Things That Happen When You Don’t Clean Your Chimney

Chimney sweeps recommend annual inspections and cleanings to extend your chimney’s lifespan as well as keep your chimney system running as smooth as possible. 

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you neglected to clean your chimney year after year? Does a chimney inspection and cleaning really make a difference in the safety or performance of your chimney and fireplace system? The answer is yes and we’re here to give you three reasons why annual chimney sweeps and inspections are so vital.

Chimney Fires

When you burn wood in your fireplace the smoke creates a byproduct called creosote. Creosote is a sticky tar-like substance that sticks to the interior surfaces of your chimney and flue and can lead to several major problems. One of the risks that comes along with creosote that is allowed to collect and build over time is an increased chance of a dangerous and destructive chimney fire.

Exposure to Carbon Monoxide

When your chimney is not cleaned it can make it harder for combustible materials and toxic gasses such as carbon monoxide to vent out through the chimney. This can lead to the very real risk of carbon monoxide poisoning for yourself, your family, and your pets. A clean chimney allows these toxic materials to escape, keeping you safer from smoke, carbon monoxide, and other issues that can be present from obstructions in your chimney.

Chimney Obstructions

As we’ve already stated, creosote build-up can block your chimney creating an obstruction in the smokes path, however, other things such as debris and small critters can also make their way into your chimney throughout the year and present the same issue. Without an annual sweep and inspection these obstructions can build and start to create an array of issues.

Compromised safety, foul odors, and decreased efficiency are all a common possibility of a chimney that has not been cleaned properly or often enough.

Schedule Your Annual Sweep and Inspection Today

Hudson Valley Chimney can help keep your chimney safer, cleaner, and more efficient. Whether you’ve kept up with maintenance or it’s been a while, give us a call today and we’ll get your chimney on track for a longer life span and many more cozy nights by the fire to come!

Call (845) 471-1071 or contact us online to schedule your sweep and inspection with the trusted chimney pros!