought a house with a chimney. Yeah, you are right. Stupid decision. Good thing I found a professional chimney repair in Glenview. Problem solved.
Hi,
Thanks for sharing this great article about Chimney Cleaning. People better keep an eye on their chimney for safety to avoid fire accidents.
Right said! Chimney cleaning is vital to get prevention from fire accidents, pest control as well as to increase the efficiency of the fireplace. But one must keep a thing in mind that the chimney must be cleaned only by a professional as he/she knows how to do that task efficiently.
I spoke to my sister last Monday night who told me about how her fireplace is smoking and its getting into her home instead of going up the chimney. Due to this, she wants to hire chimney cleaning services and that’s where I decided to help her with some online research. Thankfully, I found your wonderful post here which has provided me with some valuable insight. I really liked where you elaborated on how chimney cleaning can help reduce an increase to carbon monoxide exposure which can ultimately bring harm to the people in the home when exposed continuously. A great point indeed, one I’m sure those like my sister will be happy to be mindful of. Thank you! I’ll be sure she gets this soon!
Well said! Chimney cleaning is very important to get prevention from pests, fires as well as increase the efficiency of the fireplace. That’s why it is recommended to clean the chimney frequently so that its efficiency can be improved.
It really helped when you talked about chimney safety and how cleaning yours prevent fires. Recently, my wife and I moved into another house, and it came with a chimney! We’re excited to use it during the winter, but we’ll be sure to look for a professional to inspect it first. Thanks for the advice on how a clean chimney means a safe home.
Preventing carbon monoxide was one benefit I really appreciate you talking about. When we started using our fireplace more often, that substance was one of the main things my friends and family told me to watch out for. Now that I know where it might come from, I’ll have a chimney servicing expert assist me with getting this checked out.