In the heart of every American home, one of the commonly overlooked aspects is none other but chimney cleaning. While we enjoy the crackling embrace of a warm and cozy fire on a chilly winter evening, it’s often easy to forget that our chimneys may well require regular attention and timely care.
It helps us prevent incidents of fire breakouts, especially the ones which have persisted in the United States for far too long, all because of uncleaned and unkempt chimneys.
To safeguard your home, it has become essential that one should invest in chimney cleaning.
It is not merely a task rooted in tradition but a practice that ensures the safety, efficiency, and longevity of our beloved hearths.
In this article, we are going to discuss the few signs which will ensure it’s about time your chimney are swept. So without further ado, let’s begin!
Is Your Room Getting Smoky When the Fire’s On?
Are you finding yourself in a constant battle with smoke filling up your rooms? The problem may very well be a clogged or blocked chimney. Regardless of how much smoke is generated during combustion, if it’s being blown back into your rooms, it’s likely a sign that your chimney requires immediate cleaning.
So what to do when it happens with your particular home? Address the issue in a timely manner. You can always bring your chimney back to its acceptable working order by regularly sweeping it.
While doing it yourself is just one thing, having a professional have a look at it on your behalf is another. Don’t wait – a clean chimney is the key to enjoying a smoke-free and cozy atmosphere in your home.
Do You Feel There’s Bad Odor Coming From Your Fireplace?
If it’s not running, yet it’s giving off a nasty musty odor, your fireplace is definitely in need of cleaning. Odor coming from the chimney, especially when you’re not using it, is likely due to creosote buildup.
Creosote and soot are the two leading elements that naturally build up in the flue of the chimney after you use the fireplace. If left unattended, they can collect for too long, giving off a musty odor from the fireplace.
Having your chimney swept will clear away the soot, saving you from any unexpected ignition. If you want to keep your chimney safe and prevent a fire breakout, it’s best to call in a professional to inspect it.
Also read: How Do I Prepare for a Scheduled Chimney Cleaning?
Are There Visible Tar Deposits in Your Chimney Area?
Do you see black deposits around your fireplace? If there are any visible creosote deposits around the chimney space, then it’s probably the best time to get your chimney swept by a professional.
Creosote is the thick black substance that you can often find around the damper or around the stove. While removing some of the deposits from the surfaces is naturally easy, removing the whole of it from the chimney requires expertise. Therefore, it’s always advisable to call in a professional chimney sweep to extract most, if not all, of the creosote deposited within the chimney.
Is Soot Dropping Into The Fireplace?
Soot dropping into the fireplace is a common occurrence. Wood-burning fireplaces develop creosote and soot inside the flue.
Large amounts of this substance gather in the chimney and often become dislodged, falling down the chimney shaft and into the fireplace.
While it may not seem harmful initially, creosote is highly flammable and can lead to chimney fires. Many fire breakouts are reported in the U.S. every year due to creosote and soot damage.
Therefore, It is important to clean such deposits regularly to reduce the risk of chimney fires and ensure the safe operation of your fireplace.
Does It Take Long to Light Up the Fireplace?
Fire requires sufficient air to burn properly. When the fireplace is blocked, it may take longer than usual to ignite, posing a challenge in maintaining a fire within the fireplace.
Poor airflow within the chimney can result from various factors, such as trapped exhaust gasses, creosote development, or the presence of a long-sitting bird nest.
Therefore, it’s always best to opt for a professional chimney sweep who can remove all obstacles that are blocking the airflow in your chimney. As a result, proper ventilation keeps the ball rolling & it prevents issues related to ignition and keeps your fireplace working.
It’s Time for Your Annual Chimney Cleaning!
If you see any of the above signs, then it’s quite obvious that it’s high-time you should opt-in for a chimney cleaning job. At Easy Steam, we are your reputable chimney sweeping service providing you with adequate service to clear up blocked, dirty and clogged up fireplaces so you can enjoy a warm & cozy fireplace.
Dial (713) 565-4247 and get your chimney restored for optimal performance with us.