Chimney And Fireplace Tips For Homeowners
Having a home with a fireplace is a luxury during the winter months as it can allow you to easily warm the interior of the house when the temperature outside is very cold and snowy. Effective maintenance of the fireplace and the chimney that connects to it is a necessary responsibility for homeowners that want to use this part of the house.
Make Sure To Keep The Chimney Clear Of Nests And Hives
Obstructions in the chimney are a serious problem as they will prevent the chimney from being able to vent the fumes from the fire that is burning. Bird nests, beehives, and other types of pest activity can create significant obstructions that may be able to completely block the fumes from the fireplace from escaping. If you notice that pests are building these obstructions in your chimney, they must be removed before you use the fireplace again. Otherwise, you may inadvertently cause a build-up of hazardous fumes in the home by starting a fire with an obstructed chimney exhaust.
Keep The Damper Closed Whenever A Fire Is Not Actively Burning
The damper for the chimney is the component that will allow you to close the opening of the chimney when the fireplace is not being used. Keeping this part closed can reduce the energy efficiency drag that an open chimney could have on your home's interior by preventing the cooled or warmed air inside the house from escaping through the chimney. An additional benefit of using the damper is that it will prevent pests and animals from being able to enter the chimney. Most fireplaces will have a lever nearby that can close the damper, and if your control fails or becomes difficult to use, a chimney service may be needed to repair the mechanical problem that is occurring.
Only Burn Logs In The Fireplace
Burning the wrong types of substances in the fireplace can be a source of significant problems for the chimney. For example, leaves, paper, and other materials that are often burned in fireplaces can produce residues and ash that can stick to the interior walls of the chimney. As a result, this can constrict the movement of smoke through the chimney, which can further contribute to these accumulations forming. Making sure to only burn dried logs in the fireplace will avoid this hazard while also lasting for much longer than other materials may be able to burn.
Contact a local chimney service to learn more.