How to Prepare Your Chimney for Winter
As people social distance this winter, they will be spending more time than usual at home. Having a working fireplace can make time spent inside cozy and comfortable. Whether you use your chimney all of the time or you are using it for the first time in several years, we are here to help you. At Best Chimney, we want you to enjoy your chimney and we understand the importance of having a safe and properly functioning chimney.
Are you looking for a chimney service in the Boston area? Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch with Boston’s Best Chimney.
Now, we’ll walk you through how to prepare your chimney for winter.
Get Your Annual Chimney Inspection
We recommend having your chimney inspected every year to ensure that it is clean. If you have not used your chimney in several years, read our checklist on using an old fireplace before you get started. This will help you spot possible damage to the chimney or fireplace, soot or creosote buildup, and clearance to any combustibles!
Have Your Chimney Swept
Along with an annual chimney inspection, we also recommend having your chimney swept by a chimney service company as needed. Having your chimney swept can help professionals to identify potential problems with your chimney. It is also helpful for clearing debris that is stuck to your chimney, because debris can cause blockage and ultimately carbon monoxide leaks in your home.
Check Your Alarms
Check your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries before you begin using your fireplace. Your smoke detector will let you know if excess
smoke builds up in your fireplace and it will of course alert you in case of any kind of fire. Your carbon monoxide detector will let you know if there is a leak in your home which is essential, given that carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly.
Clean Out Ashes
If you still have ashes remaining from last winter, be sure to clear them out of your fireplace. Once you begin using your fireplace, clear out the ashes at least once a week to avoid buildup and to ensure that you never have more than an inch of ash. Make sure that the ashes are cold before you clear them out, since they can remain hot for a few days after you burn a fire.
Check for Damages
A thorough chimney inspector will check for damages, you can take an initial look at your chimney before the inspector arrives. Begin by checking for loose bricks, signs of water damage (such as water or condensation inside of the fire box), and cracking in your chimney liner. Though we always recommend hiring a licensed chimney company with expertise and professional equipment, it is also helpful for you to be aware of chimney warning signs.
There are many ways to prepare your chimney for the winter. Most importantly, hire a chimney company to inspect and sweep your fireplace. Are you wondering how to find a reliable chimney company? Check out our blog on 5 Questions to Ask a Chimney Company. Boston’s Best Chimney is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America and has been in business for over thirty years. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch today!
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