Although you’ve heard that chimneys should be cleaned every year, you only build a fire in your fireplace once or twice a year. So, you may be asking yourself, “Do I really need to get my chimney cleaned that often?”
The short answer is: Yes. Annual chimney cleanings are still a very good idea for a couple reasons.
First, chimneys are a critical part of your home’s overall heating system and should not just be thought of as an occasional luxury. It is advisable to have professionals check all your heating and venting systems, stove systems, furnace flues, and chimneys every year.
Second, fireplaces are analogous to windows and doors in that they bring air into your home. The air is necessary, and you don’t want to risk anything blocking it.
Third, even if you’ve only had one or two fires over the course of a year, wood varies in the amount of creosote produced. Pine for example, produces a great deal of creosote, which is why it is often advised against as a wood for fireplaces. However, a tiny amount of creosote in the chimney is enough to trigger the beginning of a chimney fire. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, there were over 20,000 chimney fires between 2010 and 2012. Property loss from these fires alone hit nearly $112 million. Fires and the damage they cause can be avoided easily, with regular inspection and proper care.
Want to discuss chimney cleaning and see if it’s time for your next cleaning? Give us a call or fill out the simple form on our website.
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