Your fireplace is one of the most important parts of your home. It adds style to your house and helps to provide comfort during the cold season. Like many parts of your home, your fireplace requires regular maintenance to continue to function effectively. As such, an annual chimney inspection is needed to keep your fireplace in great shape.
Why Is Chimney Inspection Important?
To ensure that your chimney system is in perfect condition, you should schedule an annual chimney inspection. This might also include chimney cleaning, especially if you often use your fireplace. During cleaning, a chimney sweep removes soot, blockages and built-up creosote from your chimney liner, firebox, smoke chamber and damper. This allows you a much safer operation of your system.
Additionally, other venting systems connected to furnaces and stoves should also be frequently cleaned. Your fireplace, stove, furnace and heating appliance systems are incredibly important. Don’t risk the chance that undiscovered damage could turn into a costly repair or even a chimney fire.
Even if you don’t regularly use your fireplace or stove, an inspection can still help in maintaining the safety of your heating systems. During these inspections, there might be issues that may require action, such as chimney bricks or stones becoming loose.
When Do You Need a Chimney Inspection?
You might need an inspection if you haven’t had your chimney examined in more than a year. A chimney inspection is also especially needed if you are having any operating issues with your chimney or fireplace. Don’t wait until you have to make costly repairs to call a professional.
If you have changed your heating systems or bought a new stove or insert, an inspection is also a smart idea. This ensures that your chimney, lining and venting systems can handle the changes.
Moreover, keep in mind that pests may have clogged your flue or chimney chambers if you have not used your fireplace in a long time. Winter damage and moisture can also be a huge problem for your masonry and liner materials. By scheduling an annual inspection, you can stay on top of your systems and perform repairs as needed.
When Is the Best Time to Inspect a Chimney?
The best time to get your chimney inspection or cleaning should be in the spring, summer or early fall, just before the winter season starts. Before you think about lighting up your furnace or starting a fire during the first signs of cold weather, be sure that your chimney is in working condition. However, it’s important to remember that chimney inspections or cleanings can still be done any time of the year.
To ensure that your chimney is well-protected, make sure to hire a reputable chimney company. Get in touch with us at Chimney Doctors. Call us today at (518) 882-5009, or fill out our contact form to set an appointment.
