Everything You Need to Know to Get Your Chimney Ready for Winter

Winter is coming! Apple cider, pumpkin patches and the holidays aren’t the only things to look forward to. If you have a fireplace, you can look forward to cozy nights relaxing beside the hearth. After battling cold winds or trudging through snow, it’s a pleasure to sit next to a crackling fire and unwind. Before you start your fireplace for the first time this year, be sure to have it cleaned and inspected!

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one third of the house fires in the U.S. every year are caused by fireplaces and chimneys. Regular fireplace maintenance, which includes cleanings and inspections, is the best way to reduce the risk of a house fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. That is why an annual chimney inspection is recommended by the NFPA, the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Between September and October, before the temperature drops significantly, is the most popular time to schedule a cleaning and inspection.

Reasons Why Fall is a Great Time to Schedule a Chimney Cleaning & Inspection

Using your fireplace after months of not being used can be a health and safety risk. The 3 most important reasons to schedule a chimney cleaning and inspection are:

1.     Remove Animal’s Nest & Lawn Debris from the Chimney

During the spring and summer, animals often make their homes in the top of the chimney. We’ve discovered birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other animals living in chimneys. Lawn debris, like leaves and twigs, can also build up in the chimney. Using your chimney before the animal nests or lawn debris has been removed can be dangerous because carbon monoxide in the smoke may not be able to escape. Without being able to vent outside, it can fill your home leaving you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It could also cause a house fire if the obstruction is ignited by a hot ember. Many homeowners do not know their chimney is obstructed until it is too late. Hiring a professional chimney sweep is a smart preventative measure to ensure your fireplace is safe to use.

2.     Clean Out Last Season’s Creosote Deposits

Whenever you use your fireplace, creosote builds up along the chimney walls. This chemical compound is highly flammable. Most chimney fires are caused by creosote deposits that were ignited by high temperatures or stray sparks. In one burning season (fall to winter), a fireplace produces enough creosote to create a significant fire. That’s why it is smart to have creosote cleaned out of the chimney in between burning seasons.

3.     Catch Structural Problems & Safety Risks Early

Chimney systems are surprisingly complex; small issues can quickly become large problems. For example, a leaking chimney cap can cause chimney masonry to deteriorate so much that the entire chimney has to be rebuilt. Or, a small crack in the chimney liner, also known as the flue liner, could let toxic gases into your home. Solving these issue before they cause additional damage or harm is the best way to mitigate costs. CSIA-certified chimney sweeps are trained to catch problems like these. During an inspection, they take a close look at all of the important fireplace and chimney components to make sure they are in good condition. If a problem is found, they will walk you through the next steps to resolve it.

Don’t put your safety or your home at risk! Hire a professional chimney sweep to clean and inspect your chimney before you use your fireplace this season. The CSIA-certified chimney sweeps at Hudson Valley Chimney Service can take care of both at the same time! Give us a call today before winter is here!