Chimney sweeps have a tough job, but one that is very valuable to you as a homeowner with a fireplace in your home. Without chimney sweeps, your chimney would frequently get clogged with residue, dirt, debris, soot, and even birds’ or rodents’ nests. This is precisely one of the major reasons that professionals recommend you have your chimney cleaned at least once a year. Here are some of the things you might not have known about chimneys that might change your tune if you have been resistant to getting it cleaned out every year.
Why Should You Get Your Chimney Cleaned?
Over time, your chimney becomes filled with soot and built-up creosote. This can cause serious blockages. If you have a blockage in your chimney, you might not know about it until you go to start a fire in your fireplace and your house fills up with smoke. Smoke damage is no joke, so it’s best to just be on top of your chimney cleaning in Alpharetta, GA, and get it done at the start of each season. Built-up creosote in particular is highly flammable and can start a fire quickly. You don’t want to have a house fire because you kept putting off getting your chimney cleaned out one year.
What If You Don’t Use Your Chimney That Often?
Even if you have a fireplace but don’t use it that often, you should still have your chimney inspected at least once per year. A chimney inspection will help make sure that your systems are in working order and that any venting systems connected to furnaces and stoves in your home are clean and working properly. There is a lot of inherent danger in a venting system such as from a furnace or stove that doesn’t work, so be sure to take care of these whether you feel it’s needed or not.
How Often Do You Need a Chimney Sweep Service?
Again, schedule your chimney inspection and cleaning at least every year before you start to use it for the season. Don’t wait until you are having performance issues with your chimney. If you just bought your home and it has a fireplace, don’t trust the existing homeowners that the chimney works. Schedule a chimney inspection right away, or have it done as part of the inspection before you buy the home if possible. The longer you put it off, the more likely you will end up paying for costly repairs later down the road.
What Is the Best Time to Get Your Chimney Cleaned?
The best time for chimney cleaning is before the burning season starts in the spring. Summer and early fall might also be great times to get your chimney inspection done. This is just for those who schedule it every year. If it has been more than a year since you’ve had it done, call right away. If you change heating systems at any time, you will want to hire chimney cleaning services in Alpharetta, GA, to come out and inspect the new system for defects and give you guidance on how to use it properly going forward.