When Should You Clean The Fireplace Chimney?

According to the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America), you should clean your chimney whenever there is 1/8-inch of soot accumulation inside.

If you spot any glaze in your chimney, you ought to conduct a cleaning immediately. This coating is risky in that it’s susceptible to combustion.

Accumulation of creosote and soot in your chimney will lead to a chimney fire that will probably damage your fireplace. Numerous chimney fires that are caused by soot and creosote build-up can spread to your rooftop and home.

Heater flue frameworks also require cleaning. It would be a good idea if you inspect and clean these venting systems at the same time you clean the chimney, fireplace or stove.

How Often Do You Use Your Fireplace?

Asking yourself this question will also help you determine the right time to clean your unit.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that “Fireplaces, Chimneys, Flues and Venting Systems need to be inspected at least once a year for freedom from deposits, soundness, and correct clearances. Maintenance, Repairs, and Cleaning shall be done if necessary.

Regardless of whether you use your chimney or not, birds, raccoons, squirrels among other creatures might use your fireplace as their nesting area.

This will make your chimney even more hazardous to use when you don’t remove the amassed debris from the pests. The Wind, snow, and rain can as well blow leaves and branches into the open chimney openings.

When cleaning, you’ll remove most of the creosote and ash from the smoke chamber, damper zone, chimney liner, and firebox. Heavy use units can deliver up to two full 5-gallon buckets of soot! Don’t let the material build up to unsafe levels; otherwise, you’ll increase the risk chimney fires as the material is highly combustible.

What’s The Best Time of Year to Clean Your Chimney?

Before you even think of creating a fire or turning up the furnace, we highly advise you to schedule your inspection or cleaning.

Before the start of the burning and warming season in early fall and summer is the best timing for this work.

If you’ve started using your system already, there’s nothing to worry about. Chimney cleaners can do the job all year round. Don’t attempt to skip a year! This can be a terrible move.

And if you recently bought a new home, make sure an inspection is conducted as soon as possible.

Do You Really Need to Get Your Chimney Cleaned?

Eliminating the soot, creosote and blockages and creosote from your unit is important. It guarantees a more secure operation of your fireplace in the heating season. Proper chimney inspection and cleaning will protect the safety of your family and home against potential damages.

It just takes a spark and a small amount of the creosote coating to produce a chimney fire with many consequences. Creosote, a highly combustible substance develops at a higher rate if your unit is not working appropriately or if you lack good burning practices.

Pine ought to be avoided as the staple wood energy source as it promotes faster accumulation of creosote. Failing to remove the buildup will also affect the functionality of your unit by reducing draw and thus the heating efficiency.

Why You Need a Chimney Inspection

Haven’t done a chimney inspection in a year?

It’s time to schedule one. And if you’re experiencing any functionality issues with your heating unit, fireplace, or chimney, schedule an inspection immediately.

If you’ve bought a new home recently, schedule an investigation too. Don't be satisfied on what the previous owner tells you about the last inspection and cleaning of the fireplace.

If you have recently upgraded or changed your heating unit, please get the inspection. The inspection ensures that your lining, chimney, and venting systems are sufficient and in good working condition to handle the changes.

Delaying in any of the above circumstances quite often brings about additional repairs and extra expenses. Even more worse, it leads to loss of property and injuries. In the US alone, homeowners lose over $200 million consistently because of risky chimneys, fireplace, flues, stoves and venting systems.

A good number of homeowners hold on to the fact that since they don't utilize their units much, they don't really need to inspect them. The problem is that pests of all kinds may have constructed nests in the vent, covering your chimney.

Freeze as well as thaw cycles, combined with moisture, are also notorious for taking a toll on the liner and chimney even when you don't use it. Wear and tear are also unavoidable elements of your chimney.

You MUST Schedule Your Chimney Inspection Once Every Year!

Annual inspection of your chimney is highly recommended to ensure that all parts are in excellent working conditions. Generally speaking, numerous individuals conduct the cleaning once every year, at the same time.

Also, keep in mind that other venting units connected to your furnaces with the heaters and the stoves should also be inspected and cleaned regularly.

These examinations and cleanings are imperative to your family and home’s wellbeing and not a way of neglecting the necessary maintenance of the fireplace. Failing to do maintenance of your fireplace- as recommended- will put you at the risk of incurring costly repairs and even chimney fires!

Final Thoughts

To ensure that the greater part of your fireplace is in good working conditions and meeting your heat needs, it is suggested that you get a yearly inspection. Most homeowners opt for to have the chimney cleaning done yearly as well, particularly if they utilize their fireplaces at all the time.

Other venting components associated with your fireplace also ought to be cleaned regularly to ensure smooth, safe functioning. Fireplaces and other heating systems are essential to your home and family well-being; they’re not an area to disregard or neglect. Don’t let any defect in your system to go unattended to as this might cost you expensive repairs, and a chimney fire in worst cases!