A plugged or blocked chimney could cause the products of combustion to back up and filter through your home…and that is very dangerous to your health. So inspect your chimney each fall. It’s simple and only takes a few minutes of your time.
Gas logs release a lot of water vapor when they are burning. You should be wary of mold and mildew, especially if you have asthma and respiratory problems, when using them for longer than a few hours. A CO detector is a great gas-log accessory. You can find one in many home-improvement and mass chain stores
P oorly fitting fireplace dampers allow air to move freely up and down the chimney, often resulting in significant energy loss. Install a new damper or repair the existing one so it closes tightly and be sure to close the damper after every use.
Mild winters mean more chimney fires! It’s true. People choke back their woodstoves in mild weather – leading to more creosote accumulation – but many don’t realize this, so they skip getting it cleaned, thinking it doesn’t need it as bad as it would after a cold winter.
Most fires involving either masonry or prefabricated metal chimneys occur because of improper installation, use or maintenance. Here are a few of the most common causes: chimney installation too close to wood framing; thermal insulation too close to the chimney; and, passing the stovepipe or chimney through a ceiling or wall, causing ignition of wood framing. Also, always operate your appliance within the manufacturer’s recommended temperature limits. Too low a temperature increases creosote buildup, and too high a temperature may eventually cause damage to the chimney and result in a fire.
Springtime is the right time to get your chimneys checked! Sweeps are generally less frantic in the spring (vs. the crazy fall season) and if your chimney needs repairs, they can be made before the cold weather hits!
Now that the heating season is over, have a chimney sweep clean any fireplaces and flues.
Do you know what to do during a chimney fire? Call the fire department and exit the house – just like any other house fire. Many people choose not to do this, but if the fire does spread, don’t you want the firefighters there already?
Back to school time means the home heating season is beginning to kick in. Have your chimneys and vents checked before you fire up the furnace or fireplace to make the most of those cool fall evenings.
Ever wonder what wood is the best to burn as firewood? Oak is an American favorite, other hardwoods are also a good choice. You can burn other softer wood also, as long as it is split and dried long enough. It’s much more important to burn dry wood than to worry about what kind of wood it is.
