As temperatures begin to drop, you need to prepare your home for the heating season. In today’s post, local chimney masonry repair company Chimney Doctors shares a look at one task that should be on your checklist — chimney inspections — and the reasons why it’s important.
Safety
Over its service life, your chimney can develop problems such as creosote buildup, blockage, cracks in the flue liner and even structural damage. Not addressing them increases the risks of chimney fires and carbon monoxide leaks. Regular chimney inspections are primarily in place to reduce such risks, especially considering that they’re not readily observable.
Avoid the Rush
If you’re making preparations for the heating season, chances are there are several others in your community who are doing the same. Chimney relining and repair contractors are typically in demand the colder the season gets. Therefore, the sooner you have your chimneys inspected, the more convenient it will be — you can pick the contractor that you want, at the dates that are most convenient to you.
Maintain Efficiency
Whether you have an electric, gas or traditional wood-fired fireplace, you’ll want to get the most heat out of it. A well-maintained chimney that’s free from gaps, cracks and blockages will get you more heating for the dollar, which can add up to savings.
Extend the Chimney’s Life Span
Another benefit of a well-maintained chimney is you can get more years out of it. A typical chimney is expected to last 15 to 20 years, but a longer life span is not unheard of — some have been known to last up to 50 years, with only cleaning and repairs as needed.
Peace of Mind
The best home heating systems are the ones that you can count on. Keeping up with regular inspections means you can enjoy the warmth of your fireplace without worrying about potential hazards or unexpected breakdowns.
Your local chimney sweep at Chimney Doctors serves Clifton Park, NY, and surrounding communities. Learn more about what we can do for your chimneys by giving us a call at (518) 882-5009. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.