A chimney is an integral component of a fireplace, furnace or stove. In order for it to carry out its designated task, and that is to take hot and toxic smoke and gasses outside your home, it has to be cleaned on a regular basis. Failure to do so could hamper performance and could cause a chimney fire.
So how often to chimney sweep? Well, keep on reading to know the answer to this!
Regular Chimney Inspection Matters a Lot
Experts suggest for a homeowner like you to have your chimney inspected annually. Allowing the pros to examine your chimney once a year helps ensure that it’s doing its job properly. More importantly, it helps in the early detection of problems that could lead to costly damage and chimney fire, too.
If there’s a local chimney sweep company that you trust, it’s very much likely for them to recommend scheduled inspections of your chimney and its various components.
Does that sound like lots of money? Like what they say, it’s better safe than sorry! Especially if you use your fireplace, furnace or stove all the time, it is recommended that you have an annual chimney inspection. And don’t go for just any inspection — opt for one that’s carried out by a company trusted by many homeowners in your area.
Cleaning Should be Performed Annually, Too
It’s not just an inspection that needs to be carried out every year, but also cleaning. A chimney sweep should be performed once per year. The best time for this to be done is just before the burning season starts. In other words, the perfect time for a chimney sweep is late summer or early fall.
Getting your chimney cleaned during this time of year helps see to it that unnecessary problems — including chimney fires which is avoidable — are less likely to happen during the heavy use season.
There are instances in which another chimney sweep is recommended once the burning season is through. This is essential for the removal of buildup that could reduce performance and cause a chimney fire. Having a second cleaning within the same year may also be warranted in some situations, like the ones discussed below.
Semi-Annual Chimney Sweep
Just because experts recommend inspection as well as cleaning annually doesn’t mean that you should get in touch with the pros once a year only. If truth be told, there are instances in which getting your chimney cleaned twice a year may be necessary to prolong the life of your fireplace, furnace or stove, and to keep your home out of harm’s way.
If it’s been a while since you relied on your chimney, it should be professionally cleaned as raccoons, squirrels, rats and birds may have caused a blockage in the flue. Generally, you should contact a local expert the moment that you notice about 1/8 inch of sooty buildup. This will help prevent any chimney fires keeping you, your loved ones, and your home safe throughout the burning season.