Summer is a great time to ensure that your home is safe from a fire caused by a faulty or improperly maintained fireplace and chimney. Chimney maintenance is the best way to ensure your fireplace is working safely and efficiently. Take the following precautions to keep your chimney running well all year long.
Here, this blog discusses fireplace & Chimney maintenance tips in summer.
1. Turn off the pilot light
In gas fireplaces, the pilot light burns the flame and will continue to produce heat if it is left. one way of chimney maintenance is to turn the pilot light off because it will reduce your utility bills. Once you know you won’t be using your fireplace anymore this year. In the summer season, you can save some money, so don’t forget to make this crucial small change!
2 . Have annual inspections
You don’t need to wait before the last minute to get a check-up in these spots. During summer, getting your inspection done will help make sure everything is ready to be used again next season. Chimney maintenance includes annual reviews which are also crucial for safety, as these fixtures need to be working correctly to be safe to use.
3. Close the damper
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, ensure the damper is closed when the fireplace is not in use. One purpose of the drag is to seal off the airflow between the chimney and the home. Energy costs are significantly higher when summer air conditioning and winter heat escape through the chimney.
The damper can also help to prevent insects from entering your home through the chimney. If you have a gas fireplace, experts recommend keeping the drag open to prevent gas from building up in your home in a gas leak.
4. Have a chimney cap installed
Chimney caps are important accessories that keep rain, snow, sleet, and dust particles from falling into your chimney. They keep animals out if the mesh includes.
It could be a chimney cap, but its useful lifespan has been damaged or outlived. Having it replaced is an excellent thing to check off your list.
5. Clear out the ashes
The fireplace has gathered ash and junk after heavy use in the winter. Leaving debris of this over the off-season months will only cause decay buildup.
In addition, this will lower the air quality in your home. Instead, clean this out when you’re not using the fireplace and chimney. It will make for cleaner air and a much more aesthetically-refreshing fireplace.
6. Water leaks
Water and moisture that enter your chimney can develop mold, mildew, and harmful bacteria. If allowed to emanate throughout your home, this could reduce indoor air quality and potentially cause your family’s health problems.
Leaking chimneys is a sign that your chimney cap needs to be replaced, but sometimes, masonry leaks can be the culprit.
Final words
It’s always a good thought to stay on top of your fireplace and chimney maintenance/cleaning. Our knowledgeable and National Fireplace Institute certified gas specialists are the best in the care and operation of chimney problems.
Call Smoky Sweeper today to schedule your chimney maintenance/Sweeping to keep your system in perfect shape.
