Can You Keep Your Fireplace Closed This Summer?

You may have heard from friends or family about keeping your fireplace open during the summer, so long as you have a chimney cap to keep the debris and animals out. Keeping the fireplace open all summer is known as “airing out” the fireplace. It makes sense, keep the stale air out and let fresh air in. Is it possible to air out the fireplace with only a chimney cap in place? 

What’s Left Over from the Winter

Inside the firebox and flue, there is most likely stale air and creosote buildup, especially if it’s a woodburning fireplace. Creosote is a natural residue left over from the combustion process. The creosote leaves a chemical smell inside your chimney, and should be cleaned regularly, as it’s highly flammable. There may also be ashes, small cracks, and small leaks inside the chimney. You need to get your chimney swept and inspected by a certified professional to prevent any further damages moving forward.

Why You Need a Chimney Cap in the Summer

During the summer months, while your chimney is not in use, it is especially important to have a chimney cap!

• Prevents Moisture Build-up: Without a chimney cap, rainwater can easily enter your chimney and cause moisture build-up. This can lead to mold growth, foul odors, and even structural damage to your chimney.

• Blocks Nesting Animals: Many animals seek shelter in chimneys during the warmer months to nest and raise their young. A chimney cap will prevent these animals from entering your chimney and cause a fire hazard.
• Avoids Debris Accumulation: Even in the summer, leaves, twigs, and other debris can still find their way into your chimney if it is left uncovered. A chimney cap will block these materials from entering and causing a blockage.

Can You Air Out Your Chimney?

Unfortunately, it’s not recommended to keep your chimney open. All summer long, you’ll be letting the damp, summer air in from the outside. Mold and mildew will naturally form in the flue. You’ll quickly need to clean the inside of the flue again before using it in the winter! That’s two times you’d get your chimney swept, once before the summer and once after. Even with a chimney cap to prevent animals from settling inside, and keeping most of the rain water out, a certified chimney professional highly advises that you close the damper when not in use. 

What About Gas Fireplaces?

If you have a gas fireplace, there’s an extra step you must do before closing your damper during summer months. The gas and pilot light must be shut off. This prevents the burner from getting clogged and making sure there’s no flammable gasses floating around your home. If you are not sure how to close the gas and pilot light, Superior Chimney professionals can help.

Need Help Closing up Your Fireplace? Superior Chimney professionals are happy to help you with closing up your gas or masonry fireplaces. We provide services all throughout the Chicagoland area. A certified chimney professional will ensure your chimney cap is well fitted and in place for the summer, so no bugs, animals or rain can get in. Call us today to set up an appointment at 877-244-6349.

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net