Winter is Finally Over – How Should I Clean My Chimney?

15 May Winter is Finally Over – How Should I Clean My Chimney?

Now that we can finally say good bye to the cold months of winter, and as the warm months of spring surround us – we often think about spring cleaning.  While dusting cobwebs and washing windows may not be beloved chores, they are simple enough to do and with a little elbow grease, the effort really makes a difference in sprucing up your home.

But what about your chimney?  While you are blissfully reflecting on all those snowy evenings when you and your family cozied up to the blazing fire in your warm fireplace, what you are often left with in the spring is a fireplace full of dirty ashes and a chimney full of soot!  It’s important to remember that your chimney also needs a spring cleaning.

In addition to creating a clean and dust free environment, keeping your chimney clean helps it to run safely and more efficiently.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that you clean your chimney at least once a year or even more often if you have a fireplace or wood burning appliance that you use frequently.  The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)  also recommends that all chimneys, fireplaces and vents be inspected at least once per year.

Needless to say, cleaning a chimney is a very important but dirty job that you should not attempt yourself.  A proper chimney cleaning service should be performed by a certified technician that not only cleans your chimney, but also performs a thorough maintenance check to ensure safe and proper performance. In addition, proper care and maintenance of your chimneys, woodstoves, and fireplaces can help protect your home from unnecessary fires and carbon monoxide poisonings.  A professional chimney sweep should also be knowledgeable about building codes, trained to recognize any deterioration or venting problems and be able to advise you regarding any problems and the condition of your chimney.

Pro-Tech Chimney Sweeps offer thorough chimney cleaning services that include:

• Removing hazardous or combustible creosote
• Eliminating any accumulation of soot from coal and oil systems
• Removing any trapped animals, nests or leaves
• High powered vacuuming of the entire system
• Fire prevention inspections and maintenance services

In addition to keeping your chimney clean and running efficiently, safety should always be an important consideration in the maintenance of your chimney. While chimney professionals can advise you regarding safety concerns, you should always take precautions and follow all safety regulations as an informed homeowner. The U.S. Department of Energy also provides additional tips to keep your fireplace or wood burning appliance running efficiently and safely throughout the year.