It may not be the prime time of year for chimney sweeps, but we still want to make sure you get the information you need to stay safe. As the weather warms up, it presents the perfect opportunity to repair a damaged chimney, install a new fireplace, or schedule your routine chimney cleaning. Before you do, however, you might have some questions.
2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Minneapolis’
A Chimney Sweep’s FAQ About Chimney Cleaning
Monday, May 1st, 2017A Few Facts about Home Dryer Fires
Tuesday, April 11th, 2017When your dryer is running, what you’re probably most concerned about is whether to fold or hang your clothing. Your last thought is that a home’s dryer could cause a potential home fire, but unfortunately, it’s far too common for us to ignore.
While we don’t think you should live in fear of a dryer fire at any moment, these tips are intended to a) help raise awareness of a disaster many people know nothing about, and b) give you the tools to prevent dryer fires in your own home. Tell a neighbor about home dryer fires, and help save a life!
Why Does Your Fireplace Smoke?
Monday, April 3rd, 2017
Nothing is quite as relaxing on a cold winter night at home as lighting a fire in your fireplace and cozying up. Unless, of course, your fireplace sends smoke pouring back into your home. Not only is this unexpected; it’s a health and safety hazard as well. If you’re tired of this happening so often when you use your fireplace, we may have some solutions.
Below, find out what may be causing your fireplace to smoke when you light a fire, and some possible remedies to the situation. Otherwise, call our team for comprehensive chimney and fireplace services in Minneapolis, MN.
Fireplace Pros and Cons: Wood-Burning, Gas, and Electric
Monday, March 6th, 2017
Want to know how your fireplace or stove sizes up to the one in your neighbor’s home? Today, we take a look at a few different options for fireplace style and fuel type. Whether you’re in the market for a new system or wondering how your fireplace sizes up, our chimney sweeps want to make sure you have the information you need.
Why Do You Need to Have the Dryer Vents Cleaned?
Monday, February 20th, 2017
At 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., we’re advocates for home safety, encouraging homeowners to schedule professional chimney sweep services in order to prevent dangerous chimney and home fires. We also encourage regular dryer vent cleaning, but some people are not sure how the two are connected and why dryer vent cleaning is a necessary home safety measure.
Here, we discuss what you may risk by failing to clean the vents that lead from your dryer to the outdoors. We also give you some tools to detect potential safety risks, but be sure to call a professional technician for a thorough inspection and cleaning of your dryer ducts.
Should You Shut off Your Heating System While You Use the Fireplace?
Tuesday, February 14th, 2017There’s nothing like a fireplace to warm up in front of with a warm cup of cocoa while the family gathers around to watch a movie or enjoy some quality time together. You might feel like this is all the comfort you need on a cold night, so you go to the thermostat to shut it off.
But we’re here to warn you that this may not be your best option.
Busting 4 Myths about Chimneys
Tuesday, February 7th, 2017
Chimneys are fairly simple structures when compared to other types of devices we use to stay comfortable. They use the laws of physics to vent smoke outside of the home, and there are not many moving parts aside from, perhaps, a damper you open and shut as needed.
It’s precisely this simplicity, however, that allows for so many misconceptions about fireplaces and chimneys. Many people skip the maintenance necessary to keep a home safe, or decide to try it their own, and this is a huge risk. Below, we break down 4 myths about chimneys that we hear all too often, so that you have the information necessary to keep your household safer.
Why It’s So Important to Have Certified Chimney Sweeps on the Job
Tuesday, January 17th, 2017You wouldn’t hire a mechanic to be your doctor—or vice versa—so why would you choose a random “handyman” to clean your chimney? A dirty chimney is dangerous, greatly increasing your chances of a home fire, and it’s something you should have cleaned every year.
Certified chimney sweeps have gone through training and testing to prove their expertise, and you should only hire someone with the right credit for the job.
Does Your Family Have a Fire Escape Plan?
Monday, January 16th, 2017Fire safety is an often-neglected topic in households. You teach kids about fire alarms and warn them of the dangers of fires and heat-producing appliances, but you may never take the time to plan what would happen if there were a fire in your home.
A complete plan is more than realizing you need to get out in case of a fire. You should have a complete escape route, meeting place, and a plan for what to do next, so talk to your family and solidify your plans today!
Failure to Clean Dryer Vents Leads to Fires
Monday, December 26th, 2016Dry winter air can intensify the possibility of a home fire. And some of the most inconspicuous things in your home could be responsible for starting a fire that spreads to the outside of your home. One of these is a home’s clothes dryer.
Clothes dryer fires are surprisingly common, and the number one reason for a dryer fire is lack of maintenance on the part of the homeowner. This may be more involved than you think.