You love your fireplace. You’re gathered around the hearth with the family on a cold night during another beautiful holiday season when it hits you: should I get my chimney cleaned? Do you even remember the last time you’ve had it swept? Dirty chimneys can be dangerous, so you know you should have it regularly swept. But, how often should you call your chimney sweep in Marietta?
Chimney Inspections
You should have your chimney inspected once a year. To make sure everything is in working order, and that there are no safety concerns, you need to schedule annual inspections. While you’re at it, all heating appliances, the stove, the fireplace, and the furnace should all be regularly inspected as well. A small expense now will save you from a big expense later on, or worse: a chimney fire.
Chimney Cleaning
You’ve had the inspection, but how often should you have your chimney cleaned? It depends. If you use your fireplace often, or if debris has accumulated over time from either fires or critters like birds and raccoons using your chimney as a hideout, you’ll want to consider cleanings once a year. If you’re not sure, a good rule of thumb is to check for soot buildup within the flue system. If 1/8-inch of soot has accumulated, then you are due for a chimney sweep. Anything over that, and definitely put off using the fireplace until you can bring in a professional. Too much accumulation of creosote can create a genuine fire hazard.
When’s the Best Time for a Cleaning?
You want to make sure your chimney is as clean as possible just before you put it to heavy use. So, consider hiring an expert in chimney repair in Marietta, GA, in the spring or early summer, so you’ll be able to use the fireplace with abandon when fall starts up and the weather gets cool.
Fireplaces are a treasured part of family memories. Keep them regularly inspected and cleaned, and they will last a lifetime.