Month: May 2022

How To Increase Fireplace Efficiency

Not only can fireplaces look beautiful, but they can also be an excellent source of warmth during the winter. Whether you have a gas fireplace or a wood-burning fireplace – if you are using your fireplace for warmth – it’s important to make sure it’s running as efficiently as possible. Here are things you can do to prevent heat from escaping from your fireplace and keep it running efficiently.

use the right firewood to increase fireplace efficiency, West Hartford CT

Use The Right Firewood

If you have a traditional wood-burning fireplace, it’s important to be mindful of the type of wood you are using.

Dry wood burns much more efficiently than freshly cut wood because of its low moisture content. Seasoned wood that has been cut at least one year ago is going to give you the best possible burn.

Fresh wood, on the flipside, not only burns inefficiently, but it can also cause a lot of excess smoke. Dry, seasoned wood is your best option for burning.

Open The Bottom Damper or A Nearby Window

Wood-burning fireplaces tend to lose a lot of heat as the smoke flows up through the chimney. To combat this, you’ll need to find ways to pull air out through the room you are trying to heat so it doesn’t flow upward. Many fireplaces have a bottom damper that you can open to do this. Bottom dampers typically let air out through the base of the firebox.

If you don’t have a bottom damper, you can also crack a window in the room you are trying to heat while the fire is burning. Although this may seem counterintuitive, it actually pulls the warm air through the room. After the fire has finished burning and all of the smoke has escaped, be sure to close the flue and any open windows. This will keep the warmth in your space and prevent it from escaping.

Keep Gas Fireplaces Insulated

In most cases, gas fireplaces are going to be far more efficient than wood-burning fireplaces. If you have a gas fireplace, it’s important to make sure it is properly insulated. This helps prevent the heat from escaping through any structural weaknesses in your home. If you have tempered glass in your gas fireplace, consider swapping it out for a ceramic glass instead, as the material is inherently much more efficient.

Install A Fireplace Insert

Inserts are one of the most effective ways to increase your fireplace’s heat output. Fireplace inserts use a heat exchanger to push extra warmth out into your home. This delivers much more heat with each fire.

regular chimney inspections, West Hartford CTSchedule Regular Chimney Inspections

Regular chimney inspections are essential for keeping your fireplace working efficiently. Your chimney tech can identify potential problems that you might not have found on your own and suggest appropriate repairs.

If you’re due for a chimney inspection in Connecticut, Northeastern Chimney can help. Give us a call at (860)-233-5770 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today!

This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com

Common Spring Chimney Issues

Spring is finally here! Each year, residents of the Northeast cheer as the sun comes out, the snow melts for good and the weather begins to warm up. If you are a homeowner with a chimney, the spring can cause some challenges though.

Do you see signs that your chimney needs repair? Best Chimney Services provides repairs for chimney leaks, flashing, smoke chambers, fireboxes and more. Call us today to schedule an appointment!

Now, we’ll now go over some common spring chimney issues that people run into, along with solutions.

common spring chimney issuesRain Entering Your Chimney

Even though spring usually brings with it heavy rain, it is not normal for rain to come down your chimney! Rain leaking is often caused by cracked or damaged chimney crowns, chimney lining problems, masonry absorbing water, or flashing problems (as we’ll discuss in our next point). If there is rain entering your chimney, do not worry! A team of professionals will help you identify and tackle the issue and put preventative measures in place to avoid future problems.

Leaks Due to Flashing

Oftentimes, a chimney will leak because of issues with the flashing. People will notice moisture stains on their walls or condensations in their fireboxes. All of these are signs of flashing issues due to poor installation or the age of the flashing. In these cases, we recommend having your flashing repaired or replaced. A chimney company will help you determine which course of action is necessary.

Smells Coming from Your Chimney

Smells in your chimney may be caused by a dead animal decomposing inside, or the accumulation of animal droppings. The source of the smell may not be recent, but as the weather warms up, the smell is bound to begin permeating your home. Though your chimney can begin to smell during the winter, the smells often become apparent with the onset of warmer spring weather. It is best to address spring chimney smells promptly because summer fireplace smells are even stronger due to the hotter temperatures!  

common spring chimney issuesDamaged Masonry

If your chimney’s masonry is damaged after a long, cold winter, there are many solutions that chimney companies can implement to repair or replace your chimney and fortify it for the future. Some signs that you need chimney masonry repair include mortar that is missing, bricks and mortar that are crumbling, and white “efflorescence” on the bricks. After performing masonry repairs or replacement, it is important to waterproof your chimney. The bricks of a chimney absorb water, which leads to damage. Waterproofing is a great way to protect your chimney for the future.

Call Boston’s Best Chimney for Your Chimney Needs

If you are located in the Greater Boston, MA area, don’t hesitate to contact Boston’s Best Chimney with your chimney questions or concerns. We look forward to assisting you if you are experiencing some of these common spring chimney issues or need other chimney support!

The post Common Spring Chimney Issues appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Why Sweep Your Chimney in the Spring?

Springtime is the perfect season to clean your home and assess which work needs to be done around the house. This often begins with chimney maintenance. After all, a chimney needs to be cared for after being used throughout the cold winter.

At Best Chimney Services, we recommend having your chimney inspected annually and swept as needed. Many homeowners have their chimneys swept during the spring, and today we’ll explain why. If you’re looking for a chimney sweep in the Greater Boston, MA area, contact us!

sweeping chimney in the springWhy You Should Sweep Your Chimney in the Spring

Here are some of the many reasons why people have their chimneys swept in the spring.

Time to Address Problems

Oftentimes, chimney issues come to light when a professional is conducting a chimney sweep. Identifying any possible problems in the spring will give you at least five months to take care of any necessary repairs before it is time to use your chimney again.

Spend Now Rather Than Pre-Holidays

With so much gift buying and so many events in the late fall, it is more convenient to spend money on your chimney sweep and any needed repairs in the spring. After all, the last thing that you want to be worrying about during the fall is making room in your budget for your chimney. In addition, most chimney companies have more availability for sweeps and inspections in the spring, before the fall rush for winter preparation begins.

sweeping chimney in the springRemove Any Animals, Nesting or Pests

During the cold weather, animals may have begun nesting in your chimney. There may be active nests in your chimney now, pests, or even dead animals. It is best to allow professionals to check for any animal evidence now to avoid spring or summer chimney smells!

Get Repairs in Mild Weather

It is easiest for chimney companies to make repairs before the cold weather sets in again. Therefore, we recommend that you have your chimney swept in the spring so that if any issues are identified during the process, you can have them addressed during the spring, summer, or early fall.

Remove Winter Debris

After the late fall and early winter, debris will often collect in chimneys from the leaves of trees dying and the intense winter winds. It is best to clear all of this out of your chimney promptly with a spring chimney sweep.

Looking for a Boston, MA Area Spring Chimney Sweep?

Our team of CSIA certified chimney sweeps has been in business for over thirty years and is here to serve you! Check out our testimonials to read more about what our customers have to say about us. Don’t hesitate to click here or call us at (781) 893-6611 to book your spring chimney sweep.

The post Why Sweep Your Chimney in the Spring? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

3 Chimney Repairs You May Need This Spring

During the cold winter months, there are some chimney repairs that are not convenient to have taken care of, and that are only completed when absolutely necessary. As the springtime comes, many homeowners take advantage of the warmer weather to do maintenance on their chimneys, however. After all, consistently maintaining your chimney with annual inspections, regular sweeps, and necessary repairs is the best way to keep your chimney in proper working order for the long run.

Do you have a chimney in the Greater Boston, MA area? Best Chimney Services is an all-service chimney company that has been serving the area since 1989. Call us at (781) 893-6611 to discuss your chimney repairs or other services!

chimney repairsNow, we’ll discuss three chimney repairs that you may need this spring!

Common Spring Chimney Repairs

Though our team receives many calls for different spring chimney repairs, the following are some of the most frequently needed repairs in New England.

chimney pointingPointing

When a chimney is starting to deteriorate, but the bricks still appear to be in good shape, chimney pointing may be your solution. Pointing is when the mortar joints between the bricks are partially ground out and filled back in with new mortar. The mortar in between the bricks can become soft and crumbly even though the bricks are still intact. Removing the old mortar and replacing it can add new life to the chimney, stop water leaks and save thousands in rebuilding costs.  After your chimney has been re-pointed, consider waterproofing to protect your investment.  Contact us to schedule an appointment!

chimney flashing repairsFlashing Repairs

Chimney flashing repairs are another common spring chimney repair. Chimney flashing plays a key role in keeping your home safe from water. It is located at the point where the roof and chimney meet, and it acts as a sealant to keep water from entering the chimney and roof.

After the cold and windy wintertime, flashing repairs are oftentimes necessary. Some signs that you may need chimney flashing repairs include condensation in your firebox, moisture stains on the walls near the chimney, a musty smell near your chimney, or water droplets in your chimney. Our team provides chimney flashing repair service and would be happy to assist you. Click here to contact us.

chimney rebuildingChimney Rebuilds

The winter can also take a toll on a chimney’s masonry, making springtime rebuilds necessary. Many clients ask us about the difference between chimney rebuilding and repointing. Chimney repointing suffices when the mortar between the bricks has worn away and can be reapplied to fill in the gaps. However, rebuilding is needed when the bricks are deteriorating as well.

With Boston’s Best Chimney’s chimney rebuilding service, we take down your existing structure and rebuild it after having discussed color and style options. A chimney rebuild will not only keep your chimney in working order, but it can also give your home a stylish boost! Contact us to book an estimate for a chimney rebuild.

Contact Us for Your Greater Boston, MA Area Spring Chimney Repairs

Spring is the perfect time to make sure that your chimney is working well after the long, cold winter. Call our team to discuss the repairs that your chimney needs. We look forward to assisting you!

The post 3 Chimney Repairs You May Need This Spring appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

The Best Tips for Off-Season Fireplace and Chimney Maintenance

There isn’t a lot of use for your fireplace in the summer, but you need to take some important steps in order to make sure that the chimney and fireplace are ready during the return of cold winter. In order to make sure that the fireplace and chimney are ready during the return of the cold weather, consider these safety issues. It is especially important to consider that a poorly maintained fireplace can be hazardous to everyone. Aside from a chimney sweep, you need to do your part in making sure that you are able to maintain the chimney all year round.

If you want to know more about the best maintenance tips during the off-season, read on.

Schedule an Inspection

A professional chimney sweep can check your fireplace, so they can look for signs of damage, wear and tear, inefficiency, moisture leaks, blockage, cracks, and more. It can be difficult to discover the damage inside the chimney flue without helping a professional. Being unable to detect even a tiny crack in the lining could lead to a house fire because of the intense heat from the fireplace that reaches combustible parts of the home.

Chimney Cleaning

As indicated, wood fire smoke leaves a bit of residue in the chimneys. A lot of the homeowners are surprised to find out how sticky creosote can get that it clings to the inner walls after only one season. Chimneys that have not been inspected for several years may have a build-up level of that, and it could cause a fire.

Aside from smoke residue, chimneys normally wind up with debris like leaves, bird nests, and twigs. The obstructions can cause a serious problem with the airflow and it provides fuel to fire If you do not take care of it.

Make Sure the Damper is Closed

If you own a wood-burning one, you have to make sure that the damper is closed when you are not using the fireplace. One of the things that a damper does is it seals of airflow between your home and the chimney. When a damper is unable to seal properly, the effect can be similar to having an open window inside your home all the time. Costs of energy are a lot higher when the summer air conditioning and winter heat escape through the chimney. A damper also prevents critters from going into your home through the chimney. If your fireplace uses gas, experts recommend that you should keep the damper open at all times so you can prevent gas buildup in case of a gas leak.

Replace or Install the Chimney Cap

You should incorporate a strong defense when it comes to fireplace maintenance, and that is a chimney cap. This reduces the damage caused by water to a chimney and wildlife. Snow and rain will enter an uncapped chimney and it will freeze and thaw, which causes damage and expansion. Small wildlife might nest in chimneys, which clogs them and it will potentially introduce ticks, worms, fleas, as well as other pests that cause diseases. A chimney cap that has a screen mesh is going to keep animals out while protecting your roof from sparks and embers.

You Need to Upgrade

Without needing to invest a lot, there are a lot of ways if you want to upgrade your fireplace’s efficiency. The fireplace liners and glass doors are only two of the best ways to get more out of it.

You can contact chimney inspection Upper Marlboro if you need professionals to come by and check your chimney and fireplace.

The post The Best Tips for Off-Season Fireplace and Chimney Maintenance first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

This post first appeared on https://www.firstclasschimneyservices.com

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