During those freezing winter months, there’s nothing more comfortable than sitting around the fireplace, feeling warm and content. To ensure your chimney is in the best condition, you should clean or repair it on a regular basis. Our HVAC Contractor Arlington can assist you in getting your chimney cleaned.
Here is a checklist to help you figure out if and when you should clean your chimney.
How Can You Tell If Your Chimney Needs Cleaning?
Let’s take a closer look at each of the warning indicators now that you know what to look for.
- Black, oily stains on the walls of your fireplace
- Poorly burning fires
- Bad odor coming from the fireplace, and
- Birds making nests inside your chimney
- It’s Difficult to Start a Fire
- The Chimney’s Soot is Falling
The Chimney Doesn’t Have Any Air Flow
Obstructed airflow because of creosote build-up. Creosote is a tar-like material that forms black, oily streaks on the walls of your fireplace. This stuff can accumulate all the way to the top of your chimney, obstructing airflow and because of the decrease in airflow, fires burn cooler and more irregularly.
Poorly Burning Fire
It’s possible that you’re having trouble starting flames in your fireplace because the chimney is clogged or the fireplace damper is malfunctioning. Both of these problems can prevent a fire from receiving enough oxygen to burn effectively.
The Fireplace Is Giving Off Odors
The stench of creosote is similar to that of a campfire, and it can be detected in the vicinity of the fireplace. This stench may be pleasant to the senses, but it indicates that the accumulation in your chimney is threatening to catch fire and can cause serious damage to your home and its contents.
Birds and Animals Living Inside the Chimney
Bird nests might clog your chimney’s ventilation and catch fire when you’re burning wood in your fireplace. Nests are most typically discovered covering the vents at the very top of your chimney. Squirrels are also known to build nests in chimneys.
These warning indicators are simple to recognize, but the next step is to guarantee that your property is protected from fire damage. You have the option of hiring a Heating And Air Conditioning Manassas VA expert who will take care of your problems. You can also clean it yourself.
How Frequently Should Your Chimney Be Cleaned?
There are two perspectives when it comes to cleaning your chimney. When there is 1/8′′ of creosote and/or soot buildup inside the chimney liner, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends cleaning your fireplace and chimney right away. Regardless of how often you use your chimney, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends cleaning it once a year.
For wood-burning fireplaces, we recommend cleaning the chimney once a year. Some homeowners arrange servicing sessions in the spring, but the majority do so just before the cold season arrives to ensure the chimney is free of any nests or debris. If you want to hire a heating contractor Manassas VA, call AVS Heating & Air Conditioning at (703) 457-9028.
FAQs
Most experts recommend that you clean your chimney or hire chimney cleaning services at least once a year. The best time is before you begin frequent burning, so during the warm season in spring and summer.
How often does a chimney need to be cleaned? ›
Most experts recommend that you clean your chimney or hire chimney cleaning services at least once a year. The best time is before you begin frequent burning, so during the warm season in spring and summer.
How do I make sure my chimney is clear? ›
In the meantime, here are some easy steps you can take between professional chimney sweep visits to ensure your fireplace remains safe to operate.
- Check Exterior for Masonry Cracks. ...
- Make Sure Chimney Cap is Secure. ...
- Check for Creosote Buildup. ...
- Examine the Firebox. ...
- Look for Water Stains. ...
- Test the Damper.
Once you are in the fireplace for a quick check, seize a flashlight and look up in the firebox.
- Flue dampers should open and close properly.
- Damper seals are closed without gaps.
- Look for debris like nests or debris within the flue and fireplace.
If you're asking what can happen if you go too long without a chimney cleaning, it's likely time to schedule chimney cleaning before using your fireplace again. The reality is that it can be hazardous to use a fireplace when the chimney hasn't been cleaned for more than a year or two.
Can I clean my chimney myself? ›
Chimney cleaning can be a DIY project depending on: Level of Buildup and Creosote: If you find 1/8 inch of buildup or more, or if you see indications of a serious accumulation of creosote, the chimney cleaning is a job for a professional.
How do I know if my chimney has creosote? ›
The black, oily residue seen inside a chimney is creosote buildup. If there is too much buildup inside the chimney, it can hinder the escape of smoke from the fire and impact how well the fire starts and burns.
What happens if you don't clean your chimney? ›
When your chimney is not cleaned for a long time, a substance called creosote keeps building up in the flue during the use of the fireplace. This creosote is highly flammable and can lead to a dangerous chimney fire (an uncontrolled 2000 degree fire burning inside the chimney).
What does a clogged chimney look like? ›
WARNING SIGNS OF A BLOCKED CHIMNEY
Falling debris inside the hearth. Water streaks inside the flue. Excessive soot. White residue on the flue walls.
Can a chimney be unblocked? ›
Check whether there is a board blocking the fireplace and if so, remove the board. If bricks were used you will need to carefully remove these with a hammer and chisel, without damaging the surroundings. Remember to use lime mortar to make good any old joints in the chimney's bricks as you go.
5 Easy Steps to Make Sure Your Fireplace Is Safe
- #1 Examine the Firebox. Look for any cracks, gaps, or signs of wear in the lining of the firebox (the interior of the fireplace). ...
- #2 Look for Telltale Smoke Stains. ...
- #3 Make Sure Your Grate Is the Right Size. ...
- #4 Check the Chimney. ...
- #5 Double-Check Your Fire Extinguisher.
Odor: If your kitchen chimney is emitting an unpleasant odor, it may be due to a dirty filter or a clogged duct. Smoke leakage: If you notice smoke or fumes leaking from the chimney, it may be due to a faulty installation or a damaged duct.
How much does it cost to sweep a chimney? ›
On average, for a standard chimney sweep, you can expect to pay between £60 to £90. However, for more complex jobs or for chimneys that haven't been cleaned in a long time, the price can rise to around £100 to £120. Get a few quotes from different chimney sweepers to ensure you're getting a fair price.
How often should a domestic chimney be swept? ›
HETAS encourage having your chimney swept at least twice a year when burning wood and at least once a year when burning smokeless fuels. The best times to have your chimney swept are just before the start of the heating season and after your stove has not been used over a prolonged period.
Is it safe to clean your own chimney? ›
There are safety concerns for both the professional and the DIYers who chose to clean their own chimney flue. From inside the fireplace, the person performing the flue cleaning is exposed to hazardous materials like soot, creosote and harmful fumes. A professional-grade respirator mask is required.
