Have you used your fireplace yet this season? If not, it’s just a matter of time before you revert to fall and winter habits as the days grow shorter and the outdoor chill becomes more pervasive.
But not so fast! Because to ensure the safety of your home and family, you should have the fireplace and chimney professionally cleaned and inspected. In the process, your cleaning service can determine how much creosote has built-up since the last cleaning and remove what they find.
Creosote forms from wood, paper, and cardboard that don’t burn very well. That happens when air circulation in the chimney is not up to par. Plus, creosote is combustible and can emit unpleasant odors which will invade your living space anytime a down draft occurs.
Creosote also can spawn mold and mildew after mixing with rain and snow. That mixture can create respiratory issues for household members.
Here’s how you can tell if you already have a creosote build-up. Using a flashlight, look up your chimney. If all you see is black and grey dust, there’s not enough creosote to be concerned about. If, however, the walls of the chimney appear black and flaky, it’s time for a cleaning – even more so if the build-up is thick and crusty.
During a chimney cleaning, a professional chimney sweep also will remove other debris such as twigs and, sorry to say, dead animals that were attracted by the warmth. Even live critters sometimes take up residence, and you want them gone as well.
Once your fireplace and chimney are properly cleaned, you can enjoy the warmth and glow with renewed confidence. To feel that same level of confidence about having all the heat you need throughout your home this or any winter, contact Eagle Service Company to request our furnace inspection and cleaning service. Once completed, your furnace will run better, last longer, and result in reduced energy costs. We look forward to this opportunity to serve you.
