2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Inver Grove Heights’

The Importance of Cleaning Your Factory-Built Chimney

Monday, November 3rd, 2014

Factory-built, or pre-fabricated, chimneys allow people to use a fireplace in their homes even if a fireplace wasn’t part of the original architecture. It is no secret that masonry chimneys and fireplaces need annual cleaning, and this is the same for factory-built chimneys. There are thousands of chimney fires each year in the US; properly cleaning your factory-built chimney in Inver Grove Heights can go a long way toward eliminating this possibility. If it’s been more than a year since your last chimney cleaning, call 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., and schedule a cleaning today.

What Is a Factory-Built Chimney?

A factory-built chimney is typically a single unit, and is usually made of metal (although there are some masonry ones as well). Because a pre-fabricated chimney is one unit, it cannot be used with an existing chimney or flue. Pre-fabricated chimneys are thoroughly tested with their fireboxes at the factory, and they have very specific installation requirements that need to be adhered to in order to ensure safety and proper function.

Why Does a Pre-Fabricated Chimney Need Cleaning?

  • Remove creosote and soot build-up – soot and creosote can accumulate quickly in your chimney, especially if you use yours frequently. Soot and creosote are flammable; with a large enough buildup, they can catch fire inside your chimney. Chimney fires are dangerous in any type of chimney, but prefabricated chimneys are not built to withstand great amounts of heat; as such, it is very important to have the creosote and soot removed by a trained professional.
  • Helps prevent corrosion – combustion byproducts are very acidic. As such, they can corrode the metal and/or masonry of any chimney. Corrosion in the metal of your pre-fabricated chimney can lead to cracks and holes, which can be very dangerous.
  • Increase efficiency – a large creosote buildup in your chimney can restrict the flow of air in the chimney. In turn, this can reduce the efficiency of your fireplace.

Factory-built chimneys are well-insulated, safe and offer homes without a chimney the ability to have a fireplace. However, it is just as important to clean your factory-built chimney in Inver Grove Heights as it is to clean a masonry one.

Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., and schedule a cleaning appointment with one of our certified experts. Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS

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Fridley Chimney & Fireplace Tips: What You Should Consider Before Installing a Pellet Stove

Monday, February 6th, 2012

Pellet stoves allow you to heat your Fridley home with some of the most efficient and clean energy available. Pellets are made from renewable materials, such as recycled wood or organic waste materials, and pellet fuel generates less emissions than all other solid fuels. Because pellet appliances burn such clean and renewable fuel, they are appealing to many homeowners, and pellet stoves are more common in homes than they were even a few years ago. Some manufacturers are now designing new pellet-burning furnaces and boilers; however, pellets are more commonly used in stoves and fireplace inserts. Before you start looking around for a new pellet stove to replace your old heating system, there are a few things you should consider.

In addition to providing highly efficient heat, pellet appliances are also convenient because they have a hopper that stores the fuel, and a feeding device that loads the fuel throughout the day. In most pellet appliances, the hopper only needs to be refueled once a day. However, this added feature also means that there are more components that can break, which may increase repair and maintenance costs. These devices also use electricity to operate, so you’ll want to factor in these additional costs when you are deciding whether or not to install a pellet stove. Another factor to consider is whether or not pellet fuel is accessible and affordable in your area. A quick Internet search will direct you to any suppliers near your home.

Most pellet appliance manufacturers also recommend that you install a stainless steel flue liner before installation. If you have a clay or tile liner, you should find out what size metal liner you’ll need and how much it will cost to re-line your chimney. Hiring a professional chimney technician to inspect your current flue and liner will also determine if your flue size and shape. This will let you know if you need a stainless steel liner that is made of flexible material and how much labor will be involved in cutting the liner to fit your chimney flue.

Depending on the age and condition of your current heating system, you may benefit from installing a pellet stove in your Fridley home. First you’ll need to compare the installation costs with how much you’ll get in energy savings. You can always call 2nd Generation Chimneys to speak with one of our chimney and fireplace experts about which heating system upgrade is the best choice for your heating needs.

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