Cold Weather Spells Chimney Cleaning Time

When the weather outside turns cold, you will likely start using your fireplace more often.  It is important for you to have your chimney cleaned before you do.  Failure to keep your chimney cleaned properly can result in disasters.

Most homeowners will be hesitant to clean their chimneys themselves since it is such as dirty and difficult task.  This task will need to be done at least twice a year depending on how often you use your fireplace.  There are a range of reasons why you should keep your chimney as clean as possible.

If you or someone else in your home suffers from allergies, then having a dirty chimney certainly will not help the situation.  Dirt, soot, and other debris will accumulate inside the chimney and likely enter back into your home.  Therefore, having your chimney cleaned will help improve the air quality in your home.

The buildup of dirt and other debris will not just cause air problems.  It can physically cause a blockage of the flue too.  If the flue becomes blocked, then smoke, gases, and odors will travel back into your home.  You definitely do not want harmful gases such as carbon monoxide accumulating in your home because it is very deadly in large amounts.

If you have a dirty chimney it is likely there is a significant accumulation of creosote.  This is the byproduct of burning wood and is very flammable.  If sparks fly up from your fireplace on to a deposit of creosote, a fire can result.

Chimney fires are very dangerous not only to your well-being, but to the well-being of your house as well.  The fires inside a chimney can burn at approximately 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.  They can quickly get out of control and damage your entire home. 

You can avoid all of these problems by having your chimney cleaned on a regular basis.  It is possible for you to do it yourself as long as you get your hands on the proper tools and supplies.  It is a dirty and difficult job though, so most homeowners will want to hire a professional to do it.

When searching for a company to come clean your chimney you should always check with the Better Business Bureau before hiring them.  You want to ensure they are professionals who have not received many complaints from past customers.  It is also a good idea to make sure they have been in business for a reasonable amount of time.