How often should a chimney be swept?
HETAS encourage having your chimney swept at least twice a year when burning wood or bituminous house coal 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.
How can I tell if my chimney needs cleaning?
Here are seven tell-tale signs that indicate your chimney or fireplace needs cleaning:
- Your fireplace smells like a campfire. ...
- Fires burn oddly. ...
- It takes more effort to get a fire going and keep it going. ...
- Smoke fills the room. ...
- The fireplace damper is black. ...
- Fireplace walls have oily marks. ...
- There's evidence of animals.
How long can a chimney go without cleaning?
How often should you clean your chimney? Both the NFPA and Spisto recommend getting your chimney cleaned and inspected once a year by a qualified professional. Carli says that regardless of chimney type, you should you have your chimney swept at least one time a year.
What happens if you don't clean 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 to expect when you get your chimney cleaned?
A chimney sweep typically takes about an hour, and you can expect the technician to take a long brush and remove creosote, leaves, and other debris from the inside of the chimney. If the company you hire to do the cleaning also repairs chimneys, they may recommend certain repairs, such as new flashing and dampers.
How messy is chimney cleaning?
Sure, it can get messy, but if you pick the right firm to do it for you, it shouldn't encroach into your living space or be inconvenient. In fact, your home should be just as clean as it was before the team started the job. Here's what to expect from a high quality chimney sweep.
About Us
Chimney Sweeps Cleaning
We offer interior and exterior comprehensive cleanings. Each chimney sweep includes a visual inspection to ensure the safety and efficiency of your chimney. You will be provided with a checklist of items with comments and recommendations when necessary.
We keep your home clean! Drop cloths and runners are used to protect your floor. Our strong vacuum keeps dust out of the air. Our equipment is specialized to various heating appliances: wood stoves, pellet stoves, furnaces and fireplace inserts.
