Fall is here, and that means it’s time to your schedule your annual chimney inspection. Thousands of house fires are caused by a lack of cleaning and maintenance every year. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend that your chimney should be cleaned at least once a year. If you haven’t received a chimney inspection this year, then it might be time to schedule an appointment with a chimney professional.
Annual Chimney Inspections Protect Your Health
Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever fuel is burned. At low levels, carbon monoxide can cause dizziness, confusion, and nausea. If a chimney has become blocked or lacks a functioning flue, then carbon monoxide can buildup inside of the home. CO is responsible for thousands of deaths in the U.S. each year, and many of these poisonings are caused by blocked chimneys. Rather than waiting until you have an emergency, opt for a chimney inspection to protect the health of you and your family.
Chimney Inspections Prevent Chimney Fires
Many chimney problems start out small but can progressively get worse over time. The purpose of a professional chimney sweep is to remove soot, blockages, and creosote that has built up in your chimney. Creosote, a highly flammable byproduct of fuel burning fires, can build up in your flue over time. Creosote can also increase your risk of a chimney fire if not properly treated. Chimney inspections can identify issues such as damage or deterioration when they first occur.
Chimney Inspections Reduce Smoke Damage
The purpose of a chimney flue is to create an updraft that pulls hot gasses and smoke from the fire away from the living space. If a chimney isn’t regularly cleaned, smoke will accumulate around the flue. When this happens, it’s very difficult for smoke to ventilate out the chimney, so it enters your rooms instead. Soot leaves a black film around your hearth and can stain the surrounding areas. Once odors from a fireplace enter your living space, it can be extremely difficult to get rid of the smell.
Inspections & Repairs Take Time
In general, waiting until the last minute to schedule an appointment isn’t the best strategy. The closer it gets to winter, the busier chimney cleaning companies get. If you’re unable to schedule a chimney sweep in time, then you could potentially end up running fire in a system that is dangerous. In addition, it’s nearly impossible to tell if your fireplace and chimney are in need of repairs based on a quick visual inspection. By scheduling an appointment during the fall, you’ll know if damage exists. Once you know the extent, you can take the proper steps to get everything in working order before the cold weather sets in.
When Should You Schedule a Chimney Inspection?
Now is the perfect time to have your annual chimney inspection done. Don’t wait until a problem arises to have your chimney examined. If you live in the Milwaukee area, contact the Chimney Expert today to schedule your fall chimney cleaning.
