Does smoke fill the room when you try to start a fire in your fireplace? Do you end up using a lot of firewood without the heat output you expected? Have these issues forced you to eliminate the use of your chimney and fireplace altogether in the winter?
4 Reasons You’re Having Trouble with Your Fireplace
November 23rd, 2015Install an Energy Efficient Top-Mounted Damper!
November 16th, 2015Relaxing by a fireplace is an excellent way to unwind at the end of a long day. But you certainly don’t need your fireplace to heat you up at all times of the day. When you turn on your whole-home heating system to an ideal temperature during the daytime, you don’t have to keep the fireplace going. In fact, you need the fireplace to be well-sealed if you want to prevent heat from escaping out the chimney.
Choosing an Eco-Friendly Fireplace or Stove
November 9th, 2015You want a fireplace or stove that will keep you cozy and warm, but you also want to do your part in helping out the environment. The new fireplace or stove that you choose will depend largely on your budget and the setup of your home and your chimney. But to help you choose the perfect heating system for your home, we offer a general comparison of some of the most common types of eco-friendly stoves and fireplaces, so that you can do your best to make a responsible choice!
3 Hidden Dangers That May Be in Your Chimney
November 2nd, 2015Heating systems and chimneys are one of the main sources of home fires in the U.S. Keeping a chimney clean and well-maintained is one of the most important things you can do for your home safety and for your health. Still not convinced? Check out a few of the hidden dangers commonly found in chimneys and fireplaces, and learn why it’s so important to have your chimney inspected and cleaned each and every year.
Is It Time for a Chimney Inspection?
October 27th, 2015Your chimney may seem to be in good condition from the outside, but looks can be deceiving. It’s likely that your chimney has some amount of wear and tear from the previous year’s use and a period of no use over the summer months. Whether that’s a small amount of creosote built up inside of the chimney or damage to the masonry, it could mean a fire risk in your home.
Don’t Fall for a Chimney Cleaning Scam
October 26th, 2015Whether you use your fireplace most nights or only a few times during the winter, chimney sweeping is so important to your home safety. Cleaning the chimney rids it of creosote and other harmful deposits that could lead to a chimney fire. During the initial inspection, the chimney sweep may discover an issue with your chimney that needs prompt repair, protecting your home from danger. But some companies prey on those who know little about chimney cleaning or have never had it done professionally before, scamming customers and putting their homes in further jeopardy. Look out for these scams so that you know your next chimney cleaning is completed properly.
Do You Know of the Dangers of a Clogged Dryer Vent?
October 19th, 2015The vent that leads from your home’s clothes dryer to the outside of the home is rather unremarkable in its structure. But its sole purpose is to vent dangerous combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide out of the home. This is a vital part of a home that is often neglected. It can become clogged with debris over time, no matter how often you clean out the lint trap. And eventually, all of that debris can lead to one of the biggest dangers to your home: fire.
Is Your Chimney Finally Out of Commission?
October 12th, 2015You may have been told by a home inspector that your chimney should be capped and remain unused. A damaged chimney cannot properly vent hazardous combustion byproducts away from the home, such as carbon monoxide. Cracks in the chimney liner or in the masonry can also allow fire to spread to the home quickly, which is why an impaired chimney should never be used. However, when you get in touch with a chimney professional, you may find that there are a couple of options available to you.
3 Questions You Should Ask your Chimney Sweep
October 5th, 2015No matter how often you use your home’s chimney, regular chimney inspections are a key part of keeping your home safe. Whether you use your fireplace several times a week, or you only light a fire when company is in from out of town, your chimney could be filled with debris, creosote, or wear and tear that may damage your home and risk your safety the next time you use it. When you hire a chimney sweep to clean and inspect your chimney and fireplace, you’ll want to ensure they have the proper qualifications to do the job right. Here are a few questions to ask your chimney sweep before a cleaning and inspection.
What You Must Do for Your Chimney and Fireplace before Winter
September 29th, 2015Fall is finally here, which means the nights are getting cooler and soon you’ll be able to lounge in front of the fire of your fireplace. But are your fireplace and chimney ready for the fall and the long winter ahead? Make sure that these parts of your home are safe and efficient by following our tips. For more information, contact a local chimney sweep!